Tour scam victims get refund

VICTIMS of an elaborate scam who paid more than 1.5 million baht at a government fair for a tour package that never existed will get their money back.

Tourism and sports minister Chumpol Silpa-archa said yesterday that the alleged swindle took place at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) event in spite the organisers strictly screening participants.

He pointed out that the company had a good track record and this was the first time it had been accused of any problems.

Southern Plus Travel Co of Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district was accused by Thitaree Pinthachaiwat and 25 others who lodged complaints at Lumpini police station on Sunday who bought the non-existent travel package at the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale
Fair last year, organised by the TAT and its partners, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in 2009.

Mr Chumpol said TAT must take responsibility for helping the victims while lodging a police complaint against the company for fraud.

Somprasong Yentuam, police chief at Lumpini, said a warrant would be issued for the arrest of Suratwadee Yongrat, the owner of Southern Plus Travel Co, who will face a maximum prison sentence of three years.

One of the victims in the scam, Ms Thitaree, said she had bought a tour package from Southern Plus Travel for 20,978 baht for two luxury hotels in Krabi over the New Year celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission has said that the body was ready to look into the case, and whether any TAT officials had been involved.