Thailand proceeds with measures against zero-dollar tour operations

BANGKOK, September 20 (TNA) - Thailand is moving forward to solve the problem of zero-dollar tour operations, in which foreign tourists are offered tour packages at lower prices than the real costs but they will be later overcharged through shopping or services at shops in the tour operators' networks. Thai Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists on Tuesday that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wong Suwan, who oversees national security, to lead the government's operations to crack down zero-dollar or kickback tour operations. "The prime minister has expressed his concerns over the problem after investigations found that some politicians and senior officials might involve in the zero-dollar tour networks", said the spokesman. There have also been reports on zero dollar tours or kickback tours, in which foreigners come to Thailand on tourist visa but staying to run business illegally under a fraudulent registration, threatening national security. According to the spokesman, the Thai government and the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), both headed by the prime minister, are determined to end the problem completely as part of the administrative authorities' policy on regulating domestic economic issues to protect national interest and security. (TNA)