South African Family's Phuket Holiday Nightmare

[ThaiMouse]

Do you really expect anyone to believe this was anything other than a blatant scam?

Just an extra bit of not so well known information. Standard Bank, Nedbank, First National Bank and ABSA Bank, all have Thailand and Malaysia Number One Black Listed for credit card Fraud and scams. I am South African so I do have intimate knowledge for this.

I have also lived on Phuket for five years.

Just so you know.

[jackr]

A.T.M. was ok but now you lose what you gain, through 150 bht-Thai rip off,,,and admin-costs at your national bank. the best way is to have a bank here that only charges peanuts when you use an ATM, the problem is tourists do not have accounts here in general, so Dollars are not a big loser. DO NOT advertise your money to one and all--This IS Thailand.............. most countries have people who are experts in spotting weak tourists,

and especially here. But here the police are a private enterprise, expect anything anytime-do not flaunt what you have.

Despite the standard ATM charges (at home), banks use more favourable rates over exchanging cash. Tourists do, however, lose out with the 150 baht charge. In any case, the security and convenience of this method has to outweigh any loss.

[Jimi007]

Standard Bank of South Africa is not Standard Chartered bank.

Let me ask you this - if you are travelling to various countries which is the easiest currency to carry? USD is accepted everywhere. I learnt this in China where I tried to use GBP travellers cheques (in 2006) and found it nigh impossible to exchange them anywhere. I did use an ATM card as well but was limited to a ridiculously small amount every day. Try finding an ATM in Vietnam outside of main centres...

Another point - so what if ATM/Travellers cheques are the preferred method? Perhaps the guy is not as 'world-wise' as you claim to be, or perhaps he just had a whole stack of USD notes from a previous trip. Not everyone is as perfect as you mate, but that does not justify extorting money from them. Or are you siding with the corrupt lawyers and cops here?

Or are you just another keyboard warrior desperately trying to impress...

Fact: This is 2011. He was in Phuket, not Vietnam or anywhere else.The article states he changed to US Dollars for this trip at Rennies. To quote Nisa

Rennies Foreign Exchange, a division of BIDVest Bank Limited, comes in handy.They offer their clients many options to make traveling easier; you can choose from American Express Traveler's cheques, foreign currency, BIDVest Bank Cash Passport card (which works like a debit card), MoneyGram (for sending money abroad in 10 minutes), Draft cheques (to pay money into a foreign bank account), bank drafts and telegraphic transfers (for multinational corporates to transfer money to and from South Africa for events and traveling fees), and the Rand Travel Card (for visitors to South Africa, the card is preloaded and works like a debit card in South Africa). http://www.southafri...nies-Travel.php

And why should I take his word for anything? I've lived here in Phuket for six years and have never had a problem with the police here. Do a Google search; South African Man Phuket and read what little there is. I will refrain from calling you anything or trying to impress anyone... But I didn't know that South Africa had a banking system that is more stone aged than Thailand's.

I have no interest in Thai or SA bashing, but if we discuss facts:

1. Yes, he was in Thailand but nowhere does it say he did not travel to other countries.

2. Yes, he did exchange money at Rennies but no way of knowing if he had other dollars too.

3. Banking system inside SA is top quality; I worked for Barclays there in the early 80's and most electronic systems and ATMs were in place before many EU countries.

4. The foreign exchange laws in SA are stone-aged (but questionable whether moreso than Thai) and many SA people use USD cash (and gold coins) to avoid unwelcome attention from paranoid authorities.

I too have lived here 6+ years and also never had a problem with cops. I have, however heard of many cases both here on TV and through the Samui/KP/KT grapevine where naive and vulnerable tourists are scammed with the aid of the police. The jetski scams in Phuket are internationally famous, even making prime time viewing in the UK. What did the superb Phuket police do to stop this? Not to mention Tuk Tuks, bar mats and numerous other little cash earners.

Do you really expect anyone to believe this was anything other than a blatant scam?

