Three more tour guides arrested in Phuket blitz of illegal operators

“The search will continue at tourism attractions across Phuket to crack down on any tour guides working illegally that take away the careers of legal Thai national tour guides.”

Three Chinese-speaking tour guides have been arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of a crackdown on illegal tour guides initiated by Phuket’s Governor.

Three more tour guides arrested in Phuket blitz of illegal operators
A team of Phuket provincial authorities on Wednesday checked a Chinese tour bus in front of a Thai buffet restaurant in Soi Sakdidech, Phuket Town and found Qiu Qiang, a 42-year-old Chinese, allegedly working illegally as a tour guide along with 21-year-old Jenjira Sealoh, a Thai national tour guide. Police claim the Thai tour guide allowed the non-licensed tour guide to work on her behalf. Both were sent to the Phuket Police Station.
The operation involved a team of Phuket provincial authorities, along with representatives of Royal Thai Navy Area 3, Provincial Internal Security Operations Command and the Volunteer Defence Corps.
On December 26, the provincial team, together with tourist police, checked tourism destinations and found an allegedly illegal tour guide at Rawai Pier. A Chiang Mai resident, 24-year-old Awei Saewang, was taking his clients to Coral Island. He lacked a licence.
“The search will continue at tourism attractions across Phuket to crack down on any tour guides working illegally that take away the careers of legal Thai national tour guides,” said the chief of the Provincial Administration and Justice Enhancement Group, Siwat Rawangkul.