A rogue tour operator is being probed by police for allegedly leaving a Thai family stranded on a nightmare holiday trip in China.

Tour company Me Fuen Tour Co Ltd was said to have fleeced the family of 16 out of 700,000 baht (16,629 GBP) by selling a non-existent travel package to China's 'Ice City' Harbin in Heilongjiang province.

The offer promised flights, hotels, transport services, entry fees, and travel insurance, but the tourists were left to pay of pocket when the services never materialised.

Tourist Police launched an investigation on January 17 following a report from one of the victims, Chonchanok.

They found that the company was selling tour packages despite lacking a valid license.

Authorities are now coordinating with the Department of Tourism to charge the rogue operator with 'running a tour business without a license', which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both, in addition to charges of public fraud.

Chonchanok, said she had booked the travel deal for her family, including a toddler and five school children, to enjoy the New Year holiday in the Chinese winter wonderland from December 28 to January 2.

But problems arose right from the start, when she found no flights had been booked for them at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport near Bangkok.

Chonchanok said she shelled out 200,000 baht (4,751 GBP) just for the trip to continue.

The family faced similar issues upon arriving in Beijing, causing them to miss connecting flights to Harbin. They also had to book a van as their driver left, claiming he had not been paid by the tour operator.

Entrance tickets were also unavailable, causing the family to miss visits to tourist attractions altogether.

Chonchanok added that the kids were 'left to sleep in freezing temperatures' as hotels in the city were fully booked.

Footage shows the tourists bundled up in thick winter coats as they rested in the hallway, waiting for a room to become available.

Chonchanok said: 'The children had to sleep in the hallway outside the hotel in the freezing cold. I felt so sorry for them and my family. Instead of resting, they had to deal with problems and barely slept at all throughout the trip.'

Amid the onslaught of problems, she repeatedly asked about return flights before the company eventually admitted that return tickets had not been booked.

The family eventually returned to Thailand on separate flights, before Chonchanok lodged a complaint with police.

She said: 'This issue is not just about getting a refund, but also about preventing the tour company from doing this to others again. My family saved money to take our loved ones on a trip, but instead we faced stress, pressure, and fear throughout the journey, turning it into a nightmare instead of a pleasant memory.'

The company has reportedly promised to give a refund, but Chonchanok said she has not received any compensation to date.

Harbin is famous for its annual Ice and Snow Festival featuring massive illuminated ice sculptures and winter attractions, earning it the title 'Ice City'.