Investigations in Phuket focus on use of yacht charter firms as frontsA marine police patrol boat approaches a yacht off Mai Khao in Phuket to arrest a German skipper accused of running unlicensed 11‑day Andaman tours. (Photo: Phuket marine police)PHUKET - A German skipper has been arrested on a yacht off Mai Khao beach for allegedly running unlicensed tours in the Andaman Sea, Phuket marine police said on Friday. On board, they found six German tourists and a man identified as Markus Wilhelm, 50, acting as skipper. Pol Lt Col Wissanu said Mr Wilhelm was unable to produce a tour‑business licence or the vessel’s operating papers. Police are gathering additional information to pursue checks and arrests of other operators engaged in similar activities, Pol Lt Col Wissanu said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 13, 2026 12:13 UTC