South Korean arrested for illegal tour guide work in Chon Buri
A South Korean man’s dream job in Thailand turned into a nightmare when he was arrested in Chon Buri for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide while leading a group of tourists on a luxury boat tour.
Tourist Police swooped yesterday, February 5, catching the man in the act as he escorted a group of South Korean tourists aboard a high-end tour boat departing from Ocean Marina pier in Sattahip district.
Officers had been tailing the group from their bus to the pier, observing as the suspect assumed the role of a tour guide without proper authorisation.
Upon questioning, the man was unable to provide a valid work permit, leading to his immediate arrest. He now faces charges of working illegally in Thailand and violating labour laws by operating as a tour guide, a profession strictly reserved for Thai nationals.
Police have been cracking down on foreigners working without permits, particularly in industries where jobs are protected for Thai citizens. This latest arrest highlights the strict enforcement of Thailand’s labour laws, especially in the booming tourism sector.
The suspect was taken into custody, and legal proceedings are now underway. Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor unauthorised foreign workers in the industry, warning that violations will not be tolerated, reported The Nation.
In similar news, Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested a Russian woman at Khao Chi Chan on Tuesday, January 28, for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide. The arrest took place in the parking area of the Buddha engraving site after officers observed her leading a group of foreign tourists and speaking in a foreign language, without a licenced tour guide present.
After visiting Khao Chi Chan, she continued guiding the group at Wat Nong Yai in Naklua. When the group returned to their minivan, Tourist Police confronted her and found that she was not a licenced Thai tour guide. The minivan driver confirmed that she was managing the tour alone.
She was charged with working without a permit under the Immigration Act of 1979 and acting as a tour guide without a licence under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. Authorities later issued a warning, reminding tourists that guiding services are strictly reserved for Thai nationals.
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