The scourge of the zero-dollar tour scams previously aimed mostly on Chinese travellers is still impacting the reputation of Thailand’s tourism industry.
Tourism minister Sermsak Pongpanich has directed the Tourist Police to crack down on the ‘price-dumping tours’ due to reputational damage to the country.
It comes after President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, discussed the matter with the Prime Minister.
Sermsak says there are still a large number of unlicensed travel agencies selling loss leading cheap packages but guests are then forced into specific stores during tours to buy overpriced goods.
Often, threats are used to pressure tourists to buy. It has also led to some physical…