Pattaya police investigate herbal product scam targeting tourists

A Sri Lankan tourist has reported being pressured into purchasing overpriced coconut oil and herbal products in Pattaya, Thailand. The victim reported to police that he was approached by an individual claiming to work in Dubai, who offered products allegedly capable of promoting hair growth. The tourist stated he felt unsafe within the shop and ultimately paid 3,300 baht to end the situation and leave.

Authorities noted that this incident follows a pattern involving the same shop, which was recently the subject of a complaint by an Indian tourist. In that previous case, the visitor was coerced into paying over 11,000 baht for similar products. Following a police investigation into the earlier incident, the shop owner reportedly refunded 10,000 baht to the Indian tourist to settle the matter without criminal proceedings.

Police have observed a recurring tactic where foreign touts approach visitors near Pattaya Beach or Pattaya Second Road to pitch “miracle” remedies. These products, often described as ordinary coconut oil or unlabeled lotions, are sold at significant markups based on exaggerated claims regarding hair loss or weight reduction.