Chinese tours probed after viral video

The recent incident where an illegal Chinese guide forced tourists to buy goods may not represent the return of zero-dollar tours, as authorities say post-pandemic travel behaviour has shifted to premium tours and independent trips.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

The Tourism Department said it is enforcing stricter regulations, allowing personnel from provincial tourism offices to arrest suspected rulebreakers.

The move is partially in response toa viral video, apparently shot over the past few days, showing a Chinese tour guide threatening tourists, telling them they cannot return home unless they buy products at dedicated stores.

Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the Tourism Department, said this case is under investigation by the department and the Tourist Police.

He said the department knows the Thai tour company, which is legally registered, as well as the Chinese tour company and its city of origin in China.