I think it's the first time you are travelling around. How many stupid people are travelling around!!

@Joseph, you don't have to be rude. Anothervictim is just sharing her/his story so other people dont fall for this scam.

These scams have been going on for decades now, never guy gemstones unless you can tell what they are and how much they are worth.

This is a very well and very plausable scam that has caught me out well and truly. Its a classic, you take a tuk tuk, they divert you to a few extra places at no extra charge, you meet a few "distinguished" gentleman that make you believe they are telling you a wonderful way to make money, you are then taken to the Golden Argosy Export Centre, lucky that you are as its the last day of a very special sale, and purchase your precious stone. Given the receipt and guarantee, all very believable, you trot off believing you have a money making gem in your hand. REALITY, you have been well and truly conned. We arrived home to have the necklace valued and guess what, it was only worth 1/4 of the price paid AVOID THESE PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES

These people at Golden Argosy are evil. Someday no turist will come to Bangkok.

I've seen this in many trips to bangkok, best to ignore any thai who approaches you on the street. This is not normal thai behavior so its 99.9% likely to be a scam. If you are near any know tourist sites then be especially prepared to run a gauntlet of these types.

Who wrote this? Is very poor english. Sounds like you are Thai.

If you come to Thailand but a Harry Potter invisibility cloak so no one can talk to you, only come out at night when everyone is sleeping and no one can scam you.:) Or as an alternative dont come? if you live in Thailand then if your not happy leave.

Jane,

Thanks for helping me make up my mind on where to spend my tourist dollars!!
I'll be sure and discuss with friends as well.

Does everyone fall for these scams in there home country?

I am a new victim!!!
When I try to remember what happened in the Golden Argosy, I have the feeling as if it was a dream. I am sure there was something (maybe in the room we might have inhaled) that influenced our thinking and behavior!

Same scenario happened to us. And we're veteran travellers!

Please ask Thailand Tourist Authority to stop these people damaging the good Thai reputation as a friendly and helpful nation.

we were invited to visit the lucky buddha which we did, where we met a lawyer, very well spoken and all.

He mentioned the oscar and we fell for it. Visited the jewelry store and spent about 800 euro for a bad quality ring. Next day I managed to get back my money (-15%) and got rid of the stupid ring.. This was really a very good scam as I never fall for this type of thing... just this time :)

We wre caught in the scam too..but by another jewellery store..
My hb is a veteran traveller too and yet we fell for it!!!!
Did u manage to get your $$ back? - anothervictim

I have reported to the thai embassy here and is waiting to go back thailand next month to meet the tourist police.

you can always decline the payment with the bank and the bank will take care of the shop you bought it from.. no worries . this scam has been going around for ages so be careful..

Same thing happened to my boyfriend and i, we were planning to go back to Thailand and take care of business there, but many people told me that these scam shops are backed by gangs. So we are taking an alternative way is through our credit card company and they are starting a investigation for our case now... WE will not find out till late this month... if i have any news, i will let you know

Hi, Same scam just happened to me this afternoon. I wish there is anything we can do to get the full refund back and stop them scamming tourist.

I have become one more statistic in the scam of tourists by the "Golden Argosy Factory Export." I won't repeat it all here because I find it well described on the web. Suffice it to say that I was fooled by meeting several different, seemingly independent people over several hours. Each person fell into a conversation and eventually added a small piece to the story of why the "government export exhibit" was so special. In the end this ended in tuk-tuk ride to Golden Argosy Factory Export where I bought a large sapphire ring.

I have returned home and have had the ring appraised. It is real, but I overpaid by 50% over what I paid for comparable jewelry at a very reputable shop. Reputable jewelry will appraise at at least 2X the "wholesale" price paid in Bangkok. This is the retail replacement cost.

So -- I am now trying to initiate returning the item and get my money back. I am looking for ideas and suggestions.

I am trying to call the Tourist Assistance Center; it's hard to get through and time zones need to be considered. I do not expect a lot of help here, but will press for help.

I am trying to find a business associate who is traveling to Bangkok, so that I can have the item hand carried back to the store. Is going to the store for a return safe? Will the police go along?

Is it useful to contact the American Embassy?

Will MasterCard get involved if there is known fraud? So far one person at my bank's MasterCard number has said verbally that they will not assist, since I approved the purchase at the time (my card needed call-in authorization due to a prior theft of the card number). I am putting the dispute in writing to MasterCard. This may be my most effective method. My view is that MasterCard must know that Golden Argosy Factory Export" has been heavily reported as fraudulent. I think MasterCard could have stopped the charge on that basis.

The "agreement" the Golden Argosy had me sign says they will refund up to 80% in the first three months. It includes the statement "Conditions applicable to customers who directly contact the company only." To me this is part of the many layered scam -- they are grossly dishonest, so I expect any contact with any other authority, like MasterCard would be cited as a reason to refuse a refund. I also do not trust mailing anything to Goldern Argosy. They can not be trusted what so ever.

Other ideas? I am not the type to let such a thing go.

Like other victims, I also fell into the trap this afternoon (Mar. 16, 2008) and thought buying Gem in those scammed stores will save some lots of money. The incident is exactly same as what most of people described on your web site, involving friendly thai in front of Grand Royal Palace telling me the palace is closed, best bargain price with 40Bah with Tutu driver, and the worst foreigner claimed himself coming from Belgium. All of them claimed only one week in each year, Government offer special promotion to public and allow tourist buying Jewelry at wholesale shop with less than half price. I purchased Blue Saphire and Red Ruby bracelets with about 135,000 Bah and don't even want to imagine how much they are really worth. I bought them really for persoanlly usage, although the "Belgium" guy cliamed those jewelry can be resold with double price. With a bit of suspiction, I search for "Golden Argosy Factory Export Center" and found out about the Gem scams on your web site. I am calling credit card company and Thai tourist police but none of them seem to be interested in helping me to get my refund. I am wondering if any of you have heard any news that the refund can be made 100%. If you do, please let me know. Thank you very much for posting those scams on the web site. Without your web site, I might think I bought those jewelry at decent price. Gosh, I don't even want to admit how stupid I am to fall into this trap.

add me to the list. :(

As a seasoned traveller, I too, fell for this scam with my wife.

Bought it from a place called the Oscar. Left a sour note on what would have been a great holiday in BKK.

Please update us on your progress in getting a refund. The web explains how the scam works and so on, but I (and many others) would prefer to know the solution we can undertake instead.

I read that it is pointless to go to the TAT as they are also part of the elaborate scam. My next course of action is to call up my credit card company and hope they can do something about it (fraudilant case). Would any of you recommend we rock up to the shop and demand a refund? It is rumoured (and probably true) that they are backed by the mafia and police, so going back to them is kind of dangerous.

I guess our best bet is to let our credit card company deal with them. Will update soon.

These stories prove exactly what we suspected! My wife and I, with 2 friends, were sightseeing in Bangkok on 9 March and went through all the experiences listed here - friendly man outside Grand Palace saying it was closed for the morning - tuk-tuk ride to the Lucky Buddha - driver going to the toilet - well-spoken man sitting in next car advocating blue sapphire "tax free sale" and then next stop was the Golden Argosy. The good thing it that we had no intention of parting with large sums of money for gems we had no previous intention to buy, and we benefited from free cold water and use of their toilets!

Ok, a follow up from my experiences as promised.

We made contact with the Attorney Director from the Ministry of Internal Trade, Mr Suchat and what an incredible man he is. Everything was done at his office (about an hour away by taxi) and it's worth the trip! We didn't even have to log a report with the Tourist Police nor did we have to revisit the place where we bought the gems from.

Upon reaching there, we explained our situation and Mr Suchat got all information from us. We showed him the gems and all paperwork. He then proceeded to contact The Oscar and within 5 minutes, someone returned his call. He spoke on our behalf. He then hung up and explained that the salesperson whom we bought the gems will call the office and speak to me.

True enough, 5 minutes later, I spoke to the salesperson and demanded a refund. As usual, she denied any wrong doing and said that the gems are true and everything is done correctly. I argued and said it is a scam and the gems are not worth what she claimed to be. Upon instructions from Mr Suchat, I told her that I demand a full refund and any problems that she has to be referred to Mr Suchat, who will be negotiating on our behalf. I then hung up.

5 minutes later, the phone rang. It was the big boss of the gem scam. He negotiated in Thai and sounded aggresive towards that person. After about 10 minutes, he said everything is going to plan and he and his team will negotiate on our behalf.

He said to leave the matter to him and we lodged a report right there and then. We even left the gems with him and all paperwork (we got photocopies and stamped copies). As we had to leave for the airport and catch an afternoon flight, we departed after having spent 1 hour at his office. We believe Mr Suchat and his men will do everyhing in their power to assist us.

We departed on Thurs evening and on Fri, we received an email from Mr Suchat that negotiations are still underway and going very well. Hopefully, I will have more to report sometime this week as they are closed for the weekend.

Will update soon.

My wife and I also fell for this Golden Argosy scam. Signed contract with 80% re-purchase value within 3 months. Discovered it was a scam a day after purchase, but had to return home early the next day and could not do anything on the spot. Could only contact the emergency number at our embassy and received some pointers on what action we could take. These include returning to Bangkok to try and get a refund or lodge a formal complaint with the authorities, or hiring a local lawyer from here to represent us.

Now having the items valued to know where we stand and will then decide on course of action.

What I find incomprehensible is that we are not inexperienced nor normally so naive and would never have indulged in such silly behaviour in our home country.

