Thailand’s Department of Tourism Cracks Down on Illegal Tour Operators

According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, the Department of Tourism has intensified its efforts to regulate the tourism industry during the first six months of 2026. Director-General Jaturon Phakdivanich stated that the department conducted nationwide inspections of 3,187 tour companies and tour guides to ensure compliance with legal standards and enhance safety for visitors.

Of the 1,962 tour companies inspected, 68 were found to be operating in violation of the law. The primary infractions identified included operating without a proper license, failing to meet the 51% Thai ownership requirement mandated by the Tour Business and Guide Act, and failing to provide licensed guides for tour groups.

For travelers and residents, these measures are intended to bolster confidence in the quality and legitimacy of tourism services within the country. By removing unlicensed operators and ensuring that companies adhere to local ownership and staffing regulations, the government aims to elevate Thailand's tourism standards to an international level. While these enforcement actions represent a significant step in cleaning up the industry, the department continues its oversight operations. It remains to be seen how these ongoing inspections will impact the total number of active tour operators in the long term and whether further regulatory adjustments will be introduced to address remaining gaps in compliance.