Between January and June, 3,436 tour businesses were registered, up from 3,013 in the same period last year, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan.
Most new operators are based in major cities and popular tourist destinations, she said.
“This rise in registrations is a clear indicator of tourism sector recovery,” Ms Sasikarn said in a national report, adding that new operators are appearing in both established and emerging destinations across the country.
However, she also raised concerns about the parallel rise of illegal tour operations, particularly via online platforms.
Unregistered businesses often promote group travel packages, accommodation, and restaurant services on social media channels, targeting both locals and foreign tourists. Such activity is strictly prohibited under Thai law, Ms Sasikarn warned.
Under the Tourism Business and Guide Act B.E. 2551, it is illegal to operate a tour business without a valid licence, Ms Sasikarn said.
Violators face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B500,000, or both, she added.
Similarly, individuals acting as guides without the appropriate licence can be fined up to B100,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both, Ms Sasikarn also noted.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is urging consumers to book travel services only through licensed operators to ensure safety, legal protection and access to insurance coverage in the event of accidents or other emergencies.
To verify whether a tour operator or guide is licensed, members of the public can:
* Visit the Department of Tourism website at www.dot.go.th
* Enter the operator’s licence number or name
* Check the current registration status through the online system
“Consumers should be cautious when booking through social media and always check credentials. Legal operators must clearly display their licence number, name, and location in any advertising, whether online or offline,” Ms Sasikarn noted.
Tourism officials are also calling for unlicensed operators to come forward and register their businesses legally. Failure to do so risks serious legal consequences and damages the reputation of Thailand’s tourism industry as a whole.