Thailand charges tour companies over Chinese tourist scams

Friday, 28 Nov, 2016 0

Thailand has filed charges against a number of tour companies over scam practices targeting Chinese tourists.

Local media reported the companies made up to $2.7 million through scams, mostly related to notorious ‘zero dollar’ tours.

Prosecutors charged a total of 13 people from seven different Thai tour operators.

There companies are OA Transport Co, Royal Gems International Co, Thai Herb Co, Bangkok Handicraft Centre Co, Royal Paradise Co and Baan Kanom Thongthip Co.

"They are charged with organised crime offences, joint money laundering and illegally running tourist operations without permission," deputy national police spokesman Colonel Krissana Pattanacharoen said.

"These scandals not only impact the country’s economy it also impacts our reputation. In turn we expect to receive more quality tourists coming in, not just Chinese but other nationalities too."

All charges related to activities that took place between March 24 and Aug 31.

Thai authorites have since taken measures to crack down on zero dollar tours by imposing mandatory minimum prices for package tour groups.

The zero dollar tours were promoted at very low prices or even below cost. Tourists were then forced to shop at certain stores at inflated prices, sometimes under the threat of verbal or physical abuse.

Tour guides were then able to command big commissions from the stores.

Prosecutors said the trial will begin on January 20, 2017.

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TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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