PATTAYA, Chon Buri – A 46-year-old Indian tourist has filed a formal complaint with Pattaya police after allegedly being defrauded by a group of foreign con artists who sold him overpriced herbal products under false pretences.

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The victim, identified as Mr. J. S., reported the incident to Muang Pattaya Police Station in the early hours of Saturday. According to his statement, he was approached by four foreign men while walking along Pattaya Road. The group befriended him and persuaded him to purchase a herbal medicine mix which they claimed could “cure all diseases.”

The men then escorted Mr. S. to a shop located inside a hotel complex in Bang Lamung district, where he bought two 200ml bottles of the product for 43,400 baht and received a third bottle free of charge. He later realized he had been deceived and filed a complaint with police at 2:29 a.m.

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Local residents and business operators informed reporters that similar scams targeting foreign tourists have been ongoing in the area for years. They noted that shops linked to such fraudulent activities often close temporarily during official inspections, making enforcement challenging.

Police confirmed they are investigating the case and reviewing available evidence, including CCTV footage from the vicinity. Authorities have reiterated warnings to tourists to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering unsolicited products or “miracle” cures, and to make purchases only from licensed and reputable retailers.

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The incident highlights persistent concerns over tourist-targeted fraud in popular Thai destinations, with calls for more stringent oversight of businesses involved in repeated scams.

-Thailand News (TN)