BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Tourism stepped up enforcement against illegal tour operators and unlicensed tour guides during the first half of 2026, inspecting more than 3,100 businesses and individuals nationwide and uncovering nearly 200 legal violations. Director-General Chaturon Phakdeewanich said the nationwide inspections were carried out under the policy of Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul to eliminate illegal tourism operations, strengthen visitor confidence, and improve service standards.
Between January and June, officials inspected 1,962 tour companies and found 68 violating the law. The most common offenses included operating without a tourism business license, failing to meet legal ownership requirements—which require at least 51% Thai ownership and a majority of Thai directors—and failing to provide licensed tour guides to accompany tourists. Authorities also inspected 1,225 tour guides, finding 129 in violation of tourism regulations. The most common offenses were failing to display an official tour guide identification card, not carrying or presenting a required job order, and working without a valid tour guide license. The Department of Tourism said inspections will intensify during the second half of the year to prevent tourists from being exploited and to raise Thailand’s tourism service standards to international levels.
Tour operators were reminded to maintain valid business licenses and ensure licensed guides accompany tourists on every tour, while guides were urged to renew their licenses before expiration to avoid disruptions to their work. The department also thanked the public, tourists, and tourism businesses for reporting suspected illegal operators and guides through its official Facebook page and dedicated email channels, helping authorities enforce the law more effectively.
