PATTAYA — Tourist police arrested a Chinese national working illegally as a tour guide at Bali Hai Pier, along with a Thai guide who allowed him to operate under her license, following complaints that foreign guides were taking jobs reserved for Thais.
During routine patrols on September 27, officers spotted Mr. Zheng leading 14 Chinese tourists from the pier to their tour bus. Suspiciously, no licensed Thai guide was accompanying the group.
When officers requested documentation, Mr. Zheng produced only a work order from a local travel company listing Ms. Mon as the legally responsible licensed guide—but no personal tour guide license from the registrar.
Ms. Mon later appeared at Pattaya City Police Station, where investigators determined she had knowingly allowed Mr. Zheng to conduct tours using her credentials.
Mr. Zheng was charged with operating as an unlicensed tour guide and working illegally without proper authorization. Ms. Mon faces charges for permitting an unlicensed individual to perform tour guide duties on her behalf.
The arrests reflect heightened enforcement against illegal foreign tour guides, a persistent complaint from licensed Thai operators. Under Thailand’s reserved occupation laws, tour guiding is restricted exclusively to Thai nationals, making such violations particularly serious.
Authorities warn that both unauthorized foreign operators and Thai guides who enable them will face prosecution under Thai law.
_______