She said the task force is made up of officials from five agencies ‒ the Tourism Ministry, the Business Development Department, the Department of Special Investigation, the Tourism Police Bureau and the Immigration Bureau, reports the Bangkok Post.
Authorities will focus on tour companies and tour guides working at key tourist destinations across the country, she said.
Between October last year to March this year, 940 tour operators were inspected and many were found operating without licences or failing to provide insurance coverage for tourists. Also, many of the 338 guides questioned had no licence.
Ms Sasikarn said offending operators are subject to fines of up to B500,000 and/or a jail sentence up to two years while an unlicensed tour guide faces a fine up to B100,000 and/or a jail sentence up to one year.