PATTAYA, THAILAND – In an early morning operation on February 16, 2025, the Tourist Police Bureau’s Investigation Team arrested a Russian national for working illegally as a tour guide in Pattaya.
At approximately 8:15 AM, Pol. Col. Songwut Chueaplakit, Superintendent of Investigation at the Tourist Police Bureau, received information about a foreign individual conducting unauthorized tours. Prompting immediate action, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Raksa, Deputy Superintendent, led the operation at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.
The suspect, identified only as Mr. Andray, a 45-year-old Russian, was apprehended while leading tourists to a boat. Upon inspection, no valid tour guide license or work permit from the Kingdom of Thailand was found in his possession. Consequently, Mr. Andray was detained on two charges:
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Operating as a tour guide without the requisite license under the Tourist Business and Tour Guide Act B.E. 2551.
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Engaging in employment illegally as a foreigner with only temporary residential status in Thailand, as per the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.
The Pattaya News notes that working as a tour guide is a protected Thai occupation and even work permits are not available.
