Bangkok tourist police round up more than 100 scammers

Bangkok’s tourist police have rounded up more than 100 people in one of its biggest operations targeting tourist scammers.

Police made a sweep of busy tourist sites around the Grand Palace detaining touts, vendors and tuk-tuk and taxi drivers allegedly hassling tourists.

It charged a total of 87 people for traffic offences and creating a nuisance in public areas.

A further 52 were issued with warnings about engaging in scams, many of which work in gangs targeting tourists in coordinated actions.

There had been a surge in complaints from tourists in recent weeks over being lured to overpriced shops or bait and switch tactics for river cruises trips by tuk tuk drivers.

Police are searching for an additional four tour guides engaged in scamming tourists through organised shopping scams to overpriced stores.

“The four guides should either be prepared to turn themselves in or flee. We won’t stop until we find them and bring them in. We have their names and photos,” said Maj. Gen. Surachet, deputy commissioner of the tourist police.

source: Travel Mole