Bangkok Tour Operator Faces Probe Over Unlicensed Indian Staff

Bangkok Tour Operator Faces Probe Over Unlicensed Indian Staff

BANGKOK, April 24, 2026 — Thai authorities have raided a tour company in Bangkok’s Ratchaprarop district for allegedly employing Indian nationals without work permits and failing to provide mandatory insurance coverage for tourists, officials said.

The operation was carried out on April 23 after officials received intelligence about suspected illegal practices at the company, according to the Department of Tourism.

Director-General Jaturon Phakdeewanit said the inspection was conducted jointly with the Tourist Police Investigation Division, the Department of Business Development and the Department of Employment.

During the raid, the company was unable to provide documents proving that tourist insurance had been arranged, a legal requirement for licensed operators, officials said.

Authorities also found Indian nationals working for the business without valid Thai work permits, potentially violating both labour and tourism laws.

The company now faces possible fines of up to 500,000 baht ($13,000) and suspension of its tourism licence for as long as six months, Jaturon said.

Officials are also examining the firm’s shareholder structure, including any changes involving Thai shareholders, as part of a broader compliance review.

Those detained were handed over to Phaya Thai Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Thailand’s tourism industry, a major driver of the economy, has seen repeated crackdowns on illegal tour operators, nominee-owned businesses and unlicensed foreign workers as authorities seek to protect visitors and improve industry standards.

Jaturon thanked watchdog groups and informants who provided leads in the case, saying enforcement efforts would continue.

Further inspections of tourism businesses are expected as officials intensify scrutiny ahead of the next high-travel season.