Israeli national arrested for nominee-run travel agency in Phuket

Police in Phuket arrested an Israeli national on April 8 for allegedly operating a travel agency illegally through a Thai nominee, in violation of the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act. The suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was listed as a director of Gmat Hospitality, a company found to have changed its board structure after receiving its operating licence, with only one Thai and one Israeli director remaining.

Investigation Finds Multiple Violations

Officers from the Department of Tourism and Tourist Police discovered two companies in breach of tourism regulations during their investigation. Gmat Hospitality failed to meet the requirement under Section 17(1) of the Act, which mandates that more than half of a travel company’s directors must be Thai nationals.

The second company, Andaman Sunday, was cited for operating from a location different from the one reported to authorities when applying for its licence. This lesser offence carries a potential fine of up to 500,000 baht.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Crackdown

Under the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act, operating a business through a nominee can result in up to three years in prison, a fine ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 baht, or both. Authorities did not specify the penalties the Israeli suspect may face.

Officials urged tourism operators in Phuket and across Thailand to view the arrests as a warning, emphasizing that inspections will continue. Similar enforcement actions have occurred in other provinces, including Loei in February and at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in December, targeting foreign nationals illegally running tour businesses.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/israeli-national-arrested-for-illegal-travel-agency-in-phuket