The other thing that surprises me is that such people can operate at all in spite of abundant and repeated evidence that they are basically thieves, which puts in question the wider issue of public safety in Thailand. In any case, the experience has tarnished our holiday in Bangkok and left a rather sour taste in our mouths about that country, which is a shame.

U can add another one to the count....was scammed at the Golden Argosy as well. The suave talking old man with the pin in his lapel surely gets an Oscar. EVil Evil Evil people. Just wondering if anyone has succeeded in getting their 80% refund without any incident. Is it even safe to go back to the shop itself? Noticed lots of 'guards' hanging around their building. Tried calling the credit card company to stop payment but to no avail. Anyways, the item that I bought is real but really overpriced as it is of the lowest quality sapphire which was heat treated! I got my item appraised by a gemologist as it was my birthday present! Now I cant even bear to look at the darn ring....Bummer.

Thanks to all that post their stories here. I just returned from BKK and avoided getting scammed at all in spite of multiple attempts just as described here (unless I was scammed and didn't even know it). My best advice is that you are on vacation- relax and stop trying to make a profit! Time enough for that in the daily grind.

that exact same story happened to me , exact same guy, lawyer. i took the cheap tuk tuk and never even went into golden argosy. so funny as i knew about it and just played along. very convincing however.

Phew! Finally, my case is over. If you read my other 2 posts, I have been a victim myself.

But thanks to Mr Suchat from the Ministry of Internal Trade negotiating on my behalf (I only met Mr Suchat on the day of my departure and was never in Bangkok during this negotiation phase), I managed to get the full amount back today (after almost 1.5 weeks).

In fact, we would have gotten our refund back earlier if it wasn't for the 2 public holidays we just had - Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Anyway, I'm extremely happy for what Mr Suchat and his team did for us. We will be sending a thank you card and a gift to his team as a token of appreciation. We learnt a huge lesson on scams and to trust strangers so easily. Thankfully, we didn't have to pay a huge price for this invaluable lesson.

Great news Ben!

I've been following your experience. I think it's a good sign that Mr Suchat managed to get a favourable conclusion for you. Maybe more people should contact him with their experiences, and hopefully, help disrupt such 'businesses'.

Well played for following it through.

Thanks Owl.

I hope those who fell victim to this scam will get a favorable outcome like me, and that was my intention to post my experiences here.

Mr Suchat can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Good luck!

Well, this is new kind of story for me. I know I could expect someone will try do like this to me but I doubt that one could make it. I have no pink glasses about Thais. This could be any country around, too. It is not only in Thailand. It is just about HOW MUCH YOU ARE NAIVE. Our expectations, in comming to Thailand, are based on brochures, cable tv, advertizing. That is what we think in arriving. Of course, first few weeks all is wonderfull,as in a dream. Later, you have a cold brain, you are thinking more, looking all around more careful and you are able to see many things of other kind.As a background.After all,even if nothing bad happened to you,you will be abke to see it is not what you had in minds,in comming here.Thailand is wonderfull country.All you have to do is SMILE but be cautious and will be no problems.In social,daily life,as you have to live here,by choice of your own,you will need to know

Ah, the memories... Me and my girlfriend embarked on this adventure but we were on scam alert mode, having been already scammed by a no-meter/broken meter taxi. So we believed the closed temple idea and wasted a good 2 hours. Eventually we went on with the scam and visited the stores because the tuk-tuk driver was a nice guy and he acknowledged that he recieves petrol coupons in exchange for the visits. The englishman/belge was a good saleman but the whole thing sounded fishy. We didn't buy anything because we have no experience in grading gemstones and we are poor. However being on scam-alert during an entire trip is sooo exhausting. Thailand is beautiful but these are certain traps that a first time visitor must watch out for. I'm actually stopping by again next month so like Bush says; fool me once shame on me, fool me twice.... (thinking...) you aint gonna fool me twice (smirk)

I really wonder how people can still fall for this. Don't get me wrong I feel sorry for you, but if in your home country someone you meet on the street tells you he has a great business opportunity for you. Do you believe him?
Really people. Don't blame Thailand. Similar scams with real estate are all over Europe too. All you have to blame is yourself and your greed. Especially since every travel book on Thailand tells you not to buy gemstones.

However I do find it unfortunate that now there is a promotion for certain jewelry stores on the TAT website. TAT used to have a warning on their site that there are no TAT authorized gem stores. Now that there are it is going to be even easier for the scam artists.

The Scam
One of the most pervasive scams in Thailand is the Thai gem scam. Typically, a tourist meets a friendly Thai at a tourist attraction who eventually offers to take them to a "government" gem stone shop where the tourist is told about how they can sell Thai "blue sapphires" or other gems back home and make a 100% profit. It is all lies, of course, and the tourist ends up with a pocket full of overpriced gems. Like Thais themselves, the scam is low-key and the touts are friendly rather than pushy. A rule of thumb for Thais is that "real" Thais do not just walk up to strangers and strike up a friendly conversation. Thais typically "speak when spoken to." If you are approached at a tourist attraction by a friendly fellow who just walks up and starts speaking to you, watch out!

Too many otherwise wonderful vacations have been ruined by this scam, so watch out. 2B has followed this scam online for nearly 5 five years and make no mistake--the authorities have done little to stop it. No official ever dares mention the "protected" gold shops that actually run the scams (UPDATE: Gold stores were finally mentioned in a Tourist Police brochure circa January, 2004). One of the tuk tuk drivers who takes victims to be scammed operates in front of the Tourist Information Centre and the local Police Station on Khao Sarn Road.

The funny thing is that over the years the reports are from the same locations--only the names of the stores change. Officials claim that just changing the name of the shop prevents them from doing anything to stop the scam. See our Family Tree of Corrupt Shops. As one shop owner bragged to some cheated tourists: "I'll reopen again, just like I have for 20 years!"

How it is done

This is a by-the-numbers scam. Most people have the exact same experience. It usually goes something like this:
1. You are riding in a tuk-tuk
2. The driver tells you that wherever you are going is closed for some reason.
3. The driver tells you he is specially trained to be helpful to tourists.
4. You are told the government has launched a promotion to sell gems to tourists.
5. In the course of riding around with the "friendly" tuk-tuk driver, you "accidentally" meet a well-dressed young man or an older, distinguished man.
6. The younger man claims he is a student. The older will claim he works for the government and shows you his government ID. (Thai IDs mean nothing. They are readily available for a small fee to anyone.)
7. The person you meet independently confirms the story the tuk-tuk driver told. (This is a nice touch.)
8. Eventually you ask to be taken to the "government" jewelry house and are told that you can make 100-150% profit by reselling the gems back home. It seems okay since the seller writes something like "if everything is not ok we will offer a full refund" and puts an official looking stamp on it.
9. You've now been cheated by one of the oldest and most openly practiced scams in Thailand.

We are the new victim, above story is our experience at Thailand on 7 april 2008. The person we meet was a west europeen young man. He looks like a traveler. And told us beter go to Golden Argosy.

see more victim story at: http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Scams/Sapphire.shtml

I experienced the same scam in BKK exactly as detailed in the many accounts, however I have a keen sixth sense and smelled a rat. On arrival at the gem center ( with a group of friends) myself and a friend sloped off and only returned after 40 minutes to find the other friends 'scammed' and unfortunately two had succumbed to the 'hard sell' I pride myself on a wise decision, or maybe I am just LUCKY !!

Ben, please tell me you're not a part of this scam! I fell victim myself on my last day in Bangkok. I don't know why, I was really cautious throughout my travels. For some reason my guard was down and I got scammed. Dammit I'm so pissed off at myself. I want to contact Mr. Suchet, but I don't know who to trust anymore! Anybody else have any luck with getting their money back? Please post if you do. Ben I hope you're not a part of this scam. Sorry, but like I said, I don't know who to trust anymore. It's been a real expensive lesson in life.

I was also a victim of this scam, I experienced the same steps during my visit to Bangkok. But when I came back to Hotel I could smell a rat and went back to the shop next day to return the goods. Surprisingly no questions asked, they sign one more agreement saying you are returning this voluntarily and then they issue you a manual credit voucher for 80% of the good value. They promised that money would be credited back to my account in 15 working days.

I got back the credit in 10 days, they still made 20% for nothing.

Thanks to all the contributors in this blog, which alerted me and could atleast get back 80%

You can add me to the list, like the rest of the seasoned travllers I have fallen victim. After reading all your postings that I can't believe I was duped by the friendliness of the thai's and I too thought I was lucky.
I doubt I will ever get my money back but if Ben's suggestion on contacting Mr Suchat on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it works please let me know as I am back in Australia and doubt that I will travel to Bangkok to recover my money. I was hoodwinked at the SNP Jewlry store. I have a photo of the tuk tuk driver, I wonder if that would help my cause for justice.

John, I'm curious as to why you accused me of being part of this scam? Would scammers spend time on forums and explain how to get your money back? Would they give a detailed report on their progress each day? In fact, I wouldn't be here as I'll be too busy out there scamming others!!

If you don't trust me or believe what I have written, I think it is pointless for me to even reply any further.

Having said that, good luck in getting your money back.

Adrian,

I am an Australian too and got 100% of my money back (despite I have left the country). Mr Suchat did all the negotiations for me and he's a champ.

I'd recommend that you send an email to Mr Suchat and tell him your problem. He might be able to help you. Tell him you know of my experiences and how he has helped me in the past before. My name is Bernard Ng and he should remember me.

Good luck.

