Pattaya, Thailand – On the night of February 16th, 2025, two Pakistani nationals were arrested for working without permits at a local herbal shop where they allegedly annoyed tourists by aggressively promoting products.
At approximately 9:20 p.m., Pol. Col. Songwut Chueaplakit, Superintendent of Investigation at the Tourist Police Bureau, acted on complaints from tourists about foreigners pestering them to purchase items. The complaints specifically pointed to activities at the Healthy Herb Shop, situated at 194/15-16, Village 10.
Under the directive of Pol. Col. Songwut, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Raksa, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, led a team to the location. There, they encountered Mr. Mohsin, 34, and Mr. Shakbaz, 23, engaged in selling products. Upon checking, it was discovered that neither possessed the required work permits under Thai law.
Consequently, both individuals were detained and charged with “Working without permission” in violation of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. Pol. Col. Songwut Chueaplakit, also serving as Director of the Crime Suppression Division at the Tourist Police Bureau, stressed the importance of adherence to the Tourist Business and Tour Guide Act for all tour operators and businesses employing foreigners.
He further encouraged the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities to the Tourist Police via the 24-hour hotline 1155 to prevent similar incidents.
