Thailand must clamp down on scammers targeting tourist official says

The director of the Tourism Departments Bureau of Tourism Business and Guide Registration, Sutham Dechdi says that Thailand must clamp down on scammers targeting tourists as they are damaging the image of the country overseas. Tourism operators and the government must take action against scams like fake hotel websites that take credit card payment from tourists then cancel bookings with the hotel he said. He went on to say that there are many types of scams particularly fake tour operators selling programs and fake hotel reservation services online and that the department receive more than one thousand complaints each year with regard to such scams.

The Tourism Department does not have any authority over online travel agencies as they are not required to register with the department however the department will sign an agreement with tourist associations, travel agents and police in order to tighten and enforce regulations for traditional tour operators and tour guides especially with those from China. Plans are afoot to remind tour guides that they cannot use threats or force to get tourists to buy products and tour operators will be reminded that only tour guides who can work legally must be employed by their firms. If they fail to take heed of the regulations their membership will be revoked or suspended.

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