The first line in the article was: "Gabriel Sequeira was finally united with his family weeks after their 10-day holiday in Phuket, Thailand turned sour." From that I gathered he was on a ten day trip to Phuket as it did not mention anywhere else. There are many articles lately about Tuk Tuks and jet skis and the ties they have to long time large landowner families that the local government doesn't seem to have the will or the power to go after. What can a few hundred police do against thousands of taxi/ tuk tuk drivers who vote? But what does this have to do with this man who claims he was scammed by police? I don't know anyone here that has been. And rumor, especially on TV is not fact. You can believe what you want, but I need more facts before I believe the police scammed this man.

[Daewoo]

I often carry in a few thousand in AUD. Change it to THB as I need it. By far the best way for me as withdrawing cash at an ATM with either of my cards is expensive.

I wonder if the subject is black, and if he is how much that had to do with the targeting and treatment.

[anteric]

if you receive falls dollars just take the next custermer and put the blame on him

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

[inquisitive]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You can see that you've never been in South Africa.It's very usual that you get a ticket and they chance all kind of money.Nothing unusual.You must be an idiot to bring Thai bahts because you get maybe 15 bahts for a dollar.Try to change bahts in Indonesia.You get 50% when you're lucky.

He was in Phuket <deleted>! There is an ATM at every 7-11. There are 7-11's everywhere! The guy was at a bank trying to change US Dollars. I guess he couldn't spend those here! Get a clue! I live in Phuket and I have figured it out!

So as I understand it, your point is that the fellow's mistake was in not calling you up for advice before he exchanged his money in SA. If he had, then you could have told him that there are LOTS of ATM's in the area of Phuket where he was heading, and all would have been fine. But are you quite sure that he didn't call and simply missed you? Perhaps you were in the loo when the call came? Surely his travel agency gave him the right number. Perhaps you'd like to call them back just to be sure the same problem won't happen again in the future.

Sheesh!

[Konini]

All of my family - young, middle aged and elderly - and their friends buy currency from the travel agent they book their holidays with in the UK. None of them want to use their ATM cards overseas. I've tried telling them how much they'll save, but it makes no difference.

Also, when we check into a hotel they usually swipe my credit card (without charging it, just to make sure I'm good for the money) and when we check out I pay in cash and am given the print out of the 'reserved' debit on my card. I usually take more than needed out of ATM's just in case, and paying the hotel bill in cash is (for me) a good way of getting rid of local currency before leaving a country.

Very odd that he had to pay the over-stay fee, especially as he would have got a 30 day stamp on arrival (I'm assuming he flew in). Maybe he paid it just to get out while he had the chance. Doubt we'll ever know what really happened.

[Jimi007]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You can see that you've never been in South Africa.It's very usual that you get a ticket and they chance all kind of money.Nothing unusual.You must be an idiot to bring Thai bahts because you get maybe 15 bahts for a dollar.Try to change bahts in Indonesia.You get 50% when you're lucky.

He was in Phuket <deleted>! There is an ATM at every 7-11. There are 7-11's everywhere! The guy was at a bank trying to change US Dollars. I guess he couldn't spend those here! Get a clue! I live in Phuket and I have figured it out!

So as I understand it, your point is that the fellow's mistake was in not calling you up for advice before he exchanged his money in SA. If he had, then you could have told him that there are LOTS of ATM's in the area of Phuket where he was heading, and all would have been fine. But are you quite sure that he didn't call and simply missed you? Perhaps you were in the loo when the call came? Surely his travel agency gave him the right number. Perhaps you'd like to call them back just to be sure the same problem won't happen again in the future.

Sheesh!

No... My point is carrying cash around can cause you problems... It may have caused his problem. There are banks everywhere here. Try doing a Google search or a bit of research before you leave on a trip to a foriegn country.

[ParadiseLost]

No... My point is carrying cash around can cause you problems... It may have caused his problem. There are banks everywhere here. Try doing a Google search or a bit of research before you leave on a trip to a foriegn country.

If you do proper research into scams and corruption before visiting Thailand you will never come here...

I do agree with you about carrying cash, but that still does not justify being fleeced by anyone.

[Orgathai]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

ever tried to get Thai bath outside Thailand??

[Cuban]

. But a New Zealander introduced to him as a tourism police officer and one of the few officials who could speak English, told him it was safe to sign the document as it was “just a formality”.