Here's the full account of my story that I wrote on another reputable website.

http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Scams/sapp56.shtml

John dont worry mate just send me your credit card details and I will get your refund plus 200% profit. If your interested let me know! You are all so sad as to buy something you dont want, only because you saw a profit!!!! why the f--k do you expect everyone to help you out when you were only after profit ? tough shit if you dont like it then get scammed in your own country and save us the burden of reading your pathetic sob stories. you bunch of losers. If you had doubled your money you would be telling people how clever you were - - - guess what ----you aint!!!!!

These people are everywhere around Bangkok. They pretent to be friednly, but stab you from the back. There are so many other beautiful places around the world, why should I come back to Thailand? I had misereble vacation there; people tried to trick us everywhere we went.

Advice, to you all... Do NOT go to Thailand (especially Bangkok); it will ruin your vacation. Plus, the place is dirty; the air and water are polutted. It's not safe for foreigners...

I am totally agree with Danny...
Bangkok is a criminal heaven... it will ruined your life!

Hi Ben,

Im a Malaysian and I was 1 of the victim too.. :"(
just back from Bangkok 1day ago, I have bring this matter to police but seems they couldnt help much..

Could you please give me Mr Suchat's contact number/email do that I can ask for his help?
I cant sleep this few days because of this case... I was really sad because of fall into the trap.
Now I lost all my money and owe bank's for a huge of amount..

Please help me, and Im always here to look forwad your reply soon, thanks alot..

To Rachel (Malaysia)

Im a victim too ....im malaysia
i saw this website, i have send a email to Mr Suchat this afternoon as suggested by Mr Ben
Rachel....do u mind give me a contact number? send this contact number to my email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
i hope we can solve this matter together
hope can hear u soon

Hi bee kuen,
i hv added u into my ym, pls contact me asap. thx

Im Malaysian and just back from Bangkok Last night. I also one of the victim of Golden Argosy! Ben, I tried to write an e-mail to Mr. Suchat but it can't send through.
Is it possible to contact via phone?

Hope to get your reply soon. Thanks

Hi Tan,
r u manage to contact Mr Suchat?
Hope to get ur reply asap, tq

Hello there,
I just got back in Kuala Lumpur, from bangkok only to find out that i had been the victim of Yindee Lapidary & Co Jewlry Shop scam. I wish Mr Tan, Rachel and Cat to come together and solve this matter. I spent 11,400 Bath for two rings and one bracelet. i can be contacted thru email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
thanks

I have found Thailand to be a wonderfull place and the vast majority of Thai people to be more than ready to help tourists ( falang) despite the ignorant way we so often behave. remember the first rule of the scammer, you CAN'T scam an honest person. but the greedy ones are easy! kho hi chok di

Seams to be high season for gem scams - I was cheated on last Friday June 6. Even though I was aware about cheated tourists, I never heard before from the infamous gem scam. So at the end, they sold me for some 150000 baht 2 blue stones, heavily overpriced. When checking the internet, I found out that this is going on for years now, and police and the authority is basically doing nothing. Tells a lot about the country... Anyway, the 2 guys at the temple who lured me into 'The Oscar', did a marvellous acting job, my congratulations.

Sorry for the late reply. I've been busy and have been away for work purposes.

Your best bet is to send Mr Suchat an email. He gets a lot of emails and it is best that you are there to talk to him. He also requires evidence, receipts and a formal report from you in order to take action against the scammers.

I will try to locate his phone number. As I hardly have time to check up on this website, email me on bernng at hotmail.com

I will try to assist you as much as I can.

Hi Ben,

Is it possible if I send those things to Mr Suchat by EMS? As Im not planning to go to Bangkok in the future... Since the case was happened...
Any idea with that? How did you get your refund? By cash? Or reverse the transaction through the credit card?

And after the negotiation, how would the shop going to make a deal with you? Were they sending you any agreement for that?

Do you know is there any case which is failed during the negotiation so far? :"(
I was so worry and scared, even cant have a good sleep since it happened..
What an unpleasant trip...

Looking forward your reply soon, thank you...

Hi,

the same story happened to me today but luckily i realised something was up in the store. Very close call though. I was outside a large shopping centre looking at this statue when a well-dressed woman started talking to me and told me about this "Lucky Buddha". She pointed out this tut-tut driver who she said would take me there for little money. I showed the driver the note she had written me but he said he did not understand "Lucky Buddha". Then this very well dressed older Thai guy came up and explained where to the driver who then offered to take me there for only 20b.
In hindsight, i can see that both the well-dressed woman and older man were in on the scam, quite compelling stuff though.
At the small temple, this Thai guy was inside praying, well dressed with good English. He told me all about his life and said he was working with the Thai finance ministry as an accountant. He told me about the "export sale" and the last day bargains.
After exiting the temple, i told the tut-tut driver to return me back to the shopping centre area, he said ok. He then drove to this export gem store next to a TAT office and asked me to go inside so he could get petrol. Inside, i was given a very hard-sell by this older Thai lady, well-dressed and spoken. What definitely gave the game away though was when i saw this other European looking couple buying jewels in the store. The guy was watching me out of the corner of his eye, if he was spending thousands of $$$ he would be paying more attention to the products!
I made my excuses and left.

We just recently got scammed at the end of May 2008. We are very upset and trying to contact our credit card company to see to report a fraud. Any suggestions of how to get a cash refund would be appreciated. Amazing that the government doesn't do anything about this.

i just recently got scammed early june at the Golden Argosy. Anyone who brought the gem there and able to get refund through Mr Suchat? really need your help and guide. Email me by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bottom Line, enjoy your vacation instead of trying to pay for it with a too good to be true 150% profit gem deal. Greed on both ends of the deal , no one was pointing a gun to your head when you people swipped your Credit Cards. Chalk it up to a good old fashion life lesson. I give the thai people props for schooling all the brilliant Foreigners.

I have seen Ben's email about Mr Suchat.

Has anyone had any joy with their credit/debit card company. Abbey National told me if i had the goods and had my card there was no fraud.

Any more ideas for getting money back?

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

29/5/08 Siam Station,man speaking good english,tuk-tuk,Lucky Budda,feed fish, toilet, man in 4wd, Golden Argosy. All the stories as above and very good at it. Even provided car for free to take us to floating markets, Bridge over River Kwai, etc to keep us out of town for day before we left-free car to airport in early morning- wasn't looking for any jewellery but decided just to have a look for wife who was with me-never been conned o/s before. Very worried when saw this website, phoned mastercard, advised to send jewellery back and make claim because goods not what claimed to be-got rubies valued by qualified valuer, amazed, valued at more than twice what we paid for them-absolute miracle-good luck to everyone else- they are absolutely convincing and must be everywhere

To Rachel and KB, read my above post.

Rachel - Unfortunately, you have to return to BKK if you want your refund.
KB - Your Credit Card company is right. There was no fraud because you authorised the transaction. A fraud is only recognised by banks only when a transaction is made without your authorisation or knowing.

To Will Never Return To Thailand - The Govt won't do anything because several top policemen and govt officials are part of this scam. It is controlled and protected by some big syndicate/authorities. Sad, but true.

Having said that, the majority of the Thai people are friendly. It's these group of minority corrupted officials that give Thailand a bad name.

To Tan and Cat - Mr Suchat's number is in the link provided.

Hi, by the time I read all the post here it is already too LATE. Yes, I'm a victim myself of one of the Gem scam. And it happens just 2 days ago. Just got back from BKK yesterday.

TO keep long story short as I'm not going to repeat how I got scammed since it is all quite similar and already mentioned above. But the different is I got back 100% of my refund.

So, I just going to post here my experience of how I got those back but it would only serve as reference for future traveler and probably already too late for the victims.

Like everyone else, I've lost 130,000 Baht to the scam (But recovered). You probably won't notice that it was a scam till you return to your home country and have your gems verified, that would be too late. I was lucky (too say at least) when I feels something was not right the moment I return to my hotel. As I found the chain of event that surround the scam are all highly coincidental (Heard of the term 'black swan'). But most important of all (and you may not realize this), the scam feeds on the info you provide. Eg...
1) Where do you come from. This is where they'll establish the right stories to con you. If you're foreigner, They will probably mentioned Tiffany USA or their relative in Australia. If you're Malaysian or Singaporean the stories would probably centered around Poh Kong and Poh Hong.
2) Are you on Honeymoon? 2 persons and especially a guy would be easier to be con if her beloved is around.
3) How many days you're in BKK? When will you be leaving?
Ta da... Probably this is their best opportunity, it would be very hard to pursue the matter once you leave BKK.
4) If you're Malaysian/Singaporean, they'll mentioned something like Malaysian/Singaporean looks like Thai people. This bring your guard down!!!

OK, back to my experience. When I felt suspicious that it could be a scam, I went to check with Tourist Office (any will do). She did a search for us and found that it was a scam after all. You can search the internet yourself if you have the resources. She suggested to us to report the matter to the Tourist Police and call off your credit card transaction.

I'll explain the rest of the detail in present tense. Not important though but it is easier to related in sequence...

Take a taxi with your merchandise go to the Tourist Police HQ at Bangkok Tower at New Petchaburi Road, few blocks down the TAT office. You may have problem along the way like the Taxi driver didn't know where is Bangkok Tower and drop you off at TAT office itself :), makes me wonder whether the driver know that I'm being scammed and try not to get involve in it. Make your report to the Tourist Police. She probably wouldn't take down your report as this may leave her with a trail of paper work BUT she will call the shop and negotiate on your behalf. Tell the police you want a full refund so that she know how to liaise with the shop.

