Phuket seeking undercover tourist ‘spies’
Tourism officials on the Thai island of Phuket are seeking the help of foreign nationals to work undercover in order to identify Thai tour guides and tour operators engaging in illegal activities.
The call was made by Santi Pawai, director of the Tourism Ministry’s Phuket office, who wants to register all companies and individuals working in the industry.
"Volunteer teams of Thais and foreigners will join tours in Phuket and report any illegal activities," Santi said.
Mr Santi has asked police stations in Phuket, airport officials and government offices to help recruit people for the program.
"The volunteers will help officers keep an eye on operators and will report details of any illegal tours and guides directly to me."
All tour operators and individual guides have until October 6 to register with the tourism office.
"After that date we will start deploying our volunteers," he warned.
He added that action will be taken against any illegal operators both Thai and foreign.
Any foreigners found working illegally with tour companies will be charged immediately and bail will be denied during the investigation."
"The warning comes after last week’s arrest of Georgian citizen Tengi Andguladze, 29, who was caught in the beach resort of Kata and charged with operating an illegal tour company and working without a permit.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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