An Indian tourist has received a 10,000 baht refund after alleging he was pressured into buying supposed hair-growth and weight-loss herbal products at a Pattaya shop for 11,000 baht, after initially being quoted 600 baht. Abdul Sajid, 45, filed a complaint at Pattaya City Police Station at 12.10am on 7 September. He arrived with fellow Indian nationals and said the products sold to him included herbal remedies and coconut oil said to regrow hair and aid weight loss. Tourist says he feared for his safety Sajid said the alleged incident began on 4 September while he was staying at a hotel in South Pattaya. A foreign man approached him outside the hotel, struck up a conversation and discussed hair and health concerns, according to his account. The man then recommended herbs which he claimed could regrow hair and help reduce weight, quoting an initial price of 600 baht. Sajid said he was taken to a herbal-products shop on Pattaya Second Road, near a hotel. Inside, he said he encountered three older men and was persuaded and pressured to buy the goods. He alleged that some herbal powder was mixed in the shop before he was asked to pay 11,000 baht rather than the quoted 600 baht. Sajid said he paid because he was afraid and wanted to leave safely. He received only one bottle, which he believed appeared to be lotion or coconut oil with a typical market value of around 100 baht. The payment comprised a bank transfer of 20,000 Indian rupees, 6,000 rupees in cash and 2,000 baht in Thai cash, which he said totalled about 11,000 baht. Police take shop caretaker for questioning Police coordinated with Pattaya City Police investigators and took Sajid to identify the shop. Laksman Singh, president of the Indian Association of Eastern Thailand, also attended with a group of Indian friends after being contacted by the tourist. The owner was not at the premises. Police found only 21-year-old Sataporn, who said he was the shop caretaker and denied knowing or remembering whether he had sold products to Sajid. As the alleged transaction did not occur in front of officers, police said they could not detain him. He was invited to Pattaya City Police Station for discussion and a warning, with Singh and the Indian group also taking part. The shop owner later instructed Sataporn to return 10,000 baht. Sajid accepted the money and returned to his accommodation. What visitors should take from the case For foreign residents and visitors, the case is a reminder to be cautious when strangers approach with health, cosmetic or wellness offers, especially if they suggest taking customers to a particular shop. Avoid making transfers or handing over cash under pressure, keep receipts and evidence, and contact Tourist Police or local police promptly if a sale feels unsafe or misleading. The tourist livestreamed the shop visit on social media. Police are continuing to examine the facts, the shop and the conduct alleged in Sajid's complaint before taking further steps. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? 8 September 2026
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