Bring your merchandise back to the shop. If your transaction are on the same day, you can have the shop to void all the transaction and return your merchandise. Remember to check back with your bank that all the dubious has been call off. This would probably chalk up a big roaming fee, but it probably small compare to your loss. Get back all the Visa/MC transaction slip you have signed (they probably couldn't make further claim if there handed back your signed transaction slip).

You'll probably left shaken by all this experience like we do at the end of it. But It would probably just cost you a wasted day and a coupled of Baht for taxi fare. Oh yes, we also find it strange that the cab we hail from the street would actually drop you quite far from the shop as the told you it is traffic jam. Hmmm... fishy isn't it.

I hope the experience can serve as a reference for future traveller and hopefully the info may be useful to the victim all there. Thank God we were able to settle it before leaving BKK and never believe it again if you find yourself in a "very lucky'" situation.

I am another stupid victim of this scam as well. I have been reading everyones emails and it just feels hopeless. I would love to get even the 70% back that is agreed after 3 months of purchase but there is no way i can get back to Bangkok. If anyone can let me know what or how i can do something please, please let me know

I'm not greedy. My fault is I should not trust Thailand friendly man. Same story, same man speaking good English, tuk-tuk, Lucky Budda, free drink, we were brought to Pan-Siamese Gems Co., Ltd. I don't care gems were overpriced, but I was hurt by the friendly cheating. I will never tell my husband we were caught in the scam, (we bought ruby rings for each other as our 10th Anniversary gifts) and I will never go back Thailand. I feel very upset I have to wear this ring to celebrate my Anniversary......

Just got back from BKK out of curiousity did a quick google search and now I feel sick as underlying fears are confirmed. My partner and I have also just been scamed out of the best part of £1000 for 2 sapphire rings although we have not had them valued and we proberbly won't bother now. Live and Learn hey! Even read about the stupid scams and still fell for it never expected it from these nice friendly people but thats the idea!

Lucky Buddha how ironinic!

Dear all victims,

Really appreciate with Ben's advices, I have contacted Mr Suchat who work for Department Internal Trade(DIT) in BKK. He is a really a good and helpful Thai people.. And so for his assistance..

Finally, I have successfully get back all my money by reverse the credit card transaction through DIT's help, LUCKILY... I just lost some of the money after convertion of currency.. DIT's members were so helpful and they were willing to take the responsibility to help me in order to reduce my lost and get back my money..Honestly, even though maybe it was part of their job, but it was not neccesary they must give us a favor.. Thanks DIT and GOD..

In addition, I would like to say that, for all of the victims, included myself, we were someone who likes to take the advantage, somemore greedy... Thus, we fall into the traps which set up by those gem shops... If we insist not to buy any, we really wont involve in such incident..

Lastly, I wish all other victims can get back their money asap, and not to be greedy anymore in taking those "advatages" again.. good luck, guys..

* Mr Suchat and DIT is not part of the scam, please trust them..They will offer help if they could.. REALLY..

I will visit to Thai again in the future :)
And take it as a good lesson for myself, and my friends... etc
Ben, Thx again.. TQ

just to put some prices into perspective' i buy loose gems when i visit Bangkok everytime i go'

1 to 1.5 carrat Burma ' reasonable gem quality' should only cost about $15000 baht at the good disscounted rate. Thai and Burma Sapphire very similar prices for reasonable gem quality. Thai ruby is actualy almost no mines anymore so most good quality Ruby are from Burma for sale in Thailand.

once you get above 2 carrat in weight the price jumps up quite a bit' but the price realy depends on the color and clarity of the stone if you are looking at ruby or sapphire.

my last trip i baught two Burma ruby' one only cost $425 Australian dollors' i had it lab tested by expert in Australia and retail valued at $1700 aud

if you want to buy gems in BKK there are many legit places to buy and easy to find information just by researching the web if you know nothing about what to look for in such things

shame BKK is becoming known for gem scams instead of the great buys available.

BKK is a place for value-for-money ruby and sapphire but I guess we have to know where to get them. Never buy from a place that has to borrow a credit card machine from their neighbours :)

Hi Rachel,

You manage to get back the money without going back to Bangkok?

I was a victim on 28Jun. I cant believe that i had fallen to this....this had heppened so many many things......

Help me and assist me in getting back the money. I had sent an email to Mr. Suchat and hope that he will reply soon.....

Where is the fraudulent transaction?? You got the goods and handed over your card to pay for it. The goods are not damaged nor are the stones synthetic or simulants. These are just of poor quality. Nobody confirmed the purchase of top stones etc.
forget about claiming money from your credit card company.
I just wish tourists would stop being enthralled by these wellspoken and friendly Thai con people who linger on all major skytrain bridges and near tourist areas.
I'm an expat living in BKK and I have on various occasions offered assistance to tourists who were on their way 'into the arms of a friendly Thai' - no, better listen to the local who will know better.
I wonder if we will ever see the end of tourists complaints?????
A piece of advice: why do you all think that these nice jewellery store folks wanted to sell you a top stone at bargain price???

Top tip . If anyone smiles at you in Thailand , dont trust them.

sorry i should be more subtle

hi Rachel, is good to hear you get back your refund. i am also one of the victim for malaysia. i would like to know the detail on how you get your refund. can you contact me by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ? or can i have your email add??

hi, bibi, where are you from? will you back to bangkok to get your refund? i am planning to back to bangkok soon. you can contact me by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

http://www.bangkokcompanies.com/categories/thai_companies_p3.htm

if you go to this web-page and scroll down you will find a very detailed listing of Legitimate Gem and jewelry trading companies in Bangkok

as you can see there are a huge amount of legit dealers compared to the few scams mentioned here' i hope this can help those who wish to educate themself before buying gem and jewelry in BKK.

information any of the companies listed can also be obtained through the same site by e-mail

educate yourself to stay safe' and enjoy the beautiful culture of real Thai people.

Hi Rachael, great to hear you got your money back. Glad that my experiences managed to help somebody.

You can thank me by helping out other fellow victims.

PS: Can you email me as I want to ask you a question on how you got your refund? I can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Did someone remove the link that I have posted? It is the link to Mr Suchat's contact details (Address and Phone number). :(

I'm a new victim at Golden Argosy Factory Export Center today. Sigh! :-( My story like below:

I'm a Canadian citizen on a business trip to Thailand. This is the first time I visit Thailand and today (July 05th, 2008) is the first day I arrived in Bangkok. I was excited to see all attractions in Bangkok. So I went out this afternoon. I was told by a tutu driver that the Golden Palace would be closed soon so I didn't have enough time to visit the Palace. Instead, he offered me a ride to a couple of other temples and the "government export center" for only 40 Barts. I thought it was a good idea so I accepted. When I was in one of the temples, I bumped into another "tourist" with whom I had a very "nice" conversation. He said he came from UK and had been in Bangkok several times. Very casually he asked if I was offered by the tutu driver for only 40 Barts, same as him. Then he said today was a special day because it's the last day of government organized export fair. So that all tutu drivers who took foreign tourists there would get a fuel voucher, which is why the drivers charged such a low fee. Normally they would have charged 150 Barts for such a trip. He also mentioned that he got a very good jewelry deal at the export center, because the jewelry was sold at the export price. He bought them to his mother. But if he sold them back home, he could earn double amount of money. He bought those jewelry before so he assured me that those were good quality jewelry. I believed him because he appeared to be such a nice guy. I really wanted to buy a jewelry to my wife, having heard that Thailand is famous for sapphire and ruby. So the tutu driver took me to Golden Argosy Factory Export Center. The salesman, named "Prayuth", appeared to be very professional and a gentlemen. Honestly he didn't force me or persuade me to buy. Long story short, in the end I bought one sapphire ring and one sapphire necklace.

I was very happy that I had bought a nice gift for my wife. After back to the hotel, I decided to do some research on Thailand's sapphire. To break my heart, the first article I got from google.com on "Thailand sapphire" was this web site: http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Scams/Sapphire.shtml. Immediately I knew I was another new victim!!!

So I have just sent out an email to Mr Suchat. I'm waiting for his response.

Will update this web site if I get back from him.

I wish this site would have been linked to tripadvisor.com. I checkrf tripadvisor.com before I came and didn't find such information. Otherwise I would have avoided such naive thing. Being living in Canada or other countries for so long, we tend to forget this is a very different part of the world.

Dear Ben and Rachel

Im a Japanese and I am a 1 of victim too.
I feel so foolish. I feel so foolish. It ruins my vacation.
I would like to refund but I'm too scared to back to BKK again.

Could you please give me Mr Suchat's contact number and E-mail address?

And I would like to know the detail on how you get your refund.
Please help me, and I'm looking forwad to your reply soon.

Thank you.
Eri

Ok, here are the contact details for Mr Suchat and his team at the Dept of Internal Trade. Give him a call first to setup an appointment, then take a taxi (about 1.5 hours from Sukhumvit) to see him in person, lodge a report with him and he will take it from there. Bring along your gems, receipt, documents, etc.

The Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Rd. Muang district, Nonthaburi 11000
Web Site : http://www.dit.go.th

The Email to contact is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it addressed to Mr Suchat Sinrat. Phone numbers (in Bangkok) to call are 025475356 or 025475358.

