German captain arrested in Phuket over alleged unlicensed luxury yacht tour

*A German captain has been arrested on board a luxury sailing yacht in Phuket after authorities uncovered what they described as an illegal tour operation offering high-priced multi-day packages in the Andaman Sea.*

Published: 2026-03-15 20:45 UTC Event date: 2026-03-13

German Captain Arrested in Phuket Over Unlicensed Luxury Yacht Tour

A German national was arrested by Phuket Marine Police on March 12, 2026, after authorities uncovered an alleged unlicensed luxury yacht tour operation in the Andaman Sea. The arrest took place at approximately 5pm off the coast of Phuket, following a coordinated investigation by Phuket Marine Police, Phuket Tourist Police, and the Department of Tourism. The suspect, identified as the yacht’s captain, was detained aboard a luxury sailing vessel that officials say had been used to sell high-priced multi-day tour packages to foreign tourists.

Investigation Into Illegal Andaman Sea Tour Packages

Authorities began their investigation more than five months prior to the arrest, suspecting a group of foreigners, including German nationals, of organizing unlicensed marine tour packages. Investigators reported that the operation used a yacht charter company as a cover, selling 11-day sailing programmes through a website targeting German travellers. Packages were reportedly sold for six-figure sums in Thai baht per person. During the operation, six German tourists were found on board the yacht, all of whom stated they had paid the full amount in advance online.

Legal Action and Charges for Unlicensed Tourism Business

Upon inspection, officials determined that neither the organiser nor the associated company held a licence to operate a tourism business in Thailand. The captain was charged with operating a tourism business without a licence under the Tourism Business and Guide Act of 2008, as well as failing to carry the vessel’s licence on board, a violation of Section 150 of the Navigation in Thai Waters Act of 1992. Authorities detained those involved and announced that legal proceedings would follow.

Wider Crackdown on Unlicensed Marine Tourism in Phuket

Investigators revealed that this case is part of a broader effort to target illegal tour operations in Phuket. Officials said their inquiry had uncovered several similar schemes in the region, where companies registered as yacht rentals or used nominee shareholders to secretly sell tour packages to foreign tourists. Authorities warned that such practices undermine legitimate Thai marine tourism operators and pledged continued enforcement against unlicensed businesses.

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to increase inspections of marine tourism operators in Phuket and the surrounding Andaman Sea. The case highlights ongoing efforts by Thai officials to regulate the tourism sector and protect lawful operators from unfair competition.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40063741