PHUKET:
Seven Thais working illegally as tour guides catering to Chinese
tourists in Phuket were arrested in the wake of a mass protest on Monday
demanding the government take action against illegal guides.
The
protest on Monday focused on Chinese nationals “stealing” the jobs of
Thai tour guides, though those protesting also asked Phuket Vice
Governor Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak to raise the cap on the number of
professional Thai guides allowed to cater to Chinese tourists in Phuket,
which now sits at only 80..
By law, only Thai nationals certified by the Professional Guide Association (PGA) may be employed as tour guides in Thailand.
Of the seven illegal guides picked up by the Phuket Tourist Police yesterday, two were found in possession of
ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), said Phuket Tourist Police Inspector Urumporn Koondejsumrit.
“The
seven people arrested were Thai. They have all been charged with
working as tour guides without being properly certified,” Maj Urumporn
said.
“Two of the seven have also been charged with possession of a category one drug,” he added.
Kritsada Mueanhawong
Phuket,Thailand
18:56 local time (GMT +7)