Unbeknown to Sequeira, by signing the statement he was acknowledging guilt.

With all due respect to the upright and law abiding Kiwi Tourist Police Volunteer that appears to have lied to the gentleman from South Africa, does anyone else consider this another nail in the coffin of their credibility?

[fxe1200]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You bring USD or EUROS to Thailand and change them here, because if you change them at home, you will get a very bad exchange rate.

That does make sense!

[Jimi007]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You bring USD or EUROS to Thailand and change them here, because if you change them at home, you will get a very bad exchange rate.

That does make sense!

You bring travelers checks and an ATM card and you can't get into the trouble you can carrying cash. Makes even more sense!

[Nisa]

If you do proper research into scams and corruption before visiting Thailand you will never come here...

Unless you are from South Africa

[Nisa]

. But a New Zealander introduced to him as a tourism police officer and one of the few officials who could speak English, told him it was safe to sign the document as it was "just a formality".

Unbeknown to Sequeira, by signing the statement he was acknowledging guilt.

With all due respect to the upright and law abiding Kiwi Tourist Police Volunteer that appears to have lied to the gentleman from South Africa, does anyone else consider this another nail in the coffin of their credibility?

Of the South African's credibility? Yes.

[fxe1200]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You bring USD or EUROS to Thailand and change them here, because if you change them at home, you will get a very bad exchange rate.

That does make sense!

You bring travelers checks and an ATM card and you can't get into the trouble you can carrying cash. Makes even more sense!

No matter if it's heroin, cocaine, or hash,

You've got to carry weapons

Cause you always carry cash.

Smuglers Blues, Glen Frey

[ludditeman]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

Do you have specific knowledge of where, typically, South African folks would change their money? Many people who come to Thailand don't go to banks to change money. Maybe in SA travel agents are usually also exchange counters.

I always travel with US dollars (even though I have never lived in the USA), I have some at the moment.

Easiest currency in the world to use, easier than travelers cheques..

I buy from my travel agent if they have a good deal.

Too many posters on this forum pointing fingers and making unwarranted accusations, how unpleasant can you get.

All of my family - young, middle aged and elderly - and their friends buy currency from the travel agent they book their holidays with in the UK. None of them want to use their ATM cards overseas. I've tried telling them how much they'll save, but it makes no difference.

And another one!

Pity that many UK banks have a habit of blocking cards used in Thailand, then what do you do? The banks won't turn the cards back on until you pop into a branch to speak with them. Even if you notify them you are going to Thailand in advance.

Edited October 1, 2011 by ludditeman

[skorchio]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

Nothing you have said makes sense. For example who in Phuket changes money at a bank? Nobody, they all use street FX booths. In SA, a travel agent is an equivalent. Secondly, you ask why bring US dollars to Thailand? Is this a joke question? Do you think it makes sense to buy Thai Baht in SA? Have you ever traveled anywhere? Bringing (genuine) US dollars is the most convenient way to take cash anywhere. ANYONE will change US dollars.

[ParadiseLost]

If you do proper research into scams and corruption before visiting Thailand you will never come here...

Unless you are from South Africa

I don't get it...

Perhaps someone can help me out, is this retort childish, or is it childlike - I can never decide when faced with puerile off topic goads?

[Nisa]

If you do proper research into scams and corruption before visiting Thailand you will never come here...

Unless you are from South Africa

I don't get it...

Perhaps someone can help me out, is this retort childish, or is it childlike - I can never decide when faced with puerile off topic goads?

Hint ... South Africa is generally considered very corrupt too.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Nisa

[Jimi007]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

Nothing you have said makes sense. For example who in Phuket changes money at a bank? Nobody, they all use street FX booths. In SA, a travel agent is an equivalent. Secondly, you ask why bring US dollars to Thailand? Is this a joke question? Do you think it makes sense to buy Thai Baht in SA? Have you ever traveled anywhere? Bringing (genuine) US dollars is the most convenient way to take cash anywhere. ANYONE will change US dollars.

