KOH Phangan police arrested three Thais and two Myanmar nationals for illegally working as tour guides on Koh Phangan with the company they work for specifically targeting Israeli holidaymakers, Naewna newspaper said this morning (Oct. 16).
Acting on a complaint to 1155 hotline that illegal tour guides were leading foreign tourists on all terrain vehicles (ATVs) through nature trails via Thong Nang-Thong Nai Pan road in Ban Tai subdistrict of this tourist island, the team of Tourist, Immigration and local police ambushed them and aside from arresting the five suspects seized 11 ATVs and buggies.
The three Thai suspects were identified as Mr. Thongsuk (surname withheld), 19, Mr. Sarawut, 39, and Mr. Wirot, 53, all charged with violating the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act by working without a licence, while the two Myanmar nationals, named as Mr. Kyaw Zin Phyo, 26, and Mr. Chit Shine, 25, were charged with working without a permit and doing so as tour guides.
All five worked for a company registered in the name of a Thai woman whose husband is Israeli. Their services specifically target Israeli customers who they contact via an app with the shop signs and advertisements being in Hebrew.
The police team are preparing to investigate who the shareholders of this company are and whether the couple is acting as nominees. If found to have committed any offence they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law but so far they have been charged with employing foreigners to work as tour guides without permit.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueakam, commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, said he is now focusing on suppressing illegal activities by foreigners and illegal tour businesses. Tour operators and related parties were urged to strictly comply with the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act with the aim being to maintain law and order and promote a positive image of the country’s tourism industry, as well as promote confidence among tourists visiting Koh Phangan.
CAPTION:
Koh Phangan police arresting the suspects and seizing ATVs. Photos – Naewna
Also read:
4 Israeli soldiers nabbed with drugs at party celebrating ceasefire
Anutin to keep himself from being ousted by no-confidence votes
PM might dissolve House in early Dec. to evade censure debate
Madam Pang tipped to be named Democrat secretary-general
TAT ropes in Lisa Manoban as ‘Amazing Thailand Ambassador’ 2026
US and UK take largest action ever targeting cybercriminal networks in Southeast Asia
