Immigration Police Warn Tourists Against Suspiciously Cheap Tours
Immigration Police warned tourists to avoid suspiciously cheap tour packages after three Indian visitors were rescued from scammers who held them captive for ransom in Chachoengsao.
Immigration Police Region 3 has issued a warning to foreign tourists not to fall for unusually discounted tour packages, reaffirming Thailand's safety and welcoming visitors of all nationalities. The alert follows an international crime case in which Chachoengsao Immigration and Pattaya City Police rescued three Indian tourists who were lured by fraudsters posing as tour operators offering below-market packages. Upon arrival in Thailand, the victims were separated from their group, held captive, and subjected to physical abuse, photography, and video threats to extort ransom money from relatives abroad. Police have issued arrest warrants and taken all five suspects into custody, with investigations ongoing.
Deputy Commander Prinya Glinkaset, serving as Region 3's spokesman, urged foreign tourists to exercise caution when purchasing tour packages, especially those offered at abnormally low prices or by unverifiable service providers. He explained that immigration screening uses international standards, checking databases including the Immigration Bureau's technology system, Thailand's national security database, and international databases for blacklisted persons, outstanding warrants, or criminal records before allowing entry.
The spokesman noted that approximately 2.5 million Indian tourists enter Thailand annually, ranking second only to Chinese visitors and boosting the tourism economy. However, only a fraction under 0.1 percent engage in illegal activity—a negligible proportion compared to the majority of quality tourists. Any fraud or crimes occurring after entry are handled through police and security agency coordination to assist victims, apprehend offenders, and prosecute cases strictly. This operation aligns with the National Police Office's policy to intensify scrutiny, screening, and enforcement against foreign nationals engaged in criminal activity or posing security threats, particularly transnational crime, gray-market operations, and use of Thailand as a base for illegal activity.
Members of the public who witness or have information about criminal activity can report to the Immigration Bureau office at 904 Moo 6, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province 11120, call provincial immigration offices in their area, or visit www.immigration.go.th.
