Undercover Tourist Police Arrests Illegal Myanmar Tour Guide
Undercover tourist police arrested an illegal Myanmar tour guide operating without a license at a Chiang Mai temple, with the suspect facing charges including unlicensed tour operations and working without a permit.
Tourist police disguised as a Mexican tourist successfully arrested an illegal Myanmar-national tour guide at Wat Chedi Luang temple in Chiang Mai's Muang district on July 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Acting under orders from Tourist Police Division 2 Commander Pol. Col. Olaart Aiamprabhast and Deputy Commander Pol. Maj. Pitsanu Trueandie, officers led by Pol. Capt. Nithipat Bulmak and Pol. Capt. Phatthraphon Buenkhaem, along with an investigation unit, apprehended 39-year-old Myanmar national So Ong.
The suspect faces multiple charges including operating a tour business without a license under the 2008 Tour Guide Business Act, serving as a tour guide without authorization, operating a vehicle not registered under its actual use per the 1979 Motor Vehicle Act, working as a foreigner without a work permit, and conducting a business in violation of the Foreign Business Act. After arrest, the suspect was transferred to Muang Chiang Mai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Tourist police emphasized their commitment to cracking down on illegal tour guiding operations to maintain Thailand's tourism standards and consumer confidence. The operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts to eliminate unlicensed and underground tour guide services throughout the region.
