Israeli National Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Fronting Illegal Tour Business
Phuket — Tourism Department and Tourist Police launched a raid in Phuket, uncovering an Israeli nominee allegedly illegally managing a tour business. The joint operation targeted nominee schemes and unlawful tourism…
An Israeli national was arrested in Phuket on April 8 after a joint operation by the Tourism Department and Tourist Police uncovered an alleged nominee scheme involving illegal management of a tour business. Investigators found the company had changed its board structure post-licensing, leaving only two directors—one Thai and one Israeli—contravening the Tourism Business and Guide Act, officials said.
Board Structure Violation and License Revocation
The Department of Tourism’s Southern Region Office determined that the company’s board composition breached Section 17 (1)(a) of the Tourism Business and Guide Act B.E. 2551, which mandates a Thai majority among directors. Officials confirmed the company’s tourism license will be revoked immediately.
Authorities stated the revocation aims to protect Thailand’s tourism reputation and ensure fair competition for local operators who follow legal requirements.
Additional Offenses and Ongoing Enforcement
On the same day, inspectors identified another violation at a separate tour company operating from an unregistered location and failing to declare a branch office. This conduct violates Section 22/2 of the same Act, which prohibits unauthorized branch operations.
Tourist Police and tourism officials said fines are being prepared for the second company. The Department of Tourism pledged to continue inspections targeting nominee schemes and unlawful tourism businesses in Phuket.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/08/israeli-national-arrested-in-phuket-for-allegedly-fronting-illegal-tour-business/
