Chinese Tour Guide and Thai Accomplice Arrested in Pattaya Crackdown on Illegal Guiding
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Pattaya police arrested a Chinese national, Mr. Zheng, at Bali Hai Pier for illegally leading 14 tourists without a personal tour guide license. The incident was part of an intensified crackdown on foreign tour guides operating without authorization, threatening the livelihoods of licensed Thai guides.
During routine patrols, officers observed Mr. Zheng escorting a group of Chinese tourists to their bus without the presence of a licensed Thai guide. When asked for documentation, he could only produce a work order listing a Thai guide, Ms. Mon, as the legal operator. However, Mr. Zheng did not have a personal license or registration.
Subsequently, Thai guide Ms. Mon was detained and charged with enabling Mr. Zheng to conduct tours using her credentials. She admitted allowing him to operate under her name for financial gain. Both face serious legal consequences, including potential fines and imprisonment.
Authorities warned this arrest marks the beginning of an unprecedented nationwide campaign to root out illegal tour operators. Thai law reserves tour guiding as an exclusive occupation for Thai nationals, and those who facilitate illegal guiding activities risk prosecution.
