The Cabinet acknowledged recommendations to prevent and resolve illegal foreign involvement in the tour business after discovering the use of Thai nominees to conceal fully integrated business operations.
On 17 March 2026 at the Government House, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Cabinet resolved to acknowledge recommendations to prevent and address illegal foreign entry into the tour business, as proposed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The Ministry of Tourism and Sports was designated as the lead agency to consider these recommendations in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor, Royal Thai Police, Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Anti-Money Laundering Office, and other relevant agencies. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is tasked with summarizing the review results, actions taken, and overall opinions, then submitting this report to the Secretariat of the Cabinet within 30 days from notification for further presentation to the Cabinet.
The NACC reported that
1. The tour business is a crucial part of Thailand’s tourism industry, serving as the starting point for bringing tourists into the country by providing services and conveniences such as accommodations, food, tour guides, and other related services. This has attracted many foreign investors to operate in Thailand, drawing tourists worldwide and significantly generating national income, which has promoted further tourism market development. However, some foreign investors have circumvented foreign business laws by using Thai nominees to conceal their involvement in comprehensive tour-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tourist transport, souvenir shops, and other services. This results in most tourism revenue benefiting foreign capital groups.
Additionally, violations of tour business and tour guide laws have been observed, such as those involving Chinese investor groups operating "zero-dollar tours." They sell tour packages below cost, causing Thai tour operators to be unable to compete fairly in price and quality. They also seek dishonest profits by encouraging tourists to buy goods or use services at affiliated shops and establishments with inflated prices. Moreover, foreigners are employed as tour guides, leading to issues with illegal foreign guides encroaching on jobs reserved for Thais. Reports include tourists being threatened or coerced to purchase goods, receiving inaccurate information about Thailand, and being abandoned by guides.
2. These chronic problems have long plagued Thailand's tourism industry, causing significant damage to the economy, society, and the country's image. The main causes include legal loopholes and the government's lack of effective measures or mechanisms to supervise, regulate, or inspect tour business operations. Corruption among some officials, including soliciting bribes or benefits from lawbreakers in exchange for protection or facilitation of illegal business activities, has also contributed. Therefore, to prevent and solve problems of foreign investors circumventing or violating laws, to strengthen oversight mechanisms in the tour business, to ensure comprehensive and effective tourist safety, to promote opportunities for Thai tour operators and guides, and to prevent corruption and misconduct among officials involved,
the NACC, in its 122/2568 meeting on 15 December 2025, approved recommendations to submit to the Cabinet under Section 32 of the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018) and its amendments. The key points cover five areas, summarized as follows:
1. Addressing the use of Thai nominees by foreigners in the tour business and related tourism sectors.
2. Enhancing efficiency in supervision and regulation of the tour business.
3. Strengthening the capacity of Thai tour guides and resolving issues related to illegal foreign tour guides.
4. Regulating shops and establishments linked to tour companies.
5. Promoting participation in anti-corruption and misconduct prevention efforts.