British Man Arrested for Illegally Running Tour Company in Thailand
Thai authorities have arrested a British national at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly operating an unlicensed tour company in Thailand for more than a decade, as part of a nationwide crackdown on tourism-related crime during the peak travel season.
The arrest took place yesterday, December 18, following orders from Police General Kitirat Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police. He had instructed law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal activities within the tourism sector between December 17 and 25, aiming to protect Thailand’s tourism industry and ensure visitor safety.
Under this campaign, the Tourist Police Bureau launched a targeted surveillance operation against the suspect, identified only as Mark, after receiving a formal complaint. Investigators said Mark had been offering full-service nature tours across Thailand, including trips through national parks and protected wildlife areas.
According to police findings, Mark allegedly managed every aspect of the tours himself. This included planning itineraries, driving tourists in his own vehicle, arranging accommodation and meals, and collecting payments directly from customers through his personal website. Authorities noted that no Thai nationals were involved in the operation and that the business lacked the required licences and legal permits.
Officers also stated that Mark frequently led tourists through protected national parks and wildlife zones using routes that typically require licensed tour guides or trained Thai personnel. These regulations exist to ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental protection measures. Police warned that such unauthorized tours not only violate Thai tourism laws but also pose potential risks to tourists unfamiliar with local terrain, wildlife, and emergency protocols.
Through monitoring Mark’s online presence, including his website and social media accounts, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the illegal operation had been running for more than ten years. Police said the unlicensed business undercut legitimate tour operators who comply with Thai law, causing financial harm to the tourism industry.
On the final day of the surveillance operation, officers moved to arrest the suspect at Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly after he had dropped off a group of tourists. During questioning, Mark was reportedly unable to provide any licence or documentation authorizing him to operate a tour company or work legally in Thailand.
As a result, police charged him with operating an unregistered tour business, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 baht. He was also charged with working without a valid work permit or beyond the scope permitted by law.
Following his arrest, Mark was handed over to investigators at Lat Krabang Police Station for further legal proceedings, according to reports from Khaosod.
Authorities emphasized that foreign nationals engaging in tourism-related work must strictly comply with Thai laws and regulations. The case follows a similar incident in November, when Tourist Police arrested a Chinese national in Pattaya for working illegally as a tour guide while overstaying his visa by nearly three years, highlighting the ongoing enforcement efforts targeting unlawful tourism operations across the country.
