Immigration officers in Chonburi have arrested a Pakistani national allegedly acting as a broker in a herbal product scam targeting tourists in Pattaya, following an operation linked to earlier arrests. The suspect is accused of facilitating sales of products promoted with exaggerated claims, including “hair up-belly down”, at a newly opened shop in the city. He now faces charges of working outside his permitted rights in Thailand.
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Background: On 19 June 2569, Immigration Bureau Chonburi previously detained six Pakistani suspects during a crackdown on the same network selling herbal products with misleading advertising aimed at foreign tourists. The operation focused on a group using street solicitation tactics around Pattaya, approaching visitors described as overweight or bald and encouraging them to enter a shop at the Runway Market on Pattaya Second Road. Officers said the group had recently expanded operations to a new outlet in the same area.
Police continued surveillance and intelligence-led monitoring after concerns that the network was still active despite earlier arrests. Officers observed individuals attempting to draw in foreign tourists using targeted approaches based on appearance. Authorities said the activity was considered damaging to the city’s tourism image, prompting ongoing enforcement action.
Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง
The arrested man was identified as Muhammad Ibrahim, 37, a Pakistani national. Investigators found he was receiving a 20 per cent commission, amounting to 1,600 baht, for his role in bringing customers into the shop. Inside the premises, two Thai women were reportedly responsible for selling and managing operations. Initial denials from staff were later withdrawn after evidence was presented. Police also confirmed the suspect held a 90 day visa and was linked to employment with a company in Bangkok.
He was charged with being a foreign national working beyond the scope of his authorised permissions and taken to Pattaya Immigration for further questioning before being handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing to examine possible links to wider networks operating in the area and assessing compliance with immigration and labour regulations.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 25 June 2026