July 4, 201510 yr Police Arrest 21 People Over Long-Running BKK Gem ScamBy Khaosod Eng. A police press conference on the arrests of store managers and tuk-tuk drivers who have scammed foreign tourists, 3 July 2015. BANGKOK — Police say they have raided several jewelry stores and arrested 21 people in connection with a notorious tourist scam in Bangkok.According to Pol.Lt.Gen. Thitirat Nonghanpitak, commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), police officers with search warrants raided three gem stores in Dusit district earlier this week and confiscated their financial documents for investigation.The long-running hoax involves tuk-tuk drivers telling foreign tourists that famous attractions, such the Grand Palace, are “closed,” and then offering the tourists discounted rides around the city.Those who fall for the con are then ferried to jewelry stores where they are sold poor-quality gemstones at exuberant prices."When the tourists try to refund the goods, their requests are denied," said Pol.Lt.Gen. Thitrat Read More: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1435984771 -- Khaosod English 2015-07-04
July 4, 201510 yr First time I came here, around 20 years ago, was an Amex Travel package with free guided tour included, which ended up in a jewellery factory where we were assured the price and quality were exceptional. Yeah right, that's why the want you on your first full day. For me it was straight walk through and wait in the courtyard where I found something really interesting. The guards were toting what looked like an M-16 on steroids, which turned out to be auto shotguns. Not sure it was a scam, but it certainly smelled like one.
July 4, 201510 yr We will get a follow up report that all Gem Scams have been dealt with and tourists can be assured there are no more gem scams.
July 4, 201510 yr I thought 'exuberant' meant they were happy with the prices! They were very happy with the price when they bought them.
July 4, 201510 yr Amazing how many criminals have been arrested since the coup. It seems that the Thaksin days (do whatever you want as long as I get my billions) are finally coming to an end.
July 4, 201510 yr I am guessing that the busted merchants refused to pay a rate hike in the bribes that are involved in such operations.
July 4, 201510 yr If you believe these raids are anything other than cosmetic, you really are welcome to Thailand. They have been going on since the scams began, which in themselves were thought up by the Thai cousin of Noah.
July 4, 201510 yr RTP and BIB not getting tea money, only reason this has happened, long standing scam says it all we knew about it but like all the scams here ignored it typical thai way, hear no evil see no evil speak no evil, untill the money runs out
July 4, 201510 yr That has taken quite a few years to do. The thing is what exactly can they charge a jewelry store with? If you buy what they are selling then too bad no one is putting a gun to your head. Villa Supermarket charge more for most items than Foodland........Should they arrest the owner of Villa Supermarket? As much as you may like them to I think not. All they can do is fine the tuk tuk drivers and spend a lot of time and money making sure they don't come back which simply is not feasible hence it will continue
July 4, 201510 yr So soon.....this scam was operating when I first visited Bangkok in 1980!! And probably at the same 'exuberant' prices!
July 4, 201510 yr Only 21? These are the ones that fell behind in their payments. It also eliminated the competition for the ones that were and created a photo op for the BIB. Everybody wins well no 1 side looses. But they could be on the winning side in the future if they mind their P's and Q's and $ sorry baht payments. The BIB is like a bank make your payment on time or we foreclose.
July 4, 201510 yr That has taken quite a few years to do. The thing is what exactly can they charge a jewelry store with? If you buy what they are selling then too bad no one is putting a gun to your head. Villa Supermarket charge more for most items than Foodland........Should they arrest the owner of Villa Supermarket? As much as you may like them to I think not. All they can do is fine the tuk tuk drivers and spend a lot of time and money making sure they don't come back which simply is not feasible hence it will continue The managers of the three gem stores have been charged with violating Thailand’s consumer protection law for inaccurate description of goods, and 21 tuk-tuk drivers have been arrested and charged with illegal parking and causing nuisance Ladyboys next??
July 4, 201510 yr You think with the web the way it is people still fall for this, why don't they list the top 5 scams and leave a copy in every hotel room.
July 4, 201510 yr This scam is going on for at least 25 years and NOW all of a sudden they make arrests? Someone forgot to grease the gear? RTP not getting enough commission? What happened?
July 4, 201510 yr Be interesting to know just who they arrested... According to prior posters here, there was involvement of the Tourist Police in all this.
July 4, 201510 yr I am shocked by the way about the "hefty" charges put against the store owners - certainly they will stop all the illegal activity altogether now and hide back at home all tears and shiver...
July 4, 201510 yr You think with the web the way it is people still fall for this, why don't they list the top 5 scams and leave a copy in every hotel room. Great suggestion, but it takes a "stupid farang" to come up with that, as the average Thai's way of thinking is much too elevated to descent into such low spheres...
July 4, 201510 yr Amazing how many criminals have been arrested since the coup. It seems that the Thaksin days (do whatever you want as long as I get my billions) are finally coming to an end. Cute post.
July 4, 201510 yr You think with the web the way it is people still fall for this, why don't they list the top 5 scams and leave a copy in every hotel room. Because that might be effective.
July 4, 201510 yr the 2 officers in the pic have prob been part of it for 20 years,banked millions of baht and have now organised their demize to save their own asses before the military comes down on them !!! look how honest the dude with the mic looks !!!
July 4, 201510 yr After how many years decades? Oh well, as long as they are SEEN to be doing something, I suppose it'll do!!
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