Pattaya —
A group of foreign nationals has been accused by locals in Pattaya of allegedly operating a scam ring targeting foreign tourists.
According to local media reports, the gang operates primarily at the Made in Thailand Night Plaza located on Pattaya’s Second Road but also can be found near the Avenue Shopping Mall and on Beach Road. The foreign men, described as possibly Pakistani or Middle Eastern and mostly younger men, would typically approach tourists, often posing as friendly local expats, and engage them in conversation before trying to sell their dubious products such as herbal remedies for weight loss, beauty treatments, or hair growth to the tourists.
Mr. Abdul, a 50-year-old Thai motorbike taxi driver in the area in question, stated that the gang would then lure the unsuspecting victims to secluded areas or their nearby office to complete the transactions. The gang has over 20-30 members who take turns loitering at both the inner and outer areas of the market, looking for unsuspecting tourists to target, said Abdul.
Mr. Abdul claimed that he learned certain victims have reported losing large sums of money from thousands to over tens of thousands of baht. The gang has also been observed allegedly engaging in pickpocketing activities, the driver said.
Concerned citizens are calling on local police to take action and urging tourists to exercise caution and avoid engaging with friendly strangers offering suspicious products or services. The concerned citizens are also asking police to check the visas and work permits of the group in question and also check the products they are selling to determine if they are legally taxed, registered, and licensed by the Thai FDA, as well as if the men have a proper business registration and licence.
The Pattaya News notes we have had several reports from our readers of similar behaviour. One particular reader, who asked for his name to be withheld, said he was approached near the Avenue Shopping Mall by a man he thought was Middle Eastern. The man commented on the readers weight and said he knew a great product to immediately help him lose weight.
The reader decided to play along and intially was taken to a 7-11, according to his report, where a low cost product available over the shelf was shown, with the tout appearing to act like he was just a friend and just helping out. However, at this point, the tout told the reader that he had a product that could give much better weight loss results but they had to go to an office nearby. The tout allegedly quoted the product as being 2000 Baht. The reader then declined and sent us a report at The Pattaya News.
Another reader also had a story for us, saying he was walking on Pattaya Beach near Central Mall recently early in the evening when a young, thin, middle eastern man in a button down shirt and jeans approached him and said he noticed the reader had some skin problems and that he could get him a product to immediately clear it up. The reader declined and sent us a report, concerned that the product may not have been licensed and that the seller may not have been legitimate.
Have you been approached by this group? E-mail us at Editor@thepattayanews.com and let us know.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=–=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Help support The Pattaya News in 2024!
Need medical or travel insurance for your trip to Thailand? We can help!
