Phuket water police arrest Russian national accused of working as unlicensed tour guide

Phuket water police arrested a 32-year-old Russian national after tourists reported that he had been presenting information about attractions and allegedly threatened them over video footage, Thai Post reported on 4 October 2026.

The suspect, identified as Mr Konstantin, was found aboard a boat east of Koh Maphrao in Koh Kaew, Mueang Phuket, after officers used patrol boat 444 to track the vessel, according to the report.

Police said he was explaining tourist attractions to Russian visitors and providing photography services in a manner resembling tour-guide work. Konstantin reportedly told officers that he worked as a guide, explaining and recommending tourist sites, and received payment for each service.

He was unable to produce a work permit, police said. Officers charged him with working as a foreign national without a work permit under Section 8 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers, as amended in 2018, and working as a tour guide without permission under Section 86 in conjunction with Section 49 of the Tours and Guides Act 2008.

An interpreter identified as Apichai assisted during the notification of rights. Police then handed Konstantin and the evidence to investigators at Phuket City police station for further legal proceedings.

He remains an accused person, and whether he committed the alleged offences will be determined through the judicial process and a court ruling.