PUBLISHED: 11 May 2025 at 07 :03
The state has set up a global joint work force to break down on illegal tour operators and unregulated tour guides, said assistant authorities spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan.
She said the work force is made up of representatives from five companies — the Tourism Ministry, the Business Development Department, the Department of Special Investigation, the Hospitality Police Bureau and the Immigration Bureau.
Regulators will focus on visit companies and tour guides working at important holiday destinations across the country, she said.
Between October last year to March this month, 940 tour operators were inspected and many were found acting without licences or failing to provide comprehensive cover for tourists. Furthermore, many of the 338 instructions questioned had no permission.
Ms Sasikarn said insulting users are subject to fines of up to 500,000 ringgit and/or a prison sentence up to two years while an unregistered tour guide faces a fine up to 100,000 ringgit and/or a prison sentence off to one year.