Bangkok: The Ministry of Tourism is set to implement rigorous inspections on shops exploiting tourists, aiming to address rising concerns over the impact on confidence in Thai tourism. Ms. Natthariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has instructed relevant agencies to carry out stringent inspections of tourism operators in response to reported cases of tourist exploitation, which have negatively influenced confidence in Thai tourism. She highlighted the necessity of monitoring service prices and standards to ensure they comply with regulations and to address these issues promptly.

According to Thai News Agency, on January 9, 2026, both Thai and Italian tourists raised complaints about exorbitant food prices at a restaurant located in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi Province. The complaints centered around an omelet priced at 400 baht and fried rice costing 1,400 baht, with the total bill exceeding 6,000 baht. The restaurant owner justified the high prices by citing elevated costs and boat commission fees. In response, the Provincial Commerce Office instructed the restaurant to reduce its prices and initiated an investigation into its cost structure.

Additionally, the issue of overpriced tour boat services emerged, linked to the transition process between hired vehicles and piers. Consequently, the Permanent Secretary has directed the Department of Tourism to work alongside the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Interior, and local agencies to swiftly investigate the matter, prevent its recurrence, and take firm action against those found to be in violation.