Following reports circulating on social media of foreign tourists being overcharged by a karaoke bar in Chiang Mai, police expressed concern over the incident and ordered Muang Chiang Mai Police Station to expedite investigations and take decisive legal action against all parties involved, citing damage to Chiang Mai’s tourism reputation and the level of public attention the case had drawn.
The investigation found that the establishment agreed to fully refund the foreign tourists, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome and did not wish to pursue further action. Police nonetheless found evidence of legal violations and filed the following charges:
1. Operating an entertainment venue without authorisation from the relevant officials
2. Selling alcoholic beverages beyond legally permitted hours
3. A proposal to close the establishment for five years
Police Colonel Pratya Thisala said that Muang Chiang Mai Police Station, together with Chiang Mai Tourist Police, has been conducting ongoing enforcement and holds monthly meetings with local service business operators to reinforce compliance with the law, with particular emphasis on the clear, transparent and fair display of service rates, and a prohibition on exploiting or overcharging tourists and the public, in order to protect Chiang Mai’s tourism reputation.
Despite this, violations continue to occur, prompting strict legal enforcement to prevent similar cases. On the issue of tuk-tuk services, Muang Chiang Mai Police Station will also organise the local tuk-tuk sector, calling on the tuk-tuk association and independent drivers in the area to attend meetings reinforcing proper service conduct, including a prohibition on directing tourists to service venues without their consent, alongside continued cooperation across all sectors to build confidence in safety and support Chiang Mai’s image as an international tourist destination.
