German captain arrested in Phuket over unlicensed yacht tour

*A German national was arrested yesterday, March 12, after officials responded to a tip-off about alleged unlicensed tour activity linked to a sailing yacht named Moana in Phuket. The arrest came after the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office under the Department of Tourism, working with Ph*

Published: 2026-03-13 20:26 UTC Event date: 2026-03-12

A German national was arrested on March 12 in Phuket after authorities discovered he was operating an unlicensed yacht tour for foreign tourists in the Andaman Sea. The arrest came after officials from the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office, working with the Phuket Marine Police and Phuket Tourist Police, inspected the sailing yacht Moana following a tip-off about suspected illegal tour activity.

During the inspection, officers found the German captain on board, along with six German tourists. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had booked the 11-day sailing package through a website, paying the full cost to a Phuket-based company. Further checks showed that neither the captain nor the company held a valid tour business licence, as required by Thai law.

The alleged offence falls under the Tour Business and Guide Act B.E. 2551 (2008), specifically Section 15, which mandates a licence to operate a tour business. Violations can result in penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both, under Section 80 of the Act. The captain was informed of these charges and taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

Local authorities say the arrest is part of a broader effort to protect Thailand’s tourism reputation and ensure the safety of visitors. The Department of Tourism has stated that stricter enforcement is necessary to prevent tourists from falling victim to unlicensed operators and to maintain high standards in the industry, which is vital to Phuket’s economy.

The incident has raised concerns among local tour operators and residents, who fear that illegal businesses could undermine the reputation of legitimate service providers and put tourists at risk. Licensed operators in Phuket invest significant resources to comply with regulations and ensure safety, and incidents like this may prompt calls for even tighter oversight of the sector.

Officials have announced that the investigation will be expanded to examine financial transactions associated with the Phuket-based company that rented out the yacht, as well as any other parties involved. Authorities are expected to pursue further legal action as appropriate.

This case follows similar incidents elsewhere in Thailand, including recent arrests on Koh Pha Ngan involving foreigners illegally operating tour businesses. The Department of Tourism continues to urge both tourists and operators to verify licences before booking or offering services. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses and authorities work to strengthen regulatory compliance in Phuket’s thriving tourism sector.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/german-captain-arrested-phuket-unlicensed-yacht-tour