The Department of Tourism initiated a crackdown on illegal tours, unlicensed guides, and scammers, showcasing first-half results with nearly 200 offenders penalized, aiming to elevate safety standards to the highest level.
On 4 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanit, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, the main agency overseeing tourism industry standards, revealed proactive operations during the first six months of 2026. The department integrated efforts to inspect and strictly enforce laws nationwide on 3,187 tour companies and guides to seriously eliminate legal violations.
These efforts covered safety aspects in tourist areas and combated threats from scammers, exploitation, as well as illegal tours and unlicensed guides, aiming to build protections and restore confidence among both domestic and international tourists.
After intensive inspections of 1,962 tour companies, 68 were found violating laws, with three main offenses identified:
1. Operating tour businesses without authorization (illegal tours).
2. Operating tour businesses not meeting qualifications under Section 17 (1) of the Tour Business and Guide Act (requiring Thai nationality for shareholders and directors as legally specified).
3. Failing to provide guides to accompany tourists.
Regarding the inspection of 1,225 guides, 129 violations were found, with the top three offenses being:
1. Not wearing official guide identification badges while on duty.
2. Lacking or not presenting a job order document.
3. Acting as guides without licenses (unlicensed guides).
Mr. Jaturon added that for the second half of 2026, the Department of Tourism will continue to emphasize the Ministry's safety policy by directing enforcement teams to persistently and rigorously inspect and enforce laws to break cycles of tourist exploitation and to raise Thailand’s tourism service standards to global recognition.
He also urged tour operators and guides to strictly comply with laws: tour companies must maintain valid business licenses, renewing up to 30 days before expiration, and ensure guides accompany tourists at all times; guides should regularly check their license status and can renew licenses up to 120 days in advance to avoid disruptions to their work.
The Department of Tourism expressed gratitude to the public, tourists, and industry players for acting as vigilant networks. Anyone spotting illegal tour operations, unlicensed guides, or scammers can report tips directly via the Department’s Facebook Fanpage or by email to tgtcenter@tourism.go.th and DOT-TGIS@tourism.go.th. Such information is crucial for officials to conduct effective inspections, enforce laws, and sustainably ensure the safety of Thailand's tourism industry.