Really? Do you live in Phuket? I do. The only place in my town to change money is at Siam Commercial Bank or Bank of Auydhya. Most of those booths you talk about in Thailand are run by banks, are they not? At my houses in California USA the only place to change money is at a bank. And yes, obviously I have traveled enough to have homes in two different countries. What I was thinking when I made the statement was why would you pay fees twice, one to change Rand to Dollars then Dollars to Baht. I had never been to SA, so I didn't know they had very restrictive money exchange laws, now I do. But still I have found using my ATM card in all the countries I have traveled to has worked well for me and I never ended up in jail... I guess there are some things good about being from America, since as you say our currency is accepted in most places, although I usually don't carry much of it with me. Plus my US bank didn't charge any fees, until the recent meltdown. My Thai bank didn't used to charge me any fees either. They still don't if I use their ATM machines. And now there's a small fee to do a TT transfer online between my US and Thai bank.

Actually I just thought of two countries that I did need Dollars: Cambodia and Laos.

Edited October 1, 2011 by Jimi007

[phantomfiddler]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You do NOT bring thai baht to Thailand ! Much better exchange rate obtained if one brings U.S.dollars and change it here. Don,t you know anything ? There is nothing fishy about the whole train of events up to the shake-down by the police. Get real !

[Jimi007]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You do NOT bring thai baht to Thailand ! Much better exchange rate obtained if one brings U.S.dollars and change it here. Don,t you know anything ? There is nothing fishy about the whole train of events up to the shake-down by the police. Get real !

Say's who? Some guy from SA? Where's some proof? On the last day of his trip he passes fake notes as far as I know. Do you know something I don't? Please let me read another source you have about this story.

[KeyserSoze01]

When was the last time anyone actually saw a US $1000 bill in circulation? Sorry, the story doesn't hold water.

[chiang mai]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You do NOT bring thai baht to Thailand ! Much better exchange rate obtained if one brings U.S.dollars and change it here. Don,t you know anything ? There is nothing fishy about the whole train of events up to the shake-down by the police. Get real !

Say's who? Some guy from SA? Where's some proof? On the last day of his trip he passes fake notes as far as I know. Do you know something I don't? Please let me read another source you have about this story.

I suggest you read the earlier part of this thread that talks about local SA practices and then take a long hard look at the Forex and local currency exchange rate mechanism before saying too much more - anyone who tries to exchange currency for THB outside Thailand will lose money.

Edited October 1, 2011 by metisdead
Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes.

[Jimi007]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

You do NOT bring thai baht to Thailand ! Much better exchange rate obtained if one brings U.S.dollars and change it here. Don,t you know anything ? There is nothing fishy about the whole train of events up to the shake-down by the police. Get real !

Say's who? Some guy from SA? Where's some proof? On the last day of his trip he passes fake notes as far as I know. Do you know something I don't? Please let me read another source you have about this story.

I suggest you read the earlier part of this thread that talks about local SA practices and then take a long hard look at the Forex and local currency exchange rate mechanism before saying too much more - anyone who tries to exchange currency for THB outside Thailand will lose money.

Come on. I have read this. Have you? i already said I hadn't been to SA. Read some of my replies. This is getting old! You should also read the forum rules about changing another members post in any fashion....

Edited October 1, 2011 by metisdead
Alteration of quoted post by another member corrected.

[arch77778]

From the report the authorities took the notes to establish whether they are fake or not.What was the outcome and surely the SA Embassy should take an interest in this case.

[rogerdee123]

Just across the border in neighboring Laos travel agents change money, at least the one I went to in Luang Prabang did.

[tommyboy928]

This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...

is to expensive get thai bath outside Thailand , many countrys dont even have it ... so many bring Euros or Dollars for exhange , just as any or many russians that visit, they bring USD cash..

[TjaartHerbst]

<BR>This story smells fishy. Why would anyone exchange their cash at a travel agency instead of a bank? Why would you bring US Dollars to Thailand instead of Thai Baht? It just doesn't make sense...<BR>

<BR><BR>In South Africa it is possible to exchange money at your travel agency once you make a reservation. Thai Baht is not a trading currency in South Africa, that is why you have to buy US Dollars. Same for Thailand - you cannot buy SA Rand but have to buy US Dollars if you want to visit the country.<BR><BR>And just on another topic. The SA Embassy cannot help people in trouble if they have not registered at the Embassy or Consulate.