Authorities in Surat Thani, Thailand, have apprehended six individuals – three men and three women – for allegedly orchestrating a 27-million-baht overseas tour scam. According to Surat Thani police chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu Chamnanrat, the suspects were detained at their office in Phun Phin district on Sunday.
The arrests came after 99 locals lodged complaints, stating that they had purchased tour packages for trips to Japan and Europe from the scammers’ company but never embarked on the promised journeys. As a result, the complainants claimed to have collectively spent about 27 million baht on the seemingly fraudulent travel deals. The accused individuals, ranging in age from 40 to 60, hail from Phun Phin, Ban Ta Khun, and Kanchanadit districts.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu divulged that the suspects set up their company in early 2020, promoting attractively priced tour packages on Facebook. They lured unsuspecting victims by claiming that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) subsidized their offers. As a consequence, numerous local residents took advantage of what they believed were affordable travel opportunities.
Investigators discovered that the scammers had offered several tour packages at incredibly low prices. For instance, a ten-day European tour, which included accommodations and airfare, was priced at just 9,900 baht – far below the typical cost of such trips. Similarly, a six-day trip to Japan cost an astonishingly low 5,500 baht.
Preying on the desire of Thai citizens to explore the world at an affordable price, the fraudsters operated by collecting the victims’ payments and then providing them with bogus travel documents. When the departures dates approached, the company would inform clients that the trip had been postponed due to various issues, such as passport problems, flight cancellations, or other unforeseen challenges. Despite this, the victims were continuously reassured that their long-awaited travels would take place – a promise that never came to fruition.
Reacting to the situation, Surat Thani police are urging the public to exercise caution when booking trips online, emphasizing that it is essential to verify the legitimacy of travel agencies and offers before committing to a purchase. This could be done by researching the company or agent, checking their registration with the relevant authorities, or even consulting with past customers to ensure that they have indeed delivered on their promises.
As the investigation into the fraudulent tour operation continues, the six suspects are currently in police custody. Authorities are urging anyone who has fallen victim to this scam or any other travel-related deception to report it, as doing so could aid in tracking down and apprehending those responsible for such criminal acts.
Be First to Comment