British man arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally working as tour guide

A British man was arrested on Koh Phangan, Thailand, for illegal working as a tour guide and charging 70,000 Baht per head for tours. This illegal operation was unearthed by local authorities and tourist police following public complaints.

Mr. Jabran Elahi a 25-year-old British national, was apprehended at a hotel in Ban Tai. The arrest, on May 30, 2024, followed an intensive investigation into his activities. Jabran Elahi had been conducting tours without the necessary permits and licences required under Thai law.

The scheme involved organizing 18-day tours for foreign tourists, covering popular destinations including Bangkok, Khao Sok, Koh Phangan, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The cost per participant was £1,499, which converts to about 70,121.91 Baht. The Koh Phangan leg of the tour spanned days 5 to 8, with tourists provided free accommodation during their stay.

The police discovered that Jabran Elahi had hired two silver vans to transport tourists around the island. Destinations included the Chinracha Boxing Stadium and other popular sites. These unauthorised tours were run by his company, Sterling Ling Travel.

During interrogation Jabran Elahi admitted to orchestrating the tours and operating under the radar of legal requirements. Authorities noted that this illegal activity not only evaded local taxes but also potentially jeopardised the safety and satisfaction of the tourists involved.

The arrest marks a significant step in the crackdown on illegal tour operations in Thailand, highlighting the stringent regulations governing the industry. Ensuring tourist safety and the integrity of the tourism sector remains a top priority for Thai authorities.

Mr. Jabran Elahi was taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for further investigation and will face legal proceedings for his actions. Tourists are advised to verify the authenticity and legal standing of tour operators before partaking in travel packages.

Read the full story at Khao Sod – จับคาโรงแรม หนุ่มอังกฤษ ลอบเป็น นายหน้า นำเที่ยว คิดค่าหัวคิว7หมื่น which was brought to us by Google Alerts.