A South Korean man was arrested on June 24, 2025, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, after authorities discovered he was illegally operating a Korean fried chicken food truck while on a tourist visa.
Tourist police conducted an inspection near a shopping center in Chiang Mai following reports that a foreigner was selling food without the required permits. Surveillance confirmed the activity, and officers detained the man while he was serving customers from his food truck.
Investigators said the man admitted to entering Thailand as a tourist and acknowledged that he lacked a valid work permit. According to police, he previously owned a restaurant in South Korea and received training in Korean fried chicken preparation. He partnered with local Thai acquaintances to launch the mobile business, which reportedly gained popularity among local consumers.
Authorities have charged the individual with violating labor laws under the Royal Decree on Foreign Workers Management. He has been handed over to San Sai Police Station for further legal processing.
The case reflects the increasing appeal of Korean food culture in Thailand, especially among younger Thais. Korean culinary franchises and dishes have become widespread across Thai urban areas, adding to the broader cultural influence of South Korea in the country.
Officials noted that the public can report cases of illegal employment by tourists via the Tourist Police hotline at 1155 or through the Thailand Tourist Police mobile app. The arrest followed coordinated enforcement to ensure foreign nationals comply with Thai labor regulations.
