PHUKET, THAILAND – Member of Parliament Chalermpong Saengdee on 7 November released footage showing what he called an illegal tourism business operated by a foreign national on a Phuket beach.
MP’s video release and warning
On Friday, 7 November, Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket Province, published a video on his verified Facebook page, filmed on one of the province’s beaches, depicting a woman approaching two tourists and displaying information on her mobile phone. The parliamentarian said the woman’s conduct violated Thai labour rules, which reserve jobs in the tour guide and tour operator sectors strictly for Thai nationals.
“Das ist illegal!”
said Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket.
The MP confirmed that authorities had not yet identified the woman’s nationality but insisted the activity breached the Tourism and Labour Protection Act, which specifies categories of occupations restricted to citizens.
Online backlash and community reaction
Within hours of his post, more than 100 local users commented on the MP’s Facebook page, criticizing alleged foreign work along Phuket’s beaches and market zones. Multiple users accused non-Thai residents of illicit employment, including perfume sales on Bangla Road in Patong.
Local residents cited previous infractions and expressed frustration at what they viewed as weak enforcement and minimal inspection from law authorities in Phuket Municipality.
Call for official enforcement
Following the online backlash, Chalermpong Saengdee publicly called for state action.
“Die zuständigen Behörden müssen handeln!”
said Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket.
The MP, who is a member of the People’s Party, insisted that occupational privileges reserved for Thai citizens must be protected through immediate checks and targeted enforcement across Kata and Karon beaches.
“Das ist meine Pflicht als Abgeordneter.”
said Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket.
He stated that he would continue pressing relevant ministries to deploy labour and immigration inspectors in priority tourist zones.
Visa policy debate reignites
The episode reignited public conversation about Thailand’s visa regulations, as commentators alleged that relaxed entry policies enabled some visitors to work without proper permits. Posts claimed that foreign nationals had been seen selling goods, performing street services, or begging despite visa conditions limiting tourist activity.
Online users repeated allegations that tourists entered the kingdom for business instead of leisure, amplifying calls for policy tightening and stricter screening during visa issuance.
Authorities yet to confirm action
By Monday, 11 November, Phuket Immigration and provincial police had not provided statements on whether they would pursue legal follow-up against the unidentified woman shown in the MP’s video. Her face was clearly visible in the recording, increasing local speculation about forthcoming investigations.
Social media comments expressed skepticism regarding real enforcement outcomes, with one user asking whether “anything would actually happen.”
Public concern and policy implications
Residents and small business owners told reporters that the case illustrated an ongoing enforcement gap across Phuket’s western coastline, where reports of illegal work remain frequent. Public pressure has grown on relevant offices to escalate inspections, maintain legal employment controls, and protect Thai labour within the island’s vital tourism economy.
Key points:
– 7 November: Chalermpong Saengdee published footage showing a suspected illegal tourism business.
– People’s Party MP demanded targeted enforcement against unauthorized foreign workers.
– Social media users reported similar cases on Bangla Road, Kata and Karon beaches.
– Renewed debate over Thailand’s visa framework followed online backlash.
– Phuket police and immigration offices had not confirmed action as of 11 November.