Illegal Chinese tour guide arrested in Thailand for threatening tourists over forced shopping
A Chinese tour guide working illegally in Thailand has been arrested after threatening tourists with remarks such as, “You won’t be able to return to China if you don’t shop,” sparking outrage across both nations.
- A Chinese tour guide, Li Hai, was arrested in Thailand after threatening tourists who refused to shop.
- Li was found to be working illegally and had a history of similar offences dating back to 2018.
- Thai authorities and China’s embassy have urged tourists to avoid “zero-dollar” tours and report coercive practices.
BANGKOK, THAILAND — A Chinese tour guide operating illegally in Thailand has been arrested after a viral video showed him threatening Chinese tourists who refused to shop during a tour, sparking public outrage across both countries.
Viral video shows threats and coercion
The incident, which took place during a group tour in Thailand, came to light after a video circulated on social media showing the man — dressed in a purple shirt — yelling at tourists in Mandarin.
He was heard saying, “If you don’t spend, you won’t be able to go back to China,” and warning that they would not be allowed to board the tour bus at a duty-free shop.
The guide also demanded that the person recording the confrontation delete the video, while another man nearby attempted to defuse the tension.
Thai authorities respond swiftly
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Attakorn, held an urgent press conference following the incident. He directed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Tourist Police Bureau to conduct a full investigation into the travel agency and tour itinerary involved.
“We must rebuild visitors’ confidence in safety, convenience, hygiene, and service standards,” Attakorn said. “Any acts of deception or coercion against tourists will be punished severely.”
Arrest and investigation
Police later arrested the tour guide, identified as Li Hai, a Chinese national who had been working without a valid tour guide license. Li reportedly admitted that he threatened the tourists because their low spending reduced his commission.
Investigations revealed that Li had been operating illegal “zero-dollar tours” — low-cost packages that force participants to shop at designated outlets. Authorities also discovered that he had previously been arrested in 2018 for verbally abusing tourists and coercing them into buying latex pillows.
Two executives from the travel agency involved were also detained for employing an unlicensed foreign guide. They face up to two years in prison and a fine of 500,000 baht (approximately US$13,400).
China’s embassy issues warning
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand urged Chinese nationals to avoid low-cost tours and to book only with licensed and reputable agencies.
The embassy also reminded citizens to remain calm and contact local authorities or the embassy immediately if they encounter any form of coercion or threats while travelling abroad.
