A Chinese tour guide has been recorded forcing a group of Chinese tourists travelling in Thailand to purchase goods at a store he recommended, or they would not be allowed back on the bus.
A video of the incident was recorded by a tourist on the bus and shared on Monday on a Facebook page posting news about Thai tourism.
It showed a man believed to be a Chinese guide addressing the tour group in Chinese. Translated, he said they would be stopping at a tax-free shop, and people who failed to buy anything there would not be allowed back on the bus.
When some tourists expressed their disagreement, he warned them about not being able to return to China.
The clip was widely shared, drawing many responses, including from registered Thai guides, asking authorities to investigate the incident and the apparently illegal tour guide.
The Department of Tourism will work with tourist police and find out where and when it occurred, and the tour company involved.
An illegal guide could face up to a year in prison and/or a fine of 100,000 baht. The tour company may be guilty of unfairly exploiting tourists, incurring a fine of up to 50,000 baht and possible suspension of its licence for up to six months.
