Thailand tourist scam? Why Indian tourist faced ₹75k credit card charge after agreeing to buy ₹1000 herbal product
The 28-year-old Indian tourist approached Pattaya City Police after finding out that his card had been debited 27,600 Thai baht for a product that was initially offered to him for just 380 baht.
An Indian tourist visiting Pattaya, Thailand was charged over ₹75,000 on his credit card after being duped into purchasing a herbal product worth around ₹1,000, leading him to file a police complaint. The incident occurred on October 28, 2026, when the 28-year-old tourist was walking along Pattaya 2nd Road and encountered a man, believed to be Pakistani, offering to sell him a herbal product for 380 Thai baht.
The tourist agreed to the purchase, thinking the quoted price was final. However, when he realized his credit card had been charged 27,600 baht, he was shocked as the charge was over 72 times the amount initially quoted by the seller. Upon discovering the discrepancy, the tourist visited Pattaya City Police and filed a complaint, requesting action against the involved parties.
Following his complaint, an individual linked to the sellers contacted the tourist, offering to refund the amount charged and asking him to return the product. The outcome of the refund remains unknown. The incident highlights concerns over the legality of herbal-product businesses operating in Pattaya's tourist areas, including whether sellers have valid work permits and necessary business licenses.
Similar cases have been reported involving Indian, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani tourists in recent months. Authorities have advised tourists to be cautious when approached by strangers offering unsolicited products, especially those claiming to treat hair loss or aid weight loss, and to verify the final price before authorizing any payment.
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