Eri, email me on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will try my best to answer your questions.

i was a victim for gems scam cases after i check the real value of the stone that i bought at SNP Jewelry, bangkok

I feel sad abt the value just worth less than 3000 BAHT, the cost that i bought is 17500 BAHT.

i read all the scam story, i have send the email to Mr Suchat as Mr Ben advise us to do it. I hope can get a reply as soon as possible

My gf and i just got scammed in Bangkok, Golden Aragon, with gems . Luckily we realised just after the purchase and redeemed 80 per cent of the amount. We are both veteran travellers, we felt pretty foolish but these dudes are pro and they have all bases covered. Its a shame that ppl's faith in humanity can be exploited so ruthlessly especially when all you are doing is demonstrating an interest to learn and take part in a new culture. These ppl are thieves and dogs and unfortunately tainted my opinion of the Thai ppl in entirety. A great trip ruined.

Dear All,

here's the email that I've sent to Mr Suchat. I wish to highlight that now they've enhanced their scam...they told me tat i have to courier the goods back as there're many "bad pple in bbk" and its not safe to carry it ard. So..I dun have the gems and i've paid the money. I'm currently filing a dispute form to the credit card company. Look out for the details of the company below.

To those lucky enough not to be scammed, do not say the obvious tat we're naive and stupid becos the whole setup is very real and convincing. They have u thinking the other way, that u're the naive one loosing out on an obvious deal. Just be thankful that u r not the one and warn as many pple as u can as I've been to bbk countless times and this had nvr happened before.

Dear Mr Suchat,

I am Hong Yin from Singapore and I just came back from Bangkok yesterday and discovered that I am another victim of the gemstone scam. I read about how u helped Mr Bernard Ng on the internet and hope to trouble you for help as well.

Me and my boyfriend were cheated by the shop Erawan Lapidary at 101-103 Prachathipatai Rd., Bangkhunprom, Pranakorn Bangkok 1000. Tel: 0228274246. We spent 160,000 baht on a set of blue sapphire ring, earring and pendent on 3 July 2008.

Not only were we scammed paying much more for a product not worth so much, we also did not receive the gemstones. The person there, Mr Saharat Tinakorn told us that as we are not leaving on the day itself, we cannot bring the product back after we've paid. He told us that it is their company policy that we have to courier back the product as it was unsafe to carry it in Thailand. He got a staff and driver to drive us to a courier company called EMS International Courier Thailand and made us sent the gemstone back to Singapore, saying it will reach in 3 days.

We did not receive the gemstone and we already paid the money. We tried contacting the courier company but it did not get through. The internet tracking stopped on 4 July 2008, the day the money from Credit Card company went through. They might have taken the money and the product, even if the product reached us, they might have made us courier it back so that we cannot file a report.

We are very distressed over the incident and would like to seek your help to get a full refund from the company.

The big boss of the company gave us his name and mobile number but we are scared to call him.

His name is Mr Saharat Timakorn, Mobile: 0812067561, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Im in Thailand for 2 months , I have never been scammed because I always avoid tourist traps. I will bring the camera with me to BKK and act like a tourist this time so we can post pictures of the scammers on internet , Thai police are not interested in helping because they're involved themselfes, they earn very good money from this business, every week they scam hundreds of tourists.

I dont care if they attack me I hate to see good people being cheated like this.

Hi all,

I was also scammed by a similar setup. I was already aware that there will be people whom will be make suggestion about the attraction not being open.. but what caught me is we were crossing the room towards Chinatown and we meet this guy whom claims to be a dentist working in the shrine (Kuan Yim shrine) that we were thinking to visit.. so, he started with asking the normal questions.
Short story, we were told that today is the last day to visit this Lucky Buddha temple, which is normally not open. As well as a mentioned about a shop having last day sale for tax free export sales
a place called Pan Siamese something (which was done very subtle), so he never told us not to go to Chinatown but instead told us to go to an additional temple.

We thought it might be interesting to see something that is normally not open to tourist, so we went to the temple mentioned. Where we meet with 2 more persons whom is Thai, very friendly and worked overseas (Dubai & Spore) home for holidays and also went to this Pan Siamese Gems shop and both drew location of shop on my map.

By now, we were curious and told the tuk tuk to go (of yes, this was the same tuk tuk (from Kuan Yim shrine) and was hired by the 'dentist' for us.

When we reached the Pan Siamese Gem shop, they look legit enough, it was a gem shop and had a couple of other customers too.. we were quickly ushered into the inner area.. where we were shown sapphires of all colours.. we were looking at some yellow sapphire and saw a couple of really nice looking ones..

At the end, I bought a yellow sapphire pendant with matching earrings which cost 39K Baht.
Then we went back to Chinatown.. oblivious to the entire thing.

After dinner, as I was looking at the gems.. I thought it was it was too coincidental and felt a tinge uncomfortable, lucky for me I had my laptop with me on this trip and login to search in the net about buying jewels in BKK... as I read thro' the scams stories, I felt very cold as the same situation was presented to me during the day..

I looked thro' all the links and found Bernard's write up and Mr Suchat contact. Immediately I wrote to both of them to seek for advise, as the next day was a Saturday, I had to wait another 2 days before I was able to give Mr Suchat's office a call for reservation to seek help.

Bernard had reply on Sat to further answer some queries that I had, and was very helpful thro Sat and Sun. On Monday morning, I called Mr Suchat office for an appointment where I was told to be there after 1230pm.

I went there with the gems and all the documents and credit card slips, after talking to Mr Suchat and his assistant, I was told that Pan Siamese representative will come to meet me in a hours' time.
After an hour, the Pan Siamese's sales manager arrived and gave his view about the whole thing, he was very apologetic about the whole event and explained that his company was totally legitimate.

I told as I don't know much about jewel valuation so I cant complain about it yet but however, I really didn't like the fact of how I was coerced to go to this shop, by 3-4 different persons whom seems to be totally unrelated. His explanation was their shop was famous and it is not impossible that there are people whom knows their shop.

He immediately explained that his shop is totally understanding and willing to buy back 100% of the value, and gave me a slip of cancellation of the credit card sales, where the money will be transfer back to my bank in 1.5weeks time and in the meantime, Mr Suchat is safekeeping the jewels till the money clear.

The whole event happened in less than 4hours and I would have to applaud to the efficiency from Mr Suchat's office in helping me on this matter

Hi all, some updates for those of you staying in Singapore. The gems actually reached me through courier, so I guessed they will give you the jewelry but wants to deter you from having them in thailand so its more hassle to get a refund there and then.

You can try calling the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Singapore: number is 62357694. I spoke to a very efficient and helpful lady called Elaine. They actually help me call the shop and negotiate for a refund. However, I still have to bring down the gems for an exchange. You can authorise someone who's gg down to Thailand to do the exchange for you at the Tourist Police: Tourist Police
Bangkok Tower Building
2017 Pechtburi New Road
19th Floor, Bangkapi, Huang Khang District
Bangkok 10310
Tel: 662 308 0898
Fax: 662 308 0919

I was told by Elaine that they've handled many cases b4 and most of them managed to get the 100% refund. I asked about Mr Suchat and they also called him b4. Turns out he's a nice man that's trying to help everybody even tho this is not his department's job.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Hmm... these scammers are very up-to-date and changes their strategy accordingly to make it harder for victims to obtain a refund.

So, instead of giving the gems to you after you have purchased it, they now insists on posting it back to your residential address. By doing so, these scammers can reduce the number of victims asking for refunds WHILE THEY ARE STILL IN THAILAND and also give victims no alternative but to make a return trip to Thailand should they want a refund after they have returned home.

This will definitely deter those who live a fair distance from Thailand from returning. It's just not worth the time, money and trouble to do so.

You just have to shake your head and marvel at the depth of this scam. :x

Hong Yin,

Keep us up to date and hopefully Elaine is able to help you too.

This way, Mr Suchat won't be too stressed over the number of complaints that he receives each day!!

And yes, it is not Mr Suchat's job to get refund for tourists (that's what the Tourists Police are for). He is merely helping out with the contacts and resources that he has.

Ye,

It's my pleasure to assist you. Great to hear you got a positive outcome!
It takes 5 - 10 working days for the money to be transferred back into your account.

Rachel & Ben,

did u guys actually got the refund without going back to BKK? how u guys did it? Mr Suchat insisted me to go back BKK to settle it as he said if I wasnt there, this will lower down his power of negotiation..

pls adv

On Wall Street, greed is good, also Mr Gecko knew what he was doing. If you don't know the difference between a $2000 sapphire and a blue piece of glass, I recommend staying out of the 'jewelry make 200% profit game'. The jewelry scam is a purely preying on our greed, I'm greedy too, I often order more food then I can eat, but at least I know what I'm biting off. Have I been scammed before? yes, sometimes I don't listen to my brain either

I am also scammed in this typical way....I along with my wife and daughter are here in Bangkok as tourist and were scammed by a jewelry shop in Bangkok named 'The Golden Argosy Factory Export Center Co. Ltd' in a typical way as mentioned at various internet web sites...see http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Scams/stores.shtml. One well dressed man at the gate of Palace said palace is closed and you can spend time going around to couple of place and then come back. He said about Thai export and that today is the last day. He arranged Tuk-Tuk for us at 40 baht and as we went around we met a very well english spoken man at Lucky Budhha temple and he said about the Tuk-tuk he took for 50bhat and the sapphire he bought for 4975 UK pounds. He said he would make 100% profit and he has done this 5 times earlier. With whatever money we had, we bought Ruby stone earring and ring for my wife for 37,300 bhat. I paid through my visa credit card and feel cheated now. This all happened on July 12, 08 at around 14:00hrs. The sales person name is Wanna.

