Thailand Cracks Down on Unlicensed Tour Operators and Guides
Thailand's Tourism Authority found 68 unlicensed tour companies and 129 unlicensed guides operating illegally in the first half of 2025, intensifying nationwide enforcement to improve service standards and protect travelers.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has released first-half 2025 results of its nationwide sweep against illegal tour companies, unlicensed guides, and fake operators, as it pushes to elevate service standards to international levels. Tourism Authority Director Jaturont Phakdiwanich revealed that during the first six months of 2025, the department intensified inspections of tour companies and guides operating outside the law to tackle illegal tour and guide practices seriously. Fieldwork enforcement covered 3,187 tour operators and guides nationwide, aiming to build traveler confidence, safety, and service quality.
Of 1,962 tour companies inspected, 68 were found in breach of law. The three main violations were: 1) Operating a tour business without a license (illegal tours), 2) Failing to meet requirements under Section 17(1) of the Tour Business and Guide Act, which mandates that at least 51% of company capital must be owned by Thai nationals and more than half of board members must be Thai citizens, and 3) Failing to provide a licensed guide with tourists. Among 1,225 guides inspected, 129 committed violations, with the top three being: 1) Not wearing a mandatory guide identification card, 2) Lacking or not presenting a job order, and 3) Practicing as a guide without authorization.
Jaturont said that for the second half of the year, officials will enforce laws strictly and continuously to prevent tourist exploitation and raise Thailand's tourism service standards to international recognition. He called on tour operators and guides to comply rigorously with the law, particularly ensuring current or renewed tour operator licenses and always providing licensed guides on tours. Guides should check their license expiration dates and can renew up to 120 days in advance. The Tourism Authority thanked the public, travelers, and businesses for reporting violations through its Facebook page or email addresses tgtcenter@tourism.go.th and DOT-TGIS@tourism.go.th, which has helped staff conduct efficient inspections and law enforcement.
