Bangkok: A swift operation at Suvarnabhumi Airport led to the arrest of an illegal tour operator responsible for abandoning 150 pilgrims who were planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, resulting in damages surpassing 4 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Puek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, instructed a team including Pol. Col. Man Rotthong, Pol. Col. Monporn Likhitmanon, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Bukuntos, and Pol. Lt. Col. Seksan Thiruangrat to investigate complaints from tourists. These tourists alleged that their arranged tour for a pilgrimage and sightseeing in Saudi Arabia did not adhere to the promised schedule.
The investigation, conducted in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, revealed that the tourists had booked a tour from July 3-13, 2026, with a company based in Narathiwat province, each paying 25,000 baht. The trip was planned for 10 nights and 11 days. Mr. Madhasuran Mammu, 49, was identified as the individual who organized the itinerary and communicated with the tourists, instructing them to convene at Suvarnabhumi Airport. On July 3, 2026, upon their arrival and inquiry about the flight, the tourists discovered no booking had been made and realized they had fallen victim to a scam. Tourist police assisted in filing a report at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station, with damages exceeding 4 million baht affecting 150 victims.
Following the investigation, Mr. Mudhasuran Mammu was apprehended at Gate 8, 4th floor, Departures area of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Operating an unregistered tour company, he offered pilgrimage programs at undervalued prices, misleading tourists into booking trips which ultimately did not materialize. During questioning, he confessed, citing financial inadequacies as the reason for his failure to deliver on the promised tours. He was subsequently charged by the arresting officers.
Mr. Mudhasuran Mammu faces charges for operating a tour business without a license, an offense carrying a penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 baht. He was transferred to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further legal actions.