A South Korean man was arrested for allegedly working as an illegal tour guide in Thailand.

The suspect was reportedly spotted conducting unauthorised tours at a busy market in Pattaya on March 5.

Officers found him buying tickets, providing detailed information, and escorting visitors between attractions. After trailing him for an hour, they swooped, only to find there was no licensed guide present.

Investigations said that the man lacked a license to work in Thailand, and the tour company he was working with had already had its paperwork revoked.

Authorities detained the South Korean national to face legal charges.

Police Colonel Man Rotthong, Chief of Investigation for the Tourist Police Bureau, said: 'The suspect faces four charges: conducting tour business without proper authorization, working as an unlicensed tour guide, working as a foreigner without proper work permits, and violating immigration employment regulations.

'After being formally charged and informed of his rights, he was transferred to Nong Prue Police Station for further legal proceedings.'

Under Thailand's Foreign Employment Act, tourists are banned from working in dozens of occupations including tour guiding, labour work, agriculture, and hairdressing. They are also prohibited from working in the country without a valid permit.

Violators may be fined 5,000 to 50,000 THB (120 to 1,200 GBP) and may face deportation to their home country. They will also be banned from seeking a Thai work permit for two years.

While Thai employers may be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per illegal employee.  Repeat violators face up to one year in jail, a steeper fine of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per illegal worker, and a three-year ban from hiring foreigners.