Deputy PM Orders Consumer Protection Office to Crack Down on Fake Airline Ticket Agency Scam with Criminal Charges
Deputy PM orders consumer protection officials to crack down on a travel agency scam that defrauded customers of over 10 million baht by selling fake airline tickets to Japan, South Korea, and Europe.
Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Iatsraphakdi, overseeing the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), announced action against an airline ticket fraud scheme targeting routes to Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Multiple victims filed complaints after being deceived by a travel agency that falsely advertised airline promotions but failed to deliver tickets or allow travel, causing damages exceeding 10 million baht.
The scam operated by initially delivering legitimate tickets to early customers, generating word-of-mouth referrals. Since April, the company stopped delivering tickets and demanded additional payments for fuel surcharges and airport taxes. When customers transferred extra funds, they received nothing, and refund requests were indefinitely delayed.
Supamas ordered the CPB to establish a task force for urgent complaints and create a fast-track consumer rights protection process. Officials will meet with affected consumers, the business operator, and airlines on May 21 to gather facts and attempt mediation. If no settlement is reached, the CPB will immediately pursue cases on behalf of consumers while coordinating with law enforcement for criminal prosecution of all charges without exception.
The CPB must report progress every seven days and regularly disclose information to the public to ensure no complaints fall through the cracks. Supamas advised the public to follow three verification steps before transferring money: verify identity by purchasing directly from airlines or trusted platforms and checking business registration with the Tourism Authority; check prices against major airline websites to avoid suspiciously cheap tickets; and avoid transferring to personal accounts or additional payments claiming to fix old deals, which are typical fraud indicators.
Supamas warned that the government and CPB will take strict action against anyone exploiting online loopholes to defraud consumers and urged the public to verify all details carefully before making transfers.
