Sea Walker Guide Arrested

CHALONG: Tourist Police apprehended an unlicensed guide who was allegedly conducting sea walker expeditions at Coral Island. The Region 2 Tourist Business and Guide Office notified Tourist Police on Thursday that a Thai male was leading a group of tourists to the popular offshore island for a sea walking trip. At approximately 3 p.m., Tourist Police intercepted a boat as it was returning to the Chalong Pier and took the suspect into custody. He was identified by Chalong district police as 33-year-old Preecha Saetae. Three Taiwanese tourists, who were also on board, were returned to shore. The authorities took Preecha to the Chalong District Police Station, along with three sets of diving equipment seized as evidence from the boat. Under questioning, Preecha admitted he did not possess a guide license or sea walker permit, but denied having conducted underwater tours. The suspect was later charged by Chalong police with operating an unlicensed sea walker tour business. He was released on bail of 100,000 baht, police said. Only three firms – Diving Sport Club Co, Holiday Diving Club and Pal Travel Services – are currently licensed to conduct local sea walking expeditions.