PATTAYA: An Indian was arrested for working illegally as a tour guide in an operation that also caught a Myanmar national for unauthorised employment in the kingdom.
Pattaya tourist police chief Pol Lt Col Piyapong Ensarn on Wednesday said police and immigration authorities apprehended Hitendra Khasatiya, 53, an Indian national, for working as a tour guide, a profession reserved exclusively for Thais.
Pol Lt Col Piyapong said Mr Khasatiya worked as a guide for Wanalee Island Tour Co, a Pattaya-based firm offering activities for visitors to the beach resort city.
He and Thai guide Narin Noonurat were working together with a group of Indian tourists when he was arrested, according to police.
Mr Narin claimed he needed Mr Khasatiya's help in speaking to the Indian visitors in their own language.
Police also found Retha Yee Tar, 21, illegally working for the company, booking activities for tourists who bought tour packages, police said.
Wanalee Kanung, who operates the company, reportedly admitted hiring them.
Foreigners working in Thais-only professions are subject to a fine of 2,000-100,000 baht and/or a jail term of up to five years, according to the Labour Ministry. They also face deportation.