A short number that tells you whether anyone is actually accountable.
What is a tat license and why does it matter? It is the tour operator licence required to run travel and tour businesses in Thailand, issued under the regulatory framework associated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It indicates that the company is a registered legal entity, operating within Thai regulations, with the financial guarantee and insurance obligations that come with it. For travellers, the practical value is accountability: there is a verifiable company behind the booking and a route to complain. Ours is License No. 34/02294.
What the licence actually is
Thailand’s tour operator licence
Travel and tour businesses in Thailand require an operating licence issued under the country’s tourism regulatory framework. Travellers and the industry commonly refer to it as a ‘TAT licence’ after the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It is not a quality rating or a service award. It is confirmation that the business is a registered legal entity, operating within Thai regulations, and has met the financial guarantee requirements the framework sets.
What the number looks like
The licence number is formatted as two numeric parts separated by a slash — ours is 34/02294 — with the first part generally relating to the region of registration. You should expect to see it displayed on the operator’s website, printed materials and booking confirmations.
Why it matters to travellers
What you actually get
- An accountable party that can be traced if something goes wrong
- A real legal entity rather than an individual who can disappear
- Financial guarantees as required by the regulations
- Regulatory compliance, including on safety and insurance obligations
- A complaints route to the regulating authority
- Licensed guides where the rules require them
For marine activities and transport, the difference between a licensed and unlicensed operator is more than paperwork.
What the licence does not guarantee
Being straight about the limits
A licence is a minimum standard, not a mark of excellence. A licensed company can still deliver a mediocre tour, a weak guide, or a poorly organised programme. What the licence tells you is that a registered, traceable business stands behind the booking — which is a necessary foundation rather than the whole picture. Judge service quality separately, using local knowledge, clarity of documentation and how they answer questions. See our guide to judging tour company reviews.
Where licensing matters most
Marine tours and transport
Boat tours are where the distinction is sharpest. A licensed operator means an insured vessel, life jackets for every passenger, and — crucially — a weather policy that is actually applied. A licensed company will cancel or reschedule when conditions are unsafe, because it carries the liability for not doing so. Unlicensed beachfront sellers offering prices well below market are a risk on both the money and the safety side. See our weather cancellation guide and private van safety guide.
How to check it
A simple process
- Ask for the licence number before discussing payment
- Ask for the registered company name alongside it
- Check whether the number is displayed on the website and documents
- Make sure it appears on your booking confirmation
- If anything seems inconsistent, verify with the regulating authority
Official destination information is published by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Ask for these alongside it
The licence alone isn’t enough
| What to request | Why |
|---|---|
| TAT licence number | Confirms registration and regulation |
| Registered company name | Ties the licence to a real entity |
| Business address | Verifiable and traceable |
| Written confirmation | Evidence of what was agreed |
| Cancellation policy | Know your position before paying |
| Contact during your stay | Someone to call when plans change |
All six should be available before you transfer any money.
See the full vetting process in our trusted travel agent guide.
For corporate and group bookings
Where procurement teams care most
For corporate trips, conferences and incentive programmes, licence verification carries more weight because larger numbers, bigger budgets and duty of care to employees are involved. Many procurement and legal teams require the licence number and evidence of insurance before contracting, which is the correct approach. See our incentive organiser guide and DMC guide.
Our licence details
Verifiable information
- TAT License No. 34/02294
- Held by True Design Holidays Co., Ltd.
- Office in Kathu, Phuket
- More than 15 years operating in Phuket and the Andaman
- Direct operator, not a reseller from elsewhere
Read more about our company or contact our team.
Frequently asked questions
What is a TAT license?
It’s the operating licence required for travel and tour businesses in Thailand, issued under the country’s tourism regulatory framework and commonly named after the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It confirms a company is registered and regulated.
Why does a TAT license matter?
Because it means there’s an accountable, traceable legal entity behind your booking, with the financial guarantees and insurance obligations the regulations require, plus a complaints route to the regulating authority.
Does a TAT license guarantee good service?
No. It’s a minimum standard, not a mark of excellence — a licensed company can still deliver a mediocre tour. Judge service quality separately through local knowledge, clear documentation and how they answer your questions.
What does a TAT license number look like?
Two numeric parts separated by a slash, such as 34/02294, with the first part generally relating to the region of registration. It should be displayed on the operator’s website, materials and booking confirmations.
How do I check a TAT license?
Ask for the number and registered company name before discussing payment, check it’s displayed publicly, make sure it appears on your booking confirmation, and verify with the regulating authority if anything seems inconsistent.
Why does licensing matter most for boat tours?
Because a licensed operator means an insured vessel, life jackets for every passenger, and a weather policy that’s actually applied — they cancel or reschedule when conditions are unsafe, because they carry the liability.
Check before you pay
Prices, programmes and terms change with the season. To protect both your money and your trip, ask for the TAT licence number and registered company name before paying, get written confirmation setting out what is and is not included, read the cancellation and weather policies before you transfer funds, and reconfirm prices and availability at the time of booking. Our licence is TAT No. 34/02294, held by True Design Holidays Co., Ltd.
Plan your trip with Phuket Thailand Travel
Phuket Thailand Travel is operated by True Design Holidays Co., Ltd., a TAT-licensed travel agency (License No. 34/02294) based in Kathu, Phuket, with more than 15 years of experience as a TAT-licensed travel agency and ground operator in Phuket, handling tours, transfers, packages and groups.
- Address: 113/297, Soi 10, M A, 7 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu, Phuket 83120
- Phone: +66 (0) 96 469 0456 · WhatsApp · LINE
- Next step: browse our tours and packages or contact our team