Police arrested six Pakistani nationals in Pattaya today, June 19, in connection with a herbal scam targeting foreign tourists with overpriced products and exaggerated health claims.
Both locals and foreigners had called on Pattaya police officers to take action against the foreign gang that had been tricking people into buying herbal products at an inflated price.
According to complaints, the products were promoted with claims of unusually fast results, including rapid hair regrowth and belly fat reduction. However, many of the items were ordinary herbal products available elsewhere at significantly lower prices.
In one earlier case, a victim reported paying by credit card and later discovered they had been charged a much higher amount than originally agreed. Another victim was physically assaulted for refusing to buy the products.
The issue gained wider attention after Lakhsman Singh, president of the Indian Community Pattaya, confronted members of the group while they were approaching potential customers. A video of the incident later circulated online, showing one of the suspects making an offensive gesture towards Singh.
Following the incident, Pattaya Immigration Police launched a sting operation at around midnight to gather evidence and arrest those involved.
Police used an undercover operative to walk along Beach Road near Pattaya Beach until the group approached and began promoting herbal products.
According to investigators, the suspects escorted the operative to their shop and offered several products at unusually high prices. Once police confirmed the alleged illegal activity, officers entered the premises and conducted a search.
During the operation, police found multiple receipts indicating total sales of more than 300,000 baht. Investigators said some customers had reportedly paid more than 60,000 baht for products later described as ordinary herbal items.
Six foreign nationals were arrested at the scene and were later identified as Pakistani citizens. The suspects told officers they had entered Thailand on tourist visas and were working as sales staff at the shop. They said they received a commission from each sale, although details of the commission structure were not disclosed.
Police stated that they have previously conducted crackdowns on similar herbal product operations in Pattaya and insisted they had not ignored public complaints.
Officers noted that despite repeated enforcement efforts, similar groups continue to reappear and operate using comparable tactics.
All six Pakistani suspects were charged with working without permits and were transferred to Mueang Pattaya Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Police have not yet provided additional details regarding the ownership of the business or whether further charges will be filed against the operator.
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