Thai bus operators face competition from Chinese bus operators offering lower prices, while more foreigners are illegally working as van drivers serving tourists.

The Thai Transportation Operators Association's president said illegal foreign operators continue to compete with licensed bus companies.

As more tourists arrive, particularly from China, illegal foreign firms use vans or minivans for these groups, he said.

He said some foreigners apply for a personal driver's licence or use an international driver's permit to work as drivers serving a small group of tourists, which is illegal. Driving is a restricted occupation for Thais.

Some foreign operators offer both van and bus services by using Thai nominees to register their businesses, he said.

For example, Thai operators typically offer a bus service from Suvarnabhumi airport to Pattaya priced at 7,000 baht, but he said Chinese nominees serve the same route for half the price.

Tourists pay for their services through foreign payment apps, making it difficult for Thai authorities to monitor them.