Picture this: A bustling Saturday in Pravet, Bangkok, at the Pravet police station, no less! No, it’s not a new tourist attraction or a bustling street market; in fact, it’s a crowd of frustrated badminton enthusiasts, seeking justice after a highly anticipated tournament vanished into thin air. The common say-so? It’s organized by none other than Tonson 99, the same folks behind the infamous ‘phantom marathon’ at Suan Luang Rama IX Park the previous month.
But let’s rewind a bit. It was the 3rd of June when this badminton brouhaha gathered steam. The tournament, which had captured the excitement of 86 avid shuttlers, was meant to take place at a Rangsit venue. Each participant shelled out between 1,600 to 1,800 baht, already dreaming about the courts they were going to conquer. Adding a bit of sparkle and shine, the organizers dangled shiny incentives: backpacks, T-shirts, badminton rackets, sleek smartwatches, and even lunch. Oh, just imagine!
However, there was a not-so-trivial catch. As someone might nervously say at a makeshift meet-up of the Deceived and Deflected: “The best laid plans…” The grand sporting event was called off. There were no shuttlecock smashes, no adrenaline-charged cheers. And the prize galore? Just words left hanging in the air. Though refunds were promised by June 1, for most attendees, their ticket to the badminton showdown turned into mere stubs of disappointment.
Joining the deflated shuttlers was Tankhun Jitissara, the valiant president of the Santiprachatham Club, vigorously waving the flag of justice. Together, they lodged a formal complaint against Tonson 99, a name now met with hisses of distrust. The collective damage? A hefty 100,000 baht and more if you factor in crushed hopes.
Furthermore, this tale is a sequel better not on Netflix but in life’s lessons of caution. In a script déjà vu, traces of déjà rackets flailed in May, when the same organizers left a horde of marathoners stranded alongside dew-soaked foliage at Suan Luang Rama IX Park. Refunds were again promised, but the delivery was lighter than a feather shuttlecock sailing into oblivion.
The post-cancellation efforts by the organizers were a chapter straight out of “How to Graciously Exit an Awkward Situation”. Emails were sent, proof of payment magically requested, and promises remade with the flourish of a magician stirring up silence. Yet, chirping echoes in group chats turned the promises into jesters’ punchlines. Those fortunate enough to grab fleeting refunds promptly hit the leave button — modern-day escape artists in a digital masquerade of sorts.
Tonson 99’s stately excuse was something right out of a suspense flick: frozen company accounts, like the heart of Everest minus the thrill, only to be followed by veiled reassurances of undisclosed funds waiting in the wings. Yet, the cash vaults remained unyielding, their whispered promise unheard over mounting inquiries.
The plot thickens as law enforcement steps into the scene, script in hand, as they assess if this comedy of errors borders on criminal fraud or is just an epic saga of mismanagement. And if event planners who twirl promises before letting them fizzle aimlessly is something you’ve relished out of desperate curiosity, well, they’ve laid themselves to bare under investigations into their promotional tactics. Yes, they might have tickled the wary feathers of the Computer Crimes Act!
The lessons are clear, though as bittersweet as a shuttlecock that swings slightly out. Athletes, fans, and enthusiasts: keep your eyes wide open, as vigilance lets you stay two birdies ahead of potential dupes. Sporting events should be a carnival of skill, talent, and camaraderie — not a callous conga where the dance floor vanishes just as the music starts to play.
As for us, let’s press on with the spirit of good sportsmanship and demand a more honest game ahead. Because when it comes to the love of the game, we should all rally for truth!
This is absolutely disheartening! How can Tonson 99 get away with scamming everyone again? This is a huge blow to the credibility of sports events in Bangkok.
It’s not just in Bangkok. Event frauds are happening everywhere. People need to be more cautious and verify the details before signing up.
True, but we trusted them because they seemed legit. It’s like they prey on our passion for sports. We need stricter regulations to prevent this.
Does anyone know if they have a history of frauds outside of the marathon and badminton tournament?
From what I read, they might be involved in other scams too. It’s a small network but very effective at deception.
I even heard they did a fake soccer tournament last year, but it didn’t get as much media attention.
Honestly, folks should have seen this coming after the marathon event flopped. If it smells fishy, don’t bite. That’s my two cents.
Easier said than done, Larry. These events seemed legit; they had promotional stuff and everything. It’s not just about instinct.
Right! People like me, who are not experts, get easily duped by flashy promises.
As a badminton enthusiast, this is a major slap in the face. Who is organizing these events? A thorough investigation is needed!
I read law enforcement is already involved. Hopefully, there will be some accountability soon.
Let’s hope so, Olivia. But knowing how these things go… it might take a while. Stay vigilant everyone.
This situation is precisely why I prefer to play at local clubs rather than big commercial events. Less chance of getting scammed.
But then you miss out on the community feel and competitiveness of larger events. There’s got to be a way to ensure safety.
I agree with sportsfanatic007. We can’t limit ourselves because of fear. There has to be a balanced choice.
These crooks are making our love for sports a nightmare. Why can’t these event planners be more transparent and reliable?
It’s all about quick money for some people, sadly. We can only hope others follow a more ethical path.
Has anyone managed to recover their money? I’m curious if any legal action has actually led to refunds.
I did hear some got their refunds, but it was a long and tedious process with lots of back-and-forth. Many just gave up.
So disheartening. It’s instances like these that make me wary to join any new sporting events.
Agreed. Hope the organizers face consequences for their actions.
The authorities should ban this organization from holding any future events. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
Exactly, but they seem to keep slipping through the cracks. It’s frustrating.
I say, if legal ways don’t work, we need to take our protests online! Raise awareness so others don’t fall prey.
Social media could definitely expose them. Force the issue into the public eye.
Can’t believe more people didn’t question this scam sooner. I wouldn’t pay for any event without heavily vetting the organizers first.
That’s a wise approach. Everyone should take notes!