CHIANG MAI — A Croatian national has been arrested in Chiang Mai for illegally operating an unlicensed tour business catering to foreign tourists. The suspect faces serious charges that could result in imprisonment and fines of up to $15,100.
Following tips from local residents about a foreigner selling tours to other tourists in downtown Chiang Mai, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, ordered an investigation on May 20. Officers from the Tourist Police Division 2 collaborated with relevant agencies to inspect the reported location.
Officials from the Northern Region Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office discovered the illegal operation on the ground floor of an condominium on Chang Klan Road. The business was operating from a rented room without proper licensing. Evidence of tour package sales to tourists was found on the premises.
Authorities identified the operator as Mr. Andrej, a Croatian citizen who presented himself as the business owner and whose name appeared as the seller of tour programs. Officials charged him with operating a tourism business without a license and working as a foreigner without a work permit.
These offenses carry penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment, fines up to 500,000 baht (approximately $15,100), or both. The suspect was taken to Chiang Mai City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
This operation is part of a broader crackdown on 10 prohibited activities that negatively impact Thailand’s tourism industry. The initiative aims to build tourist confidence and restore Thailand’s reputation as a safe destination with high standards.
Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, stated that the department has clear guidelines for regulating tour businesses under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. These regulations ensure fairness for legal operators and build confidence among both Thai and foreign tourists. He emphasized the department’s ongoing concrete efforts to address nominee tour companies and illegal guides.
Phakdeewanich urged all tour operators to conduct their businesses legally and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to the Department of Tourism or the Joint Operations Center for Solving Problems of Tourism Businesses Using Thai Nominees (JOCST) at 0-2141-3119 or 0-2141-3264.
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