Russian man arrested off Phuket over alleged illegal tour operation
Russian man arrested off Phuket over alleged illegal tour operation — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
A Russian man was arrested at sea off Chalong Bay, Phuket, on Wednesday, May 6, after authorities said he was illegally operating a fishing tour and acting as a guide for foreign clients. Phuket Tourist Police and the Department of Tourism said patrol boats intercepted the trip while the suspect was with six fellow foreign tourists.
Tip-off led police to Telegram tour sting
Pol. Lt. Col. Ekachai Siri, chief of Phuket Tourist Police Station, said the case began with a complaint to the 1155 hotline. Investigators were told foreign nationals were advertising tour packages through the Telegram app.
Undercover officers then entered the group and spent several weeks gathering evidence, officials said. Police later arranged a sting booking for a fishing tour priced at 3,000 baht per person.
Suspect faces three charges and possible deportation
Police said the suspect now faces three charges tied to the operation. The first is running a tour business without a license, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine of 500,000 baht.
The second is acting as a tour guide without authorization, punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht. The third is working illegally as a foreigner under Thai labor law, which carries fines of 5,000 to 50,000 baht.
Authorities said they will seek to revoke the man’s visa and deport him from Thailand after criminal proceedings conclude.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/06/russian-arrested-in-phuket-sea-for-illegal-tour-operations/
