Thai Body Seeks Blacklisting of Chinese Illegal Guide

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) - The Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand (PGAT) has called on the Ministry of Tourism to take immediate legal action against an unlicensed Chinese guide caught on video threatening Chinese tourists for refusing to buy merchandise.

The association warned that the incident, which featured 38-year-old Mr. Zhang Bo (who left Thailand on October 13, 2025), severely harms the country's tourism image and highlights the ongoing problem of illegal foreign guides undermining Thai-reserved jobs. The association urged the government to prosecute Mr. Zhang for working illegally and hold the local tour operator accountable.

The Department of Tourism confirmed it is coordinating with the Immigration Bureau to consider placing Mr. Zhang on a blacklist. The Department also promised to fully prosecute the case to set a legal precedent and is investigating the involvement of Thai companies, including potential nominee structures, in facilitating the illegal operation. -819 (TNA)