India

Indian Tourist in Pattaya Charged 27,600 Baht for Herbal Product After Agreeing to Pay 380 Baht

By Livemint

A 28‑year‑old Indian tourist in Pattaya reported that his credit card was debited 27,600 Thai baht after he agreed to buy a herbal product that had been offered to him for 380 baht. The incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on October 28, 2026, while the tourist was walking along Pattaya 2nd Road. He was approached by a man he believed to be Pakistani, who sold him the product for the quoted price. When the tourist later checked his card, he found the charge was 72 times higher than the amount he had agreed to pay.

The tourist went to Pattaya City Police and filed a formal complaint, asking authorities to take action against those involved. Shortly after he approached the police, a person connected to the sellers contacted him and offered to refund the amount charged, asking the tourist to return the herbal product as a way to resolve the matter without further action. It is not yet known whether the tourist received a refund.

The case has drawn attention to the legality of herbal‑product businesses in Pattaya’s tourist areas, including questions about whether sellers hold valid work permits and business licences. Similar complaints have been made by other tourists in recent months: a 45‑year‑old Indian tourist in January 2026 claimed to have spent 43,400 baht on herbal products after being approached near Soi Marine Plaza; a Sri Lankan tourist in September reported a 3,300‑baht charge for a coconut‑oil product marketed as a hair‑loss treatment; and in June immigration officials arrested a Pakistani man suspected of acting as an intermediary in a comparable operation.

Authorities have urged tourists to be cautious when approached by strangers offering unsolicited products, especially those claiming to address hair loss or weight loss. Travelers are advised to verify the final price and check their card statements carefully to avoid unexpected charges.