Thailand’s tourism authorities are assisting victims of an alleged Japan travel scam, as losses from similar cases of fraudulent social media operations cause losses exceeding 4 million baht (US$122,618).
The Bangkok Post reported that complaints were lodged against a Facebook travel page called Japon Japan, which allegedly accepted payments for services including flights, train tickets and hotel bookings in Japan that were never delivered.
Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the Department of Tourism under Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said the agency has opened a complaint channel for affected travellers and is gathering information on the owner of the social media page ahead of a formal investigation.
Authorities said the case highlights a rise in fraudulent or unlicensed travel operators marketing services online without registering as legal tour companies.
Jaturon told the Bangkok Post that regulation is a tricky as operators accused of misconduct can repeatedly reopen under new social media accounts even after previous complaints and closures.
The article also quoted Udom Matsayawanigul, director of tour business and guide registration at the department, who said the agency cannot revoke a licence in this case because the operator was allegedly operating illegally without registration.
Under Thai law, unlicensed operators selling package tours or organising trips for profit through social media may face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of 500,000 baht, or both.
In the case of Japon Japan, the Tourism Department said it is helping victims prepare civil lawsuits.
The department also urges travellers to verify tour licence numbers through the department’s official website before making bookings.
Chonlatee Sangsawang, VP of the Thai Travel Agents Association, told the Bangkok Post that cases involving travel-focused social media pages cheating customers have increased in recent years, particularly among smaller operators and influencer-led travel businesses.
Speaking on the risk of making social media tour purchases, he said that such operators often face weaker cash flow for managing trip or flight disruptions.
He added that Thai travellers may approach the association should they wish to verify if particular tour operators are licensed.