British man serving as a tour guide is apprehended by Phuket Police
The individual, who was only identified as Mr. Ryan, 34, was operating
British man serving as a tour guide is apprehended by Phuket Police
A British national was detained by Phuket police for operating without permission as a tour guide—a position intended for Thai citizens.
The individual, who was only identified as Mr. Ryan, 34, was operating an unlawful tour guide business at the Big Buddha, which has a view of Chalong. He was taken into custody by Phuket Tourist Police officials at the parking lot on Thursday, March 7, at approximately 4 p.m.
The man was taken to Karon Police Station to be charged with working without a work permit and carrying out a role reserved for Thai nationals. In Thailand, a number of occupations, including that of tour guide, are protected and can only be carried out by Thais. Work permits and visas are not available for this role, although the strict rules have been openly flaunted over the past year with the influx of tourists and new expats.
The arrest of Mr Ryan is one of several recent arrests of foreigners as Phuket police get tough on foreign nationals living on the island. The crackdown is part of the fallout from the recent arrest of a Swiss expat accused of kicking a Thai doctor, which has dominated social media and news headlines for weeks.
A Russian woman was also arrested in Wichita whilst allegedly working in the office of a snake farm.
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