Chiang Mai – Tourist police dismantled a “full-package superstitious tour” operated by a Myanmar man who illegally organized trips for tourists to visit famous temples, infringing on Thai livelihoods. He was charged with three offenses and handed over to investigators at Chiang Mai City Police Station for prosecution.
On 26 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Chiang Mai tourist police, in cooperation with the Northern Branch of the Tour Business and Guide Registrar, intensified investigations against foreigners working or running tour businesses without authorization after receiving reports of online tour package sales in Chiang Mai province.
Recently, Chiang Mai tourist police monitored a Myanmar man around 30 years old after discovering he advertised and sold tour programs through a Facebook page. He was observed driving to pick up two foreign tourists from a hotel in downtown Chiang Mai, then taking them to various important sites including Royal Park Rajapruek, Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Ban Khang Wat, Wat Lok Molee, and Tha Phae Gate, while providing guided explanations and assistance in a manner consistent with tour guiding.
A highlight of the program was taking tourists on a pilgrimage to Chiang Mai’s renowned superstitious temples. Wat Phra That Doi Kham is famous for beliefs related to blessings and fortune, especially worship of “Luang Pho Thanjai.” Wat Lok Molee, an ancient temple, is popular among tourists and devotees seeking good fortune, with associations to love and relationship blessings. This route aligns with faith-based or “superstitious” tourism, which is popular among visitors.
Officials later found the man taking tourists to the multipurpose square at Khuaang Tha Phae Gate, where they arrested him and questioned the two Myanmar tourists. They said they did not personally know the man but had purchased the tour package via a Facebook page and communicated through the Messenger app.
A search of the man’s mobile phone revealed chat records, tour package documents, proof of payment, and hotel booking records totaling 12,700 baht for tours and accommodation. Authorities found linked evidence of package sales, accommodation arrangements, transportation provision, and guiding services following the program.
Based on initial evidence and consultation with the Northern Branch Registrar of Tour Businesses and Guides, the Myanmar man was found to lack licenses for operating a tour business and for guiding. He was charged with three offenses: conducting a tour business without a license, acting as an unlicensed guide, and working illegally as a foreigner. The suspect acknowledged the charges through an interpreter and confessed before being sent to Chiang Mai City Police Station for legal action.
Pol. Lt. Col. Awirut Sukyaem, Investigator of Division 2, Tourist Police Division 2, stated that guiding is a profession legally reserved for Thais to protect the occupation and uphold professional standards in tourism. Foreigners performing such duties is a serious concern as it affects job opportunities for legally operating Thai guides.
Tourist police will continue to monitor online tour business activities and full-package services to prevent unauthorized operations, illegal foreign labor, and protect Thai jobs, while ensuring fairness for lawful operators and guides, and promoting confidence and safety for tourists visiting Chiang Mai province.