I have just now written e-mail to Mr Suchat and will wait for response and I am here till July 27, 08, so will try my best to recover some money. Any guidance and help in regards to what I can do while I am here will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Sud ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Dear Ben and all victims,

In fact, I was planning to fly back to BKK immediately with the gems together, but after some advices from my parents and friends, they were so worry about our safety in BKK. What if any accidents happen to us? Our safety might be threatened by the gem seller? As I’m strongly believe that there must be somebody who has a huge power to support those gem shops, thus they could only set up the traps widely.

After plenty of emails to DIT, they still insisted that the buyer has to be present during the negotiation stage with the shop, for getting the maximum refund. Else, DIT seems to be powerless to represent us in order to get the full refund.

Since I was noticed through the forums in the internet, we could actually get minimum of 50% until 70% of refund. Besides that, I never expected for getting a full refund at that time, I was only hoping for refund at least 80% to 90% from the total amount indeed. Thus, I told DIT that, I really wish they could help me out from this without me going back to BKK, and wish DIT can represent me in the negotiation stage. DIT suggested if they could negotiate for getting a FULL refund without me, would I like to make some donations to the Thai's orphanage?

Before I sent the gems back to BKK by registered (EMS) Expedited Mail Service, DIT has advised me that they wouldn’t take the responsibilities to make sure that they’d receive the gem safely. And I could understand that because this was not their job neither in getting refund for the victims nor ensure they receive the gems safely. In addition, DIT has suggested me not to courier by FedEx, DHL… ONLY send by those registered and legitimate EMS Company. Besides that, I needed to take the risk regarding the possibility of the gem might be hold by the custom in BKK. DIT advised me NOT to declare the gem as most of the courier company would not accept the gem and courier to the destination country that you wish. It should be declared not more than 10000 Bath or lower.

In fact, I was so worry what if I lost all the gems for getting nothing back? Maybe I get neither some refunds nor even a single cent? After considerations carefully, I decided to take the RISK and sent all of the gems with the original certificates and receipts, to DIT’s corresponding address.

After 2 weeks I sent the gems back to BKK, I receive the email from DIT, that my credit card transaction was reversed successfully and asked me to check with my bank in my country. It was real and unbelievable as I manage to get full refund, and minimized my lost after the converting of currency. Within the 2 weeks time, I had updated by DIT regarding to the status of refunding.

I was so happy and made a donation to orphanage of Thailand as promised earlier. At first, I had to face the fact, that I needed to bear with the lost of huge amount, but I could minimize it into the least after the assistance of DIT. Furthermore, I feel that a donation to orphanage is much better than being cheated by those gem sellers.
Lastly, I wish my experience can help you all out from bearing with the lost of money. Besides, hope that all the victims will respect DIT’s for their suggestions, as they are not responsible to help us for getting the refund indeed. As we are requesting favor from them, thus everything they suggested, we shouldn’t doubt with it. Just try to discuss with Mr Suchat or DIT regarding the way of getting refund.

GOOD LUCK and ALL THE BEST!!!!!!!!

Great outcome, RC.

I made a contribution to their orphanage fund too. It was the least I could do to thank DIT. Besides, it is for a good cause so I had no hesitation in making a donation to them.

I am a seasoned traveller and was caught in the sapphire scam this weekend to Bangkok. The gems were not bought out of greed as some of the sceptical replies suggest, but they were bought to celebrate a very special occasion. The attraction was not lure of the 'cheap' price either, but it was what I (innocently) thought was a good opportunity because I was actually in the market for some gem purchases.
Again, like all of the hundreds of virtually identical stories, I was caught out because I believed in the advertising hype about 'friendly Thai people'. Now I realised why the salesperson tried to find out my country of residence, and now it is obvious that the further you live from Thailand the better. It makes refunding so much harder.
I am trying to contact Mr Suchat to find a satisfactory conclusion to this unfortunate episode as it has put quite a taint on my views of the Thai people. I accept the fact that I entered into the transaction without being forced, but the way the whole thing is stage managed leaves a very nasty taste.
As I am no longer in Thailand I do not know what my chances are getting any justice.

I have been reading all the postings on this site and marvel that all the emails themselves appear to be a con. Is this whole thing a joke/scam too?

what do you mean all the emails appear to be a con?

I did meet Mr. Suchat today and he seems to be influencial man. On his one call, the sales lady came to his office for negotiation and refund. I had to wait there for 1hour for her to arrive. I recieved credit note and have to see when money comes to my credit card account. So, all the posting about Mr. Suchat is very true. I will feel more confident when I see my money. Eventhough I had signed agreement which said 80% refund, as per recipt I have 90% refund(provided money comes to my account). I will be here for some days so guess I will come over my 10% loss thinking I just lost it. Getting some money back is better, something is better than nothing.

I too fell victim the other day to this scam. My wife and I live in a big city in the U.S. and are very well travelled so we should have known better. I did not purchase the ring out of greed but as a present of appriciation for my wife. For anyone throwing out the "greedy tourist" argument, aren't the scammers much greedier than the tourists they scam? It is a rediculous argument as the premise is false to begin with. Anyway, I have 1 more day in Bangkok and have already emailed two people at DIT including Mr. Suchat. We spent 28000 baht on a ring and knowing we were scammed ruins all sentimental value that the ring was supposed to have held. I cancelled my credit card as soon as I could since I do not trust criminials with my credit card number. And, yes, being involved in organised fraud makes you a criminal. So, I am not sure how they will refund the money but I am sure we will figure something out. I will update everyone when I hear back from the authorities. Thank goodness for the internet (and of course Ben!), it(and he with some help from DIT/Mr. Suchat) may save my wife and I some money we couldn't really afford to spend anyway.

I lost 10% since we resized the ring for my wife, they said if resizing was not done then probably I wolud have got more money back. I had bought these items just because I love gem stones and as a gift for my wife. I have bought gem stone from many countries and had a feeling that price is high but it was flow of the moment and thought genuine ones may cost that high.

I have managed to speak to someone in Mr Suchat's office and although he was very understanding, he stated very clearly that unless you are able to be present in Bangkok a refund cannot be carried out. I pointed out that some of the respondents on this page were able (through the help of DIT) to successfully negotiate this.
I also spoke to someone at the Thai Tourist office and again, was told that you have to be either physically present or get a Thai speaking representative to act on your behalf. Neither of these options are possible for me so at the moment it looks like a lost cause.
They are now advising against sending the items to DIT or anyone else by post.
Any thoughts on how to progress this?

By the way, I had the item I bought valued by a gemologist - although the sapphires are genuine, they have been treated and the coloured altered so the result is they are worth about a quarter of the value I paid for them. He said that this treatment could constitute a violation of the certificate issued by Golden Argosy and would invalidate the transaction.

Well, we called all of the DIT numbers and emailed Mr. Suchat and Mr. Soiploy but we were not able to get through to any of them and no one returned our emails within 24 hours so we went back to the Sapphire and Diamond Center off of Worajak Rd. ourselves. After a pretty harsh negotiation (she was very insulting and a mediocre negotiator), we were able to get 90% back. This was a pain in the ass but we felt so much better and are only out about $100 USD. It may have helped that I am a 250lb. man and towerd over this old lady. A little bit of the "crazy eye" look may have also helped. I also kept one hand in my pocket which put her on edge and showed her a piece of paper with the DIT info (including Mr. Soiploy and Mr. Suchat Sinrat's names and numbers), 2 newspaper's phone numbers, the american embassy phone number as well as tourist and regular police numbers on it. I gave her one copy and told her I had more copies if she wanted that one. There were other victims in the store at the time and I am sure she did not want a scene to be made in front of them. She told us all about the VAT and how they need to change the store names and how expensive it is for them to scam us and in the end was arguing over 200 baht. So, we were charged 28,000 baht and got 25,000 baht back. A small price to pay for such a huge lesson. I have pictures I took from the cab today of the storefront and by chance a few of the tuk-tuk driver who took us there on Tuesday, including the picture of his wife he had taped to the window. I plan on posting them in as many places on the internet as possible. I have not found many stories about the Sapphire and Diamond center so I think they must be somewhat new. Unfortunatley for them I have a ton of time on my hands and a lot of bandwidth at home so these pictures will be on every scam website I can find soon. Maybe someone will be helped. Good luck to you all.

Brian, do give us the link of the site that you will be posting the pictures. Well done in getting most of your money back. Like me, I take it as a small price to pay for an invaluable lesson.

Patrick, you're a joke.

Troll elsewhere if you have nothing to contribute.

Hi all,
Just as update to my earlier comment on the 9th July, according to my bank.. the monies
had been reversed to nett off the original transactions on 16th July, so i got 100% of the monies back.
Many thanks for all of you whom had updated this webpage as it is very helpful to me..
Cheers!!

Excellent outcome, Ye! :)

hi all,
never had come to our mind that it a well staged act until i read this report here. Worst of all i feel like a am lucky and stupid at the same time. BEWARE everybody, the scammer had planted a european guy as a dessert to the the story by telling you the story of his friend buying gems and bla..bla.. and he can quote some shop name in your home town. Don't let me meet you again mick.... you know who you are...

I m gg to BKK in 3 days time. Guess I'll never step into a jewellery shop after reading all e postings here.
Thanks everyone! Also hope u all will get back yr money soon... :)

It is with shaking hands and a sinking feeling in my stomach that I write this report. On Wednesday, July 2, 2008, a friend and I were in Chinatown in Bangkok when a man in an official-looking uniform "accidentally" bumped into my friend. He asked if we were on holiday, and when we said yes, he very helpfully (we thought) gave us a list of tourist attractions we had to see and in what order: the Lucky Buddha temple, the Import-Export Center, Wat Pho and the TAT. He even arranged a tuk-tuk to take us around for the day for only 40 baht.

