Thailand Closes Down Illegal Tour Groups Amid Crackdown
The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand has shut down 10 illegal tour companies offering very cheap packages, which account for half of Chinese tour groups in the country. This move follows concerns about ultra-cheap inbound packages that coerce tourists into costly spending. Thai authorities have banned involved Thai nationals from operating tour businesses for five years and prosecuted 10 foreigners for working illegally as tour guides.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand has forced the closure of 10 illegal tour companies providing extremely cheap packages after an investigation.
These so-called grey market companies account for about 50% of Chinese tour groups in Thailand.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanit directed the Tourism Department to implement strict measures against these companies, which slash prices and damage the country's reputation.
The move comes in response to concerns from the Association of Thai Travel Agents about ultra-cheap inbound packages that coerce tourists into shopping at inflated prices.
A joint operational center involving six governmental agencies was set up to crack down on these irregular business activities.
The Tourism Department's investigation led to the revocation of licenses of 10 companies, banning Thai nationals involved from operating tour businesses for five years and prosecuting 10 foreigners for illegally working as tour guides.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to the agency using phone numbers 02-141-3264 or 02-141-3119.
Surawat Akaraworamat, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, noted that price dumping strategies by tour operators have been ongoing since last year with minimal government intervention.
These so-called grey market companies account for about 50% of Chinese tour groups in Thailand.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanit directed the Tourism Department to implement strict measures against these companies, which slash prices and damage the country's reputation.
The move comes in response to concerns from the Association of Thai Travel Agents about ultra-cheap inbound packages that coerce tourists into shopping at inflated prices.
A joint operational center involving six governmental agencies was set up to crack down on these irregular business activities.
The Tourism Department's investigation led to the revocation of licenses of 10 companies, banning Thai nationals involved from operating tour businesses for five years and prosecuting 10 foreigners for illegally working as tour guides.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to the agency using phone numbers 02-141-3264 or 02-141-3119.
Surawat Akaraworamat, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, noted that price dumping strategies by tour operators have been ongoing since last year with minimal government intervention.
