Russian Tour Guide Arrested at Sea in Phang Nga Bay for Illegally Operating Tours and Stealing Thai Livelihoods

On May 6, 2025, Phuket tourism police, in coordination with the Tourism Business Registration office, deployed a patrol boat to arrest a Russian national in the middle of the sea off Phang Nga Bay after discovering he was illegally operating a tour business without proper authorization, taking work from Thai citizens. Police are preparing to seek visa revocation and deportation proceedings.

According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksirah Phueak-am, the Commander of the Tourist Police, strict enforcement measures have been ordered in coordination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to crack down on foreigners illegally operating reserved Thai occupations.

Pol. Maj. Ekchai Siri, Chief of Phuket Tourist Police Station, revealed that following a tip through the 1155 hotline about foreign nationals advertising tour packages via Telegram, undercover officers posed as customers to purchase a fishing tour at 3,000 baht per person. On May 6, while the Russian guide was leading an undercover officer and six other foreign tourists on a fishing activity off Phang Nga Bay, tourism police apprehended him at sea.

The suspect faces three serious charges: 1. Operating a tour business without a license (Section 15 combined with Section 80 of the Tourism Business and Guide Act): punishable by imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to 500,000 baht, or both 2. Acting as a tour guide without a license (Section 49 combined with Section 86 of the Tourism Business and Guide Act): punishable by imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to 100,000 baht, or both 3. Working as a foreigner beyond authorized employment (Section 8 of the 2017 Foreign Workers Management Decree): subject to Section 101 penalties ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht fine

Following the completion of criminal proceedings, police will initiate procedures to revoke his residence permit (visa) and pursue his deportation through legal channels.