PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities halted the illegal tour group “Little Tour”, which had brought dozens of tourists to Pattaya and Koh Larn without permits, and warned travelers to check operators in official license databases before booking.
Raid on ‘Little Tour’ in Chonburi
On 30 March 2026, officers from the Eastern Branch of the Registrar for travel companies and tour guides, together with the Pattaya Tourist Police, arrested members of the group. Investigators accused them of offering and running unauthorized tours in Chonburi province.
The operation targeted an unlicensed organization known as “Little Tour”. According to authorities, the group was regarded as notorious because it allegedly operated repeatedly without the required permits.
Promotion and recruitment via social media
According to officials, “Little Tour” used social media, especially the Line app, to recruit participants. The group advertised trips to Pattaya and the island of Koh Larn for the period from 28 to 30 March 2026.
The Department of Tourism stated that such offers were often circulated at short notice and informally, which made oversight more difficult. For that reason, authorities urged people to pay particular attention to proof and license numbers when dealing with social-media offers.
No license for tour business or guides
A check of the Thai Department of Tourism database showed that the company did not hold a valid license as a tour operator. In addition, the guides used on the trips were reportedly not properly licensed.
In Thailand, travel businesses and tour guides were regulated under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. Officials stressed that licenses were tied to requirements such as formal registration and proof of eligibility to operate.
Previous case for similar offenses
The group was not unknown to the authorities. Official information indicated that the Northern Branch of the Registrar had previously pursued a criminal case against the organization for operating tours without permission.
The latest arrests underlined, in the view of the tourism authorities, that some providers continued working despite earlier proceedings. This, they said, placed pressure on legitimate, licensed operators and could endanger tourists.
Bus with around 40 tourists stopped
On the last day of the trip, enforcement teams discovered a white bus with license plates from Tak province. According to officials, about 40 tourists on board had been transported to Koh Larn and Pattaya.
Officers stopped the vehicle, inspected the group and arrested the suspected organizers on the spot. The suspects were then taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further processing.
Charges and further legal steps
Those detained faced charges of operating a travel business without a license under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. Authorities said that evidence had been secured and handed over to the police.
Investigations and legal proceedings were continuing through the competent offices in Pattaya. Officials made clear that such operations formed part of an ongoing strategy against illegal tour operators.
Warning to travelers: verify licenses before booking
The Department of Tourism called on tourists to verify the reliability of providers before booking, especially when offers came via social media. It recommended checking official license numbers directly through the Department of Tourism website.
The agency also pointed to risks such as fraud and lack of insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Booking with licensed operators was said to provide better protection for travelers while supporting legal businesses.