BANGKOK — Tourism police raided a travel agency in the Rom Klao area Tuesday following a viral video showing a Chinese guide threatening tourists to buy products or face being stranded in Thailand.
On October 14, officers from the Tourism Police and Department of Tourism inspected Fengrun Travel Trading Co., Ltd. in Preecha Village, Rom Klao, Bangkok. The company holds a valid license and had operated a Bangkok-Pattaya-Bangkok tour (5 nights, 6 days) for 24 Chinese tourists, accompanied by two tour leaders.
Thai guide Aye Khamue told investigators the incident occurred on October 12 aboard a tour bus in front of RED 88 jewelry shop in Bang Phra while returning to Bangkok. The confrontation involved Mr. Zhang, 38, a tour leader from Huiyou, a Chinese travel company, and the tourists. The group safely departed from Don Mueang Airport on October 13 at 5:41 p.m. for Xi’an, China.
Potential Violations
Authorities found that Fengrun Travel Trading may have violated regulations by selling tour packages below cost, which carries penalties under Section 31 with punishment under Section 84: up to two years imprisonment, a fine up to 500,000 baht ($15,410), or both. The Department of Tourism is gathering evidence to file charges.
However, officials said Mr. Zhang’s behavior did not technically constitute illegal tour guide activity. Fengrun Travel Trading will coordinate with Huiyou to reprimand and discipline Zhang.
Questions Raised
Thai tour guide associations questioned whether the company provided false information to authorities, noting that tours typically have only one leader due to costs for meals, accommodation, and airfare. They also questioned whether Zhang traveled with the group, urging authorities to investigate whether he entered and exited Thailand at the same time as the tourists.
Embassy Warning
The same day, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand issued a warning urging Chinese tourists to avoid bargain tour packages after the video surfaced on social media. The embassy said it immediately contacted Thai tourism police and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Authorities confirmed the Chinese national guide was unlicensed and attempted to pressure tourists into making purchases for commission.
“Foreign nationals are not permitted to work as tour guides in Thailand,” the embassy stated, advising tourists to choose reputable agencies with proper licenses and to call the Tourism Police hotline (1155) or embassy consular hotline (02-245-7010) if disputes arise.
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