Pongpun Gearaviriyapun, director-general of the department, said yesterday after receiving a complaint to the prime minister about “zero-dollar” tours, or cheap, prepaid tour groups, that the department was cooperating with other agencies to look into the case. Although the task force has so far not found such improper behaviour, the department will continue scrutinising carefully each company’s structure for a nominee, which would allow a foreigner to own more than 50 per cent of the company instead of Thais.

During the investigation, the department found 30 cases of companies breaking tourism-related laws, such as by not having a tour guide’s ID, not posting product prices, employing foreigners with no work permit and trading in fake medicines.

The companies that operate “zero-dollar” packaged tours pressure their customers into buying expensive products and services so they can make a profit.

Pongpun warned Thais not to help foreigners do business illegally or act as a nominee for foreigners.

Infringing the FBA by supporting a nominee would subject wrongdoers to three years in jail and/or a fine of Bt100,000 to Bt1 million.

TPPIA backs CCE

South East Asia

The momentum continues to build for “CCE South East Asia”, as the Thai Pulp and Paper Industries Association is the latest organisation to confirm its strong support for the regional event dedicated to the corrugated and folding carton industry. The exhibition will make its debut in Southeast Asia at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre from September 21-23.

“We welcome and congratulate Mack Brooks Exhibitions Asia for bringing CCE South East Asia-Thailand 2016 to Bangkok,” said Montri Mahaplerkpong, president of the association.