Tourist trap: Russian national caught peddling illegal tours in Phuket

Police in Phuket are investigating a Russian national accused of illegally selling tours to tourists at a kiosk in Karon.

A 23-second video posted online sparked outrage, with netizens criticising foreigners for allegedly taking jobs from Thai citizens.

“The tour sales profession has been taken away by foreigners. Please ask the page to tell the relevant agencies to help investigate. There are a lot of them in Kata and Karon!”

Tourist Police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri, visited the kiosk on Patak Road near Wat Karon yesterday, October 10. Officers from Karon Police and the Tourism and Guide Business Registration Office Southern Region 2 joined the visit.

The Russian man, identified by police as Bordan, was questioned at the scene. Phuket Tourist Police confirmed that Bordan holds a valid work permit issued by the Phuket Provincial Employment Office on April 2. This permit allows him to work for Thai Dream Co Ltd as a manager and coordinator for foreign customers in the tourism business.

Officers verified that Thai Dream Co Ltd is legally registered and possesses a tourism business licence. At the time of the inspection, Nusayati, a 20 year old Thai national, was working as a salesperson at the kiosk, according to Phuket Tourist Police.

“All relevant individuals were asked to come to Karon Police Station for clarification.

“Officers will coordinate with the Phuket Provincial Employment Office to clarify the scope of work for the foreign workers involved. If any violations are found, legal action will be taken.”

The Tourist Police hotline at 1155 is available for people to report any suspicions of foreigners engaging in illegal activities, reported Phuket News.

In related news, police arrested an Indonesian woman at Wat Pho in Bangkok for illegally working as a tour guide. Tourist Police Bureau officers received a complaint that an Indonesian woman illegally offered a travel package in Thailand to 133 Indonesian tourists between September 19 and 22.