The bill, which covers travel-agency operations and tour guides, is now under consideration by the National Legislative Assembly.

Enacted in 1994, it was revised in 2002.

PTGA president Wirote Sitaprasertnand said after the group's meeting yesterday that the law now needed to be improved in response to changes in the business environment.

Many tour operators and guides are illegal, causing major trouble for the tourism industry, he said.

The new Act should ensure that tourism services meet quality standards by increasing punishment for unlicensed operators.

The bill stipulates that tour operators must give their customers a receipt for each tourism service.

They may only hire tour guides and tour leaders who are registered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

"The draft also adds more measures to protect both tourists and operators," Wirote said.

For example, tourists will be required to carry their itineraries with them.

The PTGA has 1,000 registered tour guides from across the country as members. More than 10,000 tour guides reportedly hold valid licences from the TAT out of the more than 30,000 estimated to be actually working here.

After the meeting, Tourism Minister Suvit Yodmani said he had ordered tour operators to draw up a list of their foreign partners as a way to protect international visitors from any cheats.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation