Tourist Police Nong Khai Arrest 43-Year-Old Lao Woman for Illegally Guiding Tourists into Thailand
On August 20, following the policy of Pol. Gen. Sakchai Phueakam, the Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, which focuses on eradicating illegal tour guide businesses and low-quality tours to build trust and ensure the safety of tourists visiting Thailand, Pol. Lt. Col. Dechathorn Thadetch, the Deputy Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 5, Group 1, Region 2, along with Tourist Police officers from Nong Khai, the Northeast Region 2 branch of the Tourist Guide and Tour Operator Registration Office, and officials from the Nong Khai Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, conducted a field inspection and monitored illegal tour guide activities at the Thai-Lao Friendship Border Checkpoint in Nong Khai Province. This action was taken after receiving a tip-off about foreigners illegally guiding and bringing Lao tourists into Thailand without proper authorization.
During the inspection, Ms. Tik (last name withheld), a 43-year-old Lao national, was found coordinating and organizing tours for a group of Lao tourists who had entered Thailand through the Thai-Lao Friendship Border Checkpoint in Nong Khai Province. The group was planning to travel to Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province.
Officers requested to examine the relevant documents and licenses for tour guiding and tour operator activities. It was discovered that Ms. Tik did not possess the required licenses for tour guiding or tour operator activities as mandated by law. She was subsequently detained for legal proceedings, and further investigation was conducted to identify any accomplices or related parties.
Preliminary charges include operating a tour guide business without a license and acting as a tour guide without proper authorization. Additionally, the legality of her entry and work in Thailand was scrutinized.
Pol. Lt. Col. Dechathorn stated that this arrest aligns with the Tourist Police Bureau’s policy to prevent and suppress illegal tour guide activities and unauthorized tour guiding, which can impact tourist safety, rights, and trust, as well as Thailand’s tourism image.
Tourists, both Thai and foreign, are advised to verify that tour operators and guides hold valid licenses before purchasing tour packages or services to avoid scams, lack of protection, or being stranded during travel, which could harm the overall tourism industry.
The Tourist Police will continue to inspect and suppress illegal tour guide activities to ensure tourist safety and uphold Thailand’s tourism standards.