The National Legislative Assembly has approved a 20 million baht fund to assist both local and foreign tourists who suffer from accidents or are ripped off by tour operators. The government would recover the expenses from offending companies, and penalties against offenders would be strengthened under the draft act. Also, registration procedures for new businesses would be toughened to prevent offending operators from closing shop and reopening under a different name. Anake Srishevachart, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, said operators objected to the stiff measures and have asked the government to suspend the process. He said they disagreed with the harsher punishments that include two years' imprisonment for misconduct, and they questioned the fund's transparency.
Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post