Tourist police and transport officials have launched a crackdown on illegal passenger services at Chiang Mai’s popular Bua Tong Waterfall, better known to foreign visitors as the Sticky Waterfall.
Officials from Tourist Police, Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Office, the Northern Thailand branch of the Tourism Business Registrar and Bua Tong–Jed Si National Park carried out an inspection on the afternoon of August 24 following complaints that large numbers of private vehicles were being used to transport tourists for hire.
Authorities found vans and private cars being used to carry passengers despite not being registered as public transport vehicles. Officials said the practice gives operators an unfair cost advantage over legitimate businesses and could leave passengers with reduced legal protection and compensation rights in the event of an accident.
More than 50 operators were fined for using vehicles in violation of their registered classification. Authorities also arrested one tour guide accused of violating Thailand’s Tourism Business and Guide Act and initiated legal proceedings.
Officials said inspections will continue at major tourist attractions to improve visitor safety and ensure fair competition for businesses operating legally.
Tourists are being urged to use licensed transport services and legally registered tour companies to ensure they are properly protected under Thai law.
