Tourist Police Bust Illegal Tour Gang Operating at Border with Bait-and-Switch Pricing Scheme Targeting Laos Trips
Tourist police arrested a Laotian national leading an organized gang that lured travelers with cheap tour packages at the Thailand-Laos border, then demanded extra payments once they crossed into Laos. The operation involved recruiters, dri
On May 9, 2026, Deputy Commander Saksira Phueak-am of the Tourist Police ordered officers to conduct a comprehensive crackdown on transnational crimes and foreign offenders. The investigation team set up a sting operation to apprehend Phismai (surname withheld), a 37-year-old Laotian national, following complaints about illegal tour operations organizing trips to Laos. The gang operated in organized groups stationed at the border checkpoint. When they spotted Thai and foreign tourists, they would befriend them and offer tour packages, transportation, and other services at attractively low prices. Once tourists were deceived and crossed into the neighboring country, the gang would demand additional payments. Fearful tourists filed complaints with tourist police before the arrests were made.
Interviews with Thai business operators revealed the gang had established a permanent operation at the border to solicit tourists into their programs. They operated as an organized chain with recruiters, shuttle drivers, money exchangers, SIM card sellers, border pass facilitators, and unlicensed tour guides providing full-service packages. The suspect has been handed over to Chong Mek Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani Province for legal proceedings.
