Caught in the act at Rassada Pier
It was September 17 when Marine Police colonel Thanawat Hinyokhin and his team noticed a suspicious figure at Phuket’s Rassada Pier.
Anton, a 34-year-old Russian, was shepherding tourists fresh from a Phi Phi Islands boat, holding what appeared to be a group list. Officers watched as he directed travellers to their transport.
When they confronted him, a search revealed a document titled “JOB ORDER PHI PHI – BAMBOO” listing crew members – but Anton’s name was missing. Asked to produce his passport and a work permit, he had nothing.
Facing charges for illegal work
Police concluded Anton was working illegally as a tour guide, breaching Thailand’s strict labour and tourism laws.
He now faces two charges: working without a permit under the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers, and operating as a tour guide without approval under the Tourism Business and Guide Act.
During questioning, Anton admitted the offence. He was taken to Phuket City Police Station where legal proceedings are under way.
Crackdown on foreign workers in tourism
Authorities say the arrest is part of a wider clampdown on illegal foreign labour in Phuket’s tourism sector. Licensed Thai guides had long complained that unqualified outsiders were stealing jobs reserved for locals.
“We will continue inspections at ports and tourist hotspots,” an officer vowed, citing orders from Marine Police Commander Gen. Setthasiri Nipphaya and Deputy Commander Col. Tharakorn Lertporncharoen.
For tourists, the impact may not be immediately obvious – but officials warn that unlicensed guides can’t match the training, cultural knowledge and standards required of Thai professionals.