On March 19, 2025, a 63-year-old British national filed a police report in Pattaya after falling victim to an elaborate scam involving overpriced “miracle” weight-loss herbs. The incident highlights the growing issue of scams targeting tourists and expatriates in popular Thai destinations.

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The victim, whose name has not been disclosed, was walking along Jomtien Second Road toward South Pattaya when he was approached by two unidentified foreign men and one Thai woman near the Night Bazaar market. The trio struck up a conversation, commenting on his weight and claiming to have a “miracle medicine” that could help him lose weight instantly.

They instructed him to purchase two bottles of honey from a nearby convenience store, assuring him that the necessary herbs were available at a shop in Soi 13/2, Pattaya. At the shop, the group presented a concoction they claimed was a body tonic capable of reducing belly fat. They mixed unknown herbs into the honey bottles and insisted he buy the product for 20,000 baht.

There are many Japanese criminal organizations in Thailand that scam the elderly. Please arrest them more and more. Thank you Thai police.#Pattaya pic.twitter.com/62TsEpX5x8

— amaojapan🇯🇵 (@amaojapan) January 16, 2025

Believing their claims, the British man agreed to the purchase. The group accompanied him to withdraw cash to complete the transaction. However, after contacting his girlfriend and expressing suspicions about the product, he realized he had been scammed. His girlfriend confirmed that the product was neither effective nor worth the exorbitant price.

The victim filed a complaint at the Pattaya City Police Station, where officers recorded the incident and accompanied him to the shop in Soi 13/2. Upon arrival, they found the shop closed and unoccupied. Police contacted the shop owner, who later arrived to discuss the matter.

After negotiations involving the shop owner and the group of foreigners, an agreement was reached. The 20,000 baht was refunded to the victim, and both parties went their separate ways. While the immediate issue was resolved, the incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of such scams in Pattaya.

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The British man’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for visitors and residents in Pattaya. While the situation was resolved with the help of local authorities, it highlights the importance of staying alert and informed to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

-Thailand News (TN)