This is a warning that the scammers are getting a bit more sophisticated relative to the standard scam procedure we detail on our Intro page. The text is quoted directly with no editing on our part. If you have an experience that is substantially different from our Intro page, please tell us about it at this address, so we can keep our site updated.


"Dear administrators,

I appreciate your websites and their efforts to prevent unscrupulous Thais from making dupes out of tourists. Unfortunately, I have fallen prey. My account will add to the list of examples:

I was solicited by a taxi driver on 10 June. He called himself Ponchai Burapajit (Phone numbers 05-1904930 and 06-0433882). He told my friend and I it was Buddha Day and brought us to what he referred to as the temple of the Golden Buddha. It is near Petchburi Road (Makasan area). Later, we found out that the real Golden Buddha is nowhere near the Makasan area.

We went to main temple hall and met a man who claimed to be an air traffic controller from Phuket. He was very friendly and started to draw us into a conversation about travelling. He started to narrate how airport staff engaged in "trading" as they flew from country to country, making lucrative returns on transactions involving rubies (Thailand), jade (Myanmar), and electronics (Singapore). He left us with a slip of paper with directions as to how to get to the Expo Centre Yin Dee Lapidary.

We went to an adjoining hall, where a monk and a Chinese fortune-teller proceeded to bless us. The fortune-teller got real friendly, as well, and mentioned how Singaporeans were regular visitors to this shrine. He then said how many of them came here for the exceptional discounts at Yin Dee Lapidary.

Baited by the prospect of making a little return, and being naturally curious, we asked Ponchai to bring us to the Expo Centre. He appeared slightly reluctant, which we thought cleared him of association with the air traffic controller and fortune teller.

At Yin Dee Lapidary, the staff were friendly, attentive, and not pressurising in any way. This allayed out fears that they were force-selling fakes. There was even a sign stating that "This is not a government shop".

Basically, the rest is history. I have attached the relevant receipts for your use. (See our Image Gallery for the receipts.)


What I want to highlight is the increasing sophistication of the scammers, who affect subtle acts, such as the driver's reluctance to bring you to the shop, and the jeweller's relaxed attitude towards your purchase. They have also responded to travel advisory tips regarding the Thai gem scam to throw you off track. Thus the sign proclaiming "This is not a government shop". The sensible tourist, unblinded by greed, would realise it is a case of "The lady doth protest too much".

Please put up my experience on your websites. In addition, would you be able to refer me to any government agencies in Thailand for followup action? My gems have been deemed to be absolute fakes.


Regards,"

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