Chonburi Immigration Police detained six Pakistani nationals accused of misleading tourists into buying overpriced herbal products in Pattaya, allegedly causing financial losses and damaging the city’s tourism image.
PATTAYA, Thailand – Chonburi Immigration Police have arrested six Pakistani nationals in a crackdown on a group accused of misleading tourists into purchasing overpriced herbal products in Pattaya, causing financial losses and damaging the city’s tourism image. At around 00:10 on June 19, immigration officers launched a special operation targeting foreign nationals involved in deceptive street sales activities.
The suspects were accused of operating in busy tourist zones, particularly along Pattaya Beach Road and Pattaya Second Road, where they allegedly approached passersby—especially Indian tourists—claiming herbal products could treat hair loss and reduce weight in a short period of time. Police said the group would engage tourists on the street before directing them to a shop where herbal products were sold at significantly inflated prices. Authorities described the items as common products available on the general market but allegedly resold at prices ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of baht.
Investigators found financial records showing transactions exceeding 300,000 baht, with some victims reportedly losing up to 60,000 baht. Officials also noted complaints that the activity had negatively affected Pattaya’s tourism image. Police further said the group adapted its operation to avoid detection by hiring Thai nationals to staff the shop, while Pakistani members acted as promoters and shared in the profits.
One of the arrested suspects was previously linked to an earlier incident involving an alleged assault on a tourist who refused to purchase herbal products on Pattaya Second Road near Avenue Pattaya shopping mall in April. The case went viral online and raised public concern over tourist safety. During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted entering Thailand on tourist visas and working in sales promotion roles in exchange for commission-based earnings. Following the investigation, all six suspects were charged with working without permission as foreign nationals and handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings.
