The operation is in line with the directive of Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, who ordered nationwide efforts to combat illegal activities that threaten the tourism industry, Phuket Tourist Police.said in a report posted by Matichon. The report was shared directly by the Phuket Tourist Police.
Pol Lt Col Ekkachai Siri, Senior Inspector of Tourist Police Station 1, Division 2, on Oct 12 led officers to target key tourist areas. The focus was on combating crimes related to illegal foreign guides and other tourism-related offences, said the report.
In the tourist-popular Soi Romanee in the Phuket Old Town area, officers apprehended a 37-year-old Chinese national named in the report only as ‘Mr Liu’.
Mr Liu was found acting as an unauthorised tour guide for Chinese tourists. He was charged with two offences: working without a valid work permit and acting as a tour guide without the required licence, the report confirmed.
Mr Liu was taken to Phuket City Police Station for legal proceedings.
The crackdown is expected to continue as Phuket braces for a surge in visitors during the high season, the report said.