Russians press Pattaya police chief to investigate 3 million baht tour operator scam

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Pattaya’s police chief is promising more vigilance after 14 Russian tourists complained that officers are ignoring their fraud complaint about a South Pattaya tour guide.

Superintendent Suwan Chiewnawinthawat said he has instructed investigators to question customers of World of Chang Co. on Thappraya Soi 10 and gather evidence into allegations the tour guide swindled them out of more than 3 million baht.

Russian tourists file a complaint with Pattaya Police Superintendent Suwan Chiewnawinthawat (striped shirt, leaning over table with paper in hand) against World of Chang Co. for fraud.Russian tourists file a complaint with Pattaya Police Superintendent Suwan Chiewnawinthawat (striped shirt, leaning over table with paper in hand) against World of Chang Co. for fraud.

The Russian tourists, and three Americans before them, had earlier filed complaints with Pattaya police over World of Chang, claiming they’d paid for tours to various Thai attractions and destinations, but the trips never occurred.

When they went back to the tour operator, owned by Russian Natalia Aleynikova, they got nothing but closed doors and voicemail.

The police complaints were not investigated, angering the Russian tourists even more and prompting their call on the police chief.

Police raided World of Chang Co. a year ago, arresting Russian Victor Shchigolev for working without a permit.