A group of foreign nationals has been accused by locals in Pattaya of allegedly operating a scam targeting foreign tourists. According to local media, the gang primarily operates at the Made in Thailand Night Plaza on Pattaya’s Second Road, but they can also be found near the Avenue Shopping Mall and on Beach Road. The foreign men, described as possibly Pakistani or Middle Eastern and mostly younger, typically approach tourists, often posing as friendly local expats. They engage tourists in conversation before attempting to sell dubious products such as herbal remedies for weight loss, beauty treatments, or hair growth.
Mr. Abdul, a 50-year-old Thai motorbike taxi driver in the area, stated that the gang lures unsuspecting victims to secluded areas or their nearby office to complete transactions. Abdul reported that the gang has over 20-30 members who take turns loitering in both the inner and outer areas of the market, looking for unsuspecting tourists. He claimed that certain victims have reported losing large sums of money, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of baht. Additionally, the gang has been observed allegedly engaging in pickpocketing.
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. They are also asking police to check the visas and work permits of the group in question and to verify if the products they are selling are legally taxed, registered, and licensed by the Thai FDA, as well as if the men have proper business registration and licenses.
