The president of the Indian Association of Pattaya has filed a police complaint after a Pakistani man allegedly exposed himself while filming an awareness campaign about suspected herbal medicine scams targeting tourists in Pattaya. The incident occurred on June 16, 2026, and has drawn renewed attention to complaints involving foreign tourists allegedly being pressured into purchasing expensive herbal products.
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Lakshman Singh, president of the Indian Association of Pattaya, reported the matter to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station at about 9pm. He said the incident occurred while he was recording a video warning Indian tourists about alleged herbal medicine sales tactics operating in the city. Police later summoned both parties for questioning and fined Pakistani national Mr Tario, aged 30, 2,000 baht for insulting another person in public before releasing him.
While journalists were covering the case at the police station, a Bangladeshi tourist arrived to report that he had lost more than 10,000 baht after being approached by a group of Pakistani men near Pattaya Beach. Through an interpreter, the tourist said the group claimed they could help reduce abdominal fat and improve physical performance through herbal remedies.
The tourist stated that, despite repeatedly refusing, he was surrounded by several men and felt unsafe. He was persuaded to buy honey from a convenience store before being taken to a herbal medicine shop, where products were demonstrated and mixed in front of him. He eventually paid the requested amount because he feared for his safety.
Journalists later accompanied the tourist to the shop to verify the complaint. The premises were screened with opaque boards and displayed signs prohibiting photography. Two Thai women were working inside, while several Pakistani men were seen outside but quickly dispersed when the journalists and the tourist arrived.
When questioned, some staff declined to comment. One female employee later acknowledged that Pakistani nationals typically approached tourists in beach and tourist areas before directing them to the shop, where herbal products were offered at high prices. She also stated that the business was owned by a Pakistani man whose wife is Thai.
Following discussions, the shop agreed to refund 8,000 baht, stating that deductions had been made because the original payment was in euros. The tourist said he accepted the partial refund and wanted to return home as soon as possible. He added that he had planned to stay in Pattaya for one week but decided to fly back to Bangladesh the following day because he no longer felt safe.
Investigators familiar with the matter said similar complaints had been reported previously by Indian and other foreign tourists, with losses ranging from tens of thousands of baht to more than 100,000 baht.
Authorities are expected to continue examining the allegations, including the activities of intermediaries, the herbal products being sold, the source of the goods and whether the business is operating in compliance with Thai law.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 18 June 2026
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