PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 30-year-old Chinese man was arrested after overstaying his visa by 1,043 days and running unlicensed tours for Chinese visitors.
Tip on social media led to arrest
Police from the Tourist Police Division in Pattaya City acted on a report published on Facebook by the page Tourism News Circle. The post showed the suspect leading tour groups with what appeared to be a forged Thai tour guide license. Officers tracked the man to a hotel on Phra Tamnak Hill in Chonburi Province.
On 13 November 2024, investigators located and detained the man, identified as Jinlei, while he was guiding a group of Chinese tourists in Najomtien Subdistrict, part of Sattahip District.
Investigation revealed lengthy illegal stay
Records from the Immigration Bureau confirmed that Jinlei had entered Thailand on 17 July 2022. His visa had officially expired on 5 January 2023. Police documented a total visa overstay of 1,043 days.
“He had overstayed his visa by 1,043 days,”
said Tourist Police officers during the briefing held after the arrest.
Officers found that Jinlei had been working illegally as a tour guide during his overstay and had collaborated with licensed tour operators in Pattaya’s busy tourism circuit.
Formal charges and police statement
The suspect was transferred to the Najomtien Police Station, where formal criminal proceedings were initiated. The charges include working without legal authorization and remaining in the country illegally under Thailand’s Immigration Act.
“We will take consistent action against illegal foreign workers,”
said a Tourist Police spokesperson following the detention.
Public call for cooperation
Authorities used the case to urge public vigilance against similar violations. Citizens were reminded to report illegal employment or suspicious activities through official channels:
- Hotline: 1155
- Facebook: Thai Tourist Police official page
The Tourist Police Bureau emphasized that illegal employment damages Thailand’s tourism industry and economy. The arrest of Jinlei served as a clear warning to other foreign nationals attempting to work without proper authorization in Thailand.