At the Lucky Buddha, a man named Andy was sitting inside and struck up a conversation. He said he was a chef visiting from London and was originally from Singapore. He told us how lucky we were to be in town when we were because the Import Export Center was holding a one-week tax-free jewelry sale that ended that day. He showed us a receipt for 3 items he'd bought at the Golden Argosy shop and said he always scheduled his trips to Thailand for this time of year because he buys items and resells them to cover the cost of his travel.

He left when we left and we headed to the Golden Argosy, unable to believe our good fortune.

Once there, we were told the same story about the tax holiday, and my friend and I bought 3 items: I bought a ruby and diamond ring costing 28,900 baht, and my friend bought sapphire earrings and a sapphire ring. I'm not sure how much her items cost. We paid by credit card, got our certificates of authenticity and left.

It's only now that we're back in the States, of course, that we're learning the true nature of Golden Argosy. My credit card company has advised me to have the pieces appraised to start the ball rolling on filing a report-- a process I'm dreading because appraisals cost at least $100 per piece. Any guidance you can offer would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your site and insight.

Kitty Hawk, from the reports that I have received and read from other websites, the gems are often worth only approx a quarter of the purchased price.

Hi again, I recieved my money in my cedit card account. It took about 12 days and due to exchange rate I lost totally 15%. Atleast I am not carrying worthless gem stone imagining it tobe pricy.

This site is very helpful and Thanks

Hi Ben&Co,
I have been scammed at the Golden Argosy in June. After I came back to Italy I realized on the web that I had been scammed. I followed your advice and I contacted DIT by email and I requested
Mastercard to cancel the transaction. Mr Suchat, initially told me that no success with the deal without being in Bangkok, then told me that they cannot ensure the total refund.
So before sending the gem I decided to wait for the Mastercard response. Mastercard just answered me taht they temporarily cancel the transaction, but in order to allow a definitive cancellation thay need the proof of gem delivery to the "jewellery".
Now I was wondering what is the best way to do that.
it is better to send the gem directly to the Golden Argosy (my credit card advised me to do that) or send them to DIT?? Moreover, what is the best way: post or courier?? Italian consulate advice me to use UPS than post. In this web site I have seen that you advice by post.

I am a little bit confused...

I have not too much time as I have to provide documentation to Mastercard within this friday.

I thank you all very much for your quick response

Kind regards

Marco

I am from Malaysia and had just returned from Bangkok and realised that I have been scammed by Golden Argosy Factory Export Center for a sapphire pendant which I bought for 31,500 Baht. Details of the scam are as follows:

Date: 27th July 2008

Time it happened: 11.00am
We were opposite Hua Lamphong MRT station and was approached by a guy while looking at our map. We asked for directions to Grand Palace and was told that it was closed today in the morning until 2.00pm as there was a ceremony for the King's sister who had passed away. He instead told us to visit other sites, such as Wat Traimit, Wat Ratchanada, Vimanmek Mansion and Marble Temple. On the way, he suggested we should visit "Thailand Government Export Center" as it was their last day of "no tax" which they offered only to tourist 1 week in a year.

He hailed us a tuk tuk for 40Baht, while conversing with him in only Thai. We totally believed he was a helpful Thai, as he was well dressed and told us that he was doing a renovation for Bangkok Center.

After Wat Traimit, we were driven to Wat Ratchanada, where we met a Belgium "tourist" who chatted with us, and after some casual conversation, told us that visiting the gem export center especially Golden Argosy is the best, where he claimed that we can make a profit by selling the gems back should we need cash next time. He mentioned that jewellers in Malaysia (i.e. Tomei and Habib Jewels) would gladly buy it, as sapphires are now so rare. He said that the jewels were all real and came with certificates. Since we thought he was a tourist, we believed him.

Time it happened:11.50am
We visited Golden Argosy, and was shown many different jewellery by salesperson called Suthep. We were told that all these came with certificates recognised internationally, and we thought we were buying real jewels. We bought a sapphire pendent for THB31,500. He even gave us his contact number, 0870736600.

After that, we went sight seeing and did not suspect the gems were a scam, only to realise that after returning to Malaysia and checking the Internet.

We are very upset to be scammed in such a way, as we really enjoyed our stay in Bangkok, and thought that we had met such a friendly Thai who had helped us by showing us where to visit and also a good place to buy jewellery.

I have sent an email to Mr Suchat Sinrat as of last night once i've found out the scam at 11pm where i've just reached home and turn on my computer. I have also emailed to fellow Malaysians Norzani and Bee Kuen at 1 am after reading this website's horrible story. Norzani replied me this morning and she mentioned that she filed a dispute claims against Golden Argosy to Maybank as i presume she's using Maybank Visa.

Below was her reply:

What I did was, filed the dispute claims against the merchant to Maybank (after being advised & referrred by VISA office in Singapore). Then they did investigation. Now the Merchant has agreed to refund but we have to return the goods thru Bangkok Bank (the local issuing bank in bangkok). I had already got aletter from Maybank comfirming this together with contact number of bangkok Bank officer. Now I am communicating with this officer to set an appointment. I also emailed to Mr Suchat who advised me to go back to Bangkok to return the good and file complaint at his office.
I also file complaint to all oficces i can think of like Thai Tourism, Thai Embasy, Tourist police etc... none responded.. too bad!!!

She also mentioned to me that Bee Kuen is on her way to Bangkok to see Mr Suchat.

When i was back in Malaysia 11pm 30 July 2008, i saw this telegram from Hong Leong Bank(HLB), my Visa card bank dated on 28 July. I called them a few times regarding this matter but their center only opens from 8:45 - 11:00pm. So the next morning i called them and reached their Fraud Department. The person can't do much as he mentioned i was the one authorized the transaction and this is not as though my credit card was stolen. With Norzani's advice, i quickly went to HLB and report this to them. i filled in a form, ask them to photocopy all them documents and printed out this website, the mail i received from Norzani and also the mail i've sent to Mr Suchat.

As of now, i can only pray and hope HLB card center can call me asap and liaise with VISA Singapore and Bangkok Bank in Malaysia to solve this problem and get my refund back.

I think all of us victims here has learned a lesson on visiting to Thailand and because of our greed, we got caught off attention and it was our own fault on this by trusting ppl too easily. I will keep a periodic update and do advise all your family and frens on this scam.

Overall i think Bkk is a nice place for it's food, fake goods (Gucci, Prada, LV) but there are so many cheats and scams that you bound to get suspicious of them when you've visited this country.

Btw, my email is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hello ppl

Can someone verify the authenticity of Mr Suchat because so far only Ben seems to be talking about him and Rachael. I dont understand the bit why you guys have had to leave the gems with him, sounds abit risky to me. How many ppl have had responses from his dept?? Also surely the scam shops know about him so i dont see why he has to get angry with the manager each time he asks for a full refund for a tourist. I would keep my guard up and trust no one in Bangkok.
My advice to all is...Visit Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia, has everything Bangkok has and more. pleasant ppl and a wonderful city.
the ppl behind the scam need to realise the damage they are doing to their own country which relies heavily on tourists!!

Sympathies with all who have been caught out.
Au revoir

To reply to Au revoir,

i just back from bangkok yesterday midnight. i had my one day trip to bangkok from 30 july to 31 july. and i meet mr suchat yesterday to settle my problem. i brought a gem on june and i found that i am in scam. therefore i arrange my second trip back to bangkok to get my refund after advise from Ben. long story cut short- i able to get my refund yesterday. 95% refund by cash ( because i brought by cash) the shop manager after received the call from Mr Suchat ( after i make a report to mr suchat signing some documents to tell how my story is) , she come prepared with the amount of money that i spend for the gem. i meet her 1 hour after mr suchat called and i thought i will have a tought time to arguing for the % of refund. but without a single word, she show me the agreement for refund and DIRECT write there 95% refund. and she take out the cash and paid me back. 5% can not be refund because of the admin fee or what ever. i am not so sure. But anyway, i success to get my 95% refund with CASH on the spot.

Au revoir, i hope you are not from malaysia because i am. being living so long time in malaysia, i thought people here is friendly and polite, but the word that u use to say ben, mr suchat and rachael is part of the scam make me feel uncomfortable [ and may be you now feel that i also part of the scam :) ]- i know that u may feel angry and tension on what u happen now but "if there is a problem, there must be a solution". Pls do not simply judge people before you know them well. Because of we judge people to early, simply believe the stranger at the road side, make us fall in the scam. and now we have a place and web that guide people how to settle the problem, what u do now is to make people hope gone or....

and pls pls do not put ur advise again
"Visit Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia, has everything Bangkok has and more. pleasant ppl and a wonderful city. " it will make people feel that malaysian like to critic someone... really make me feel no good for this statement. pls do not make promotion of malaysia at this moment... thank you.

i have been to the DIT, New government office. if u will feel risky to leave ur gem with mr suchat, because u still not been there yet; my advise will be go there first and have a look by urself, then make decision either u believe mr suchat or not to leave the gem with him. but i am not suggest u to post it back.

if anybody need any advise, u can contact me by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

To Duaphin...
Yes in Kualar Lumpur or even any parts in Malaysia people will not scam u this way, I totally agree...
That is because they will just rob n hurt u badly! 1000 times much worst than Thailand!!

every place has it own good and bad. pls do not only focus and zoom in the bad things and forgot the good charatelistic of it.

As I mentioned in above...Suchat is not a scam...may be people assuming him to be are tooo suspisious or part of Golden Argosy.

