Russian tour guide arrested in Pattaya crackdown
A Russian man working illegally as a tour guide in Pattaya was caught red-handed during an early morning police sting. The Tourist Police Bureau’s Investigation Team swooped in on Sunday, February 16, arresting the suspect at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
Police received reports of a foreign national illegally conducting tours, prompting Police Colonel Songwut Chueaplakit, Superintendent of Investigation, to launch an immediate crackdown. Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Raksa, officers moved in at 8.15am, catching the suspect, identified as 45 year old Andray, while he was escorting a group of tourists to a boat.
A quick inspection revealed Andray had no valid tour guide licence or work permit, a serious violation under Thai law, as guiding tours is a protected occupation strictly reserved for Thai nationals.
Andray was arrested and charged with:
- Operating as a tour guide without a licence under the Tourist Business and Tour Guide Act 2008
- Illegally working as a foreigner under the Immigration Act 1979
Tour guiding is a restricted profession in Thailand, meaning foreigners cannot legally work in the field even with a work permit.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal foreign workers, warning that further inspections will continue to protect local jobs and uphold Thai labour laws, reported The Pattaya News.
In similar news, Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested a Russian woman at Khao Chi Chan for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide.
The arrest took place on January 28 at the parking area of the Buddha engraving site after officers observed her leading a group of foreign tourists without a licenced guide present.
She later took the group to Wat Nong Yai in Naklua, continuing to provide guidance. Upon returning to their minivan, police confronted her and confirmed she had no tour guide licence. She was charged with working without a permit and illegally acting as a tour guide before being handed over for further legal action.
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