PATTAYA, Thailand – An Indian association chief filmed a warning against herbal scams and witnessed a man exposing himself, only for a Bangladeshi tourist to report losing over 10,000 Baht to the same scheme shortly after.
Entblößung während Aufklärungsvideo
Lakshman Singh, the President of the Indian Association of Pattaya, filed a police report on the evening of June 16. He had been recording a video to alert Indian tourists about alleged herbal medicine scams. During this filming, a 30-year-old Pakistani man, identified as Mr. Tario, reportedly exposed himself to the camera. Police summoned both parties for questioning.
Bußgeld und Freilassung
Authorities fined Mr. Tario 2,000 Baht for public indecency. Upon payment, the man was released, and the case initially appeared concluded. However, the situation took another turn shortly thereafter.
Bangladeschischer Tourist verliert über 10.000 Baht
While journalists were at the police station, a tourist from Bangladesh arrived to report a loss exceeding 10,000 Baht. He stated that a group of Pakistani men approached him on Pattaya Beach, promising to help reduce belly fat and enhance physical performance with herbal products.
Umzingelt und unter Druck gesetzt
The tourist repeatedly declined their offers but was surrounded by several men, making him feel unsafe and fearful for his well-being. The group then pressured him into buying honey at a supermarket before leading him to a herbal shop, where products were mixed in front of him.
Teilrückerstattung im abgeschirmten Laden
Journalists accompanied the distressed tourist to the shop. The premises were covered with opaque boards, and signs prohibited photography. Inside, two Thai women were working, while several Pakistani men outside vanished immediately upon the group’s arrival.
Laden zahlt 8.000 Baht zurück
Following negotiations, the shop agreed to refund 8,000 Baht. The Pakistani owner, married to a Thai woman, cited the initial payment in Euros as the reason for the deduction. An employee confirmed the scam, explaining that Pakistani individuals solicit tourists in beach areas and guide them to the shop to sell herbal products at inflated prices.
Tourist bricht Urlaub ab
Although the Bangladeshi tourist accepted the partial refund, he expressed his intention to return home immediately. Originally planning a week-long stay in Pattaya, he decided to fly back a day earlier, stating his sense of security had been shattered and he no longer felt comfortable in the city.
Zehntausende Baht Schaden bei früheren Fällen
Investigators are familiar with such complaints, as Indian and other foreign tourists have previously reported losses ranging from tens of thousands to over 100,000 Baht. Authorities are now scrutinizing the activities of the facilitators, the origin of the herbal products, and the overall legality of the business operations.