Police and government officials arrested 19 people for allegedly working as illegal tour guides or transport operators in Pattaya.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, a Tourist Police commander, led more than 200 officers from the Pattaya Police Station and revenue, land transportation and highways departments in the March 7 raids on 15 locations, including foreign-owned businesses with Thais as registrars.
The force targeted jewelry shops, gift shops and bedding stores. Police arrested nine illegal guides and 10 others involved in illegal transport businesses.
Police and government officials, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, raided 15 locations in Pattaya, including foreign-owned businesses with Thais as registrars, looking for illegal tour guides or transport operators.
Tax payments and business registrations were thoroughly scrutinized and the Ministry of Commerce will follow up to trace the history and records of the inspected businesses.
Surachet said the sweep was aimed at cracking down on foreign criminals and illegal tour guides who are operating without proper registrations.
