One of the victims told The Nation newspaper that she had been persuaded by a friend to buy air tickets to fly to Japan at a “special promotional price”. She was told that the total cost of the trip would range between Bt10,000 (US$290) and Bt20,000.
More than 1,800 people who have been stranded at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport this week claim they are victims of a scam by a direct-sales company.
One of the victims told The Nation newspaper that she had been persuaded by a friend to buy air tickets to fly to Japan at a “special promotional price”. She was told that the total cost of the trip would range between Bt10,000 (US$290) and Bt20,000.
The offer interested her so she transferred Bt10,000 to the company and came to the airport on Tuesday for the flight. But no representatives of the company appeared at the airport to meet her.
One man said he had bought tickets for himself and each of eight family members for the “very cheap tour” to Japan.
He said he only discovered while at the airport on Tuesday night that he had been duped and that there were many others who were also victims of the scam.
More than 400 people have filed complaints with police.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Cha-o-cha has ordered a probe into the company that left thousands of tourists stranded at the airport.
He urged Thais people not to be gullible.
“Thais believe too easily. Don’t trust anything before checking otherwise you will be cheated,” he said.
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has promised to provide assistance to those stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and was expected to outline measures to help on Thursday afternoon.