TAT TALKS MUCH, DOES LITTLE

First reports of violence against tourists in gem scam



The Thai Gem Scam Group expresses disappointment after a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand on April 18, 2002. While the meeting itself was generally cordial and appeared to be progressive, subsequent events show that the TAT was more interested in ridding itself of the protesters and protecting its image.

The Group's meeting with the Director of the Tourist Assistance Centre, Mrs. Pornthip Onnomm, was delayed for over 30 minutes while the Tourist Police were notified. Two representatives from the TP attempted to gain access to the meeting, but were refused by Pornthip, as were journalists. Subsequent to the meeting, the TAT claimed to have done all that was possible, and proceeded to blame tourists for their own misfortune. Despite assurances that the TAT would assist the indivdual cases presented during the meeting, only two TAT representatives were sent to the TP office on Thanon Ratchadamnoen Nok, with no progress reported on the individual cases. Attempts to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss the Group's proposals were rebuffed.

In a disturbing development, the first reports of violence occurred to members of the group attempting to get a refund of their money. The first occurred on April 17, when a couple attempted to take photographs of one of the gem stores. A group of men rushed the woman and attempted to seize her camera. A second incident occurred at the same store on April 18 when a male tourist attempted to negotiate a refund with the store. The store representative was abusive and aggressive towards the tourist, before a group of men began slapping, punching and kicking the tourist in the groin. The representative then uttered death threats against the tourist should he attempt to return.

By far the most disturbing development occurred with the knowledge of the TAT. A group of tourists scammed by the same store had to argue with the TAT representatives and the TP to send a police escort with the group as it attempted to negotiate a refund. After more than 30 minutes of stalling, the police finally agreed to send two officers with the group in a police van. One of the officers warned the store with a call from his mobile, ensuring a group of people waiting at the store when the police van arrived. The group attempted to negotiate a refund on the sidewalk in front of the store, to which the store replied they would send someone to the TP station in 30 minutes. The group insisted that the negotiations take place immediately, at which point the two TP officers drove off, abandoning the group.

Attempts to negotiate a refund proved futile as a violent melee occurred in the courtyard next to the store, before spilling out onto the street. Several members received punches, kicks and scratches from nails as they attempted to flee the courtyard and take pictures. A vehicle of the Royal Thai Police happened on the scene and proceeded to take everyone to a nearby station. They were eventually transferred to the Tourist Police, where members of the Group were then bullied into signing false reports written only in Thai. The Group refused and no charges nor action was taken thereafter. Representatives of the store were released.

The Group holds the TAT and TP responsible for violence that occurs against tourists involved in the gem scam. Other stores have negotiated refunds without any violence and until April 17, no violence had been reported by Group members. The failure of the TP to protect tourists, by abandoning them in the street in particular, is another example of the continued indifference of Thai authorities to seriously deal with the gem scam problem, reflected by Mrs. Pornthip's "blame the victim" approach.

As a result of the violent attacks, the Group is currently reviewing its strategies in dealing with stores for refunds, and providing escorts to members who have been attacked. Group members have been advised to avoid travelling alone to stores.



Contact: thaigemscamgroup@yahoo.com


Back to Press Releases

Jump to Coverage

Back to Main Page

thaigemscamgroup@yahoo.com