Rene, I totally agree with u.
In Bangkok though the people scam but most of them do not hurt the victims physically. Like what some people shared in other reports on this website, the scammers make u come out with your money willingly. Pls do not get me wrong, I am totally against the scamming, I feel bad towards their scamming plans also but what I can say is they do not hurt u in any way like what some robbers or rapists in other countries are doing.

Hi Duaphin... I was also one of the victims, of course you are entitled to feel 'taken for a ride' and reluctant to take some advise from strangers in the internet... but I took it in the manner that what else I had to lose to listen to these advices.. since, I have been scammed already..

If you are not comfortable with Mr. Suchat, then you will have to deal with the company whom had scammed u on your own (which might be even nastier)

I am a Malaysian too, had traveled very frequently.. I thought I would not be scammed so easily too.. but for me, I rethink through the whole scheme of things.. it may be attributed to the fact that when I am on holiday, I do not putting up all my guards up, for instance if I met such a friendly person in Malaysia.. I would probably tell the person that I am FINE and walk off... but since I am on holiday, normally I am more open to suggestions of strangers or friends that I meet on the road..

Well, coming back to your question: YES.. I had been to the Ministry of Commerce and saw Mr. Suchat and his office. The company (Pan Siamese Gems) whom I bought the gems had also credited my Credit Card (~10days) after I saw them at Mr. Suchat office.. and YES, since I don’t want the gems anymore.. I wanted $$ back.. so I have to return it to the company, so I choose to leave it in custody with Mr. Suchat office..
REALLY.. there is nothing to lost at that point, and I have gotten the written cancellation from the Gem shop which I can used as an evidence to dispute my Credit Card transaction..

Me and my friend was a victim of the scam too. In fact, we got 'hit' on 20 July the last day of our trip. The modus operandi was very similar, met a lady in front of Pratunam Plaza saying how lucky we were that day, talked about her sister's pending birth in Norway etc. She introduced us to visti this Wat for some special prayers that only open to public once every month called the Lucky Buddha's place. She sent us on a tuk-tuk which she hailed from the roadside.

When we were at the Lucky Buddha, while we were at the top part of the temple where no one comes up, we were approached by the "temple officer" wannabe. How coincident it was for us that he mentioned again the same similar place offering sale at 30% discount to public and that this place "Yindee Lapidiary" only offered this discount 1st time in its 30 years of business.

Of course, we were sent there by the same tuk-tuk. Saw the gems, were facinated by it, bought it and went back to Malaysia. Somehow, I sent the gems to a jewellery shop for valuation. While waiting for the report, I check the internet and read up their scam stories only to find that we are one of the victims.

I back-tracked the stories to the one posted by Ben, and located Suchat's address. I called Suchat and spoke of the appointment, a return to Bangkok was necessary. So we went again to Bangkok on 30 July to see Mr. Suchat on 31 July.

Just to re-cap, what happened so that all who read this will be guided. We took a taxi from our hotel in Sukhumvit area to the Department of Commerce. Taxi ride takes 1 hour 15 mins depending on morning traffic. Paid the taxi 180 baht and toll charge of 50 baht for using the highway.

Mr. Suchat's department of Internal Trade is located in one of the blocks there. Met him at 0945 hrs and explained our situation. He made a call to Yindee at 10.15 am and he told them to refund 100% in front of me and my friend. He asked us to wait for an hour for the representative to arrive.

Though it took 2 and half hours from the representative to arrive, nevertheless, he came in with the reverse charge sales slip for us. During the waiting period, there are 2 other similar victims present, one caucasian and the other a japanese. You will see, that this gem scam is quite rampant.

I personally do not know how influential Mr. Suchat is, but the fact that it amazes me is that he sis not seek any charge nor fee for getting a refund. All he wanted from us is to write a report for him.

We got back on 1 Aug to Malaysia and now waiting for bank's confirmation on the reversal.

I am very thankful to all who have provided the details of Mr. Suchat's contact for without that, we too would be in a loss of what to do.

If we all stick to our priority of just holidaying without thinking of buying this and that, then we can say that Bangkok is just another nice place to visit.

Thank you, Ben & Rachel and others that I might have missed.

Hi Jacinth, great to hear the good news! :)

I chatted with Mr Suchat for quite some time when I was there and was told he is not afraid of these syndicates (which he acknowledged is run by the mafia with some "insider" protection) because he has the full military and government support at his fingertips.

Not sure how much is true but for the shop managers to travel all the way to his office to issue a refund immediately with one phone call does prove some credibility to what Mr Suchat told me! :)

Anyway, it takes up to 2 weeks for the refund to go through.

Cheers

your a victim of your own greed fella!

Ben,

Thanks, we are keeping my fingers crossed for it to clear. Bank says to wait as we are told and if not clear by then, we can submit the slip to the bank for further action.

There is a very simple rule to avoid scams. If a deal seems too good to be true, most likely it is not true. Use your common sense.

Dear fellow victims

To cut a long story short, as it is exactly the same as described by everybody, I was taken to a shop called Leela Lapidary on the 29th of July. I was informed that the shop was government-sponsored and therefore 100% legitimate. I bought a sapphire ring for 650 000Baht and was told that I could sell it for double that amount in London or at worst, sell it for what I paid. I have since had the ring valued and have been told that I should have paid a third of what I originally paid. I have done a lot of trawling around the internet and stumbled upon the name of Mr Suchat. I have e-mailed him and hope to hear from him very soon.

Yet another victim of a masterful scam. The same story; tuk-tuk, temple, friendly lawyer, The Oscar store, purchase of 70K BTH ring, revelation back at hotel, not so happy evening.

This morning I took the ring to diamond store in Nai Lert Park Swissotel but they refused to give an estimate. Said that if they do "the Oscar" people will call them and shout at them. The hotel manager also called the Tourist Police but they neither refused to act on this.

Called Mr. Suchat 30 minutes ago and now hoping that he can sort this out. As I am leaving tomorrow I cannot meet him. Going to leave the ring to the hotel manager so that Mr. Suchat can pick it later this week. Let's see what happens. If nothing, at least teaches me a lesson I shall not forget.

I shall keep posting about the progress for future generations' sake.

Have been following your story with interest Ben and have had the same experience. I have been in touch with Mr Suchat and he has said we have to present a formal letter of complaint in person. My husband is returning to Bangkok at the end of Sept. on his way to China and will visit Mr Suchat in person. I am hoping we can have the same result as you had. I am now skeptical about everybody but am willing to try after your wonderful words of praise for Mr Suchat and would also send a thank you or donation to a charity of his choice. Would it be better to go to his office straight from the airport or from Bangkok?

14/Aug/2008 – the scam continues

Same story, Special Buda day
First the tuk-tuk driver took me to a wrong address, I insisted on the original route,
when he continued to haggle, I simply got out.
I walked around looking at some markets and after walking a good ~30 min I asked a passer bye for directions, he again got me into a tuk-tuk to see some other temples, for 30B the ride...
At one of the temples a nice intelligent looking in his ~50’s man struck up a conversation this time also claiming his wife was a foreign worker in Israel (my country of origin) and that the Thai government is improving the reputation by having an official sale with fixed prices, and that even Thai students are allowed to buy during this one a year opportunity 1 set of jewelry this way they can sell and give themselves a nice grant in their exchange programs (again aiming to have a similar story to my own), a return of ~50% on the investment , today is of course the last day.
Went over bout ~84’000BH worth of earrings and pendulum, now reading this form and trying to understand what I can do from or to get an early flight back to BKK to get an on-the spot option with the tourist / police and maybe this DIT gov organization.
I do admit the high involvement along the long amount of time from “Ben” seems a bit too much, on the other hand if he is part of the scam he could always just take a new name and E-Mail so there is no true option to credit or discredit.

14/Aug/2008 – the scam continues

Hi Ben,
Not sure if you are reading this, my credit voucher has been rejected by the bank. Why ? Apparently the bank says its a credit voucher and that the voucher is redeemable for the same value at the same merchant's place, i.e. Yindee. It is not a 'Void Sales' transaction slip therefore cannot re-instate the amount back to my card. Do you have any idea about this ? Is this something new ?

Helen,

It's advisable that you make an appointment to see Mr Suchat prior to meeting him in person. He can be a busy man and might be in the midst of negotiating for other victims.

Once an appointment is made, he will commit those hours for you (usually takes 1-3 hours). You will then see the shop manager issue you a refund in person at his office. :)

Good luck!

Hey Tom S,

I understand your reasons for discrediting my offer to help others. However, if you just take a minute to reflect for a while, I'd like you to think about the following:

1. If I'm part of this scam, why would I want to waste my time on the forums instead of spending the thousands of $$$ that I have made daily from these "gem sales"??
2. By posting and replying from my email address, won't it be easier for the authorities to catch me? They could easily track my IP address and location, can't they?
3. Why would I give them a General Director's contact details (Mr Suchat) and its Government Building address?? In fact, why would I want my "victims" to come back to me again (return to Bangkok) when I have hundreds of other tourists to scam daily??
4. Have you actually tried calling to see if Mr Suchat is real??
5. Since the gems you purchased are "useless", what have you got to lose by giving Mr Suchat a call?? There is no fee, charges or payment for Mr Suchat's assistance. And because it's free, what's in it for me??!
5. Have you contacted other victims who were successful in obtaining a refund? You should hear their side of the story as well.

Yes, I have spent a lot of time here. Why? Because every successful refund that you guys obtain is a small victory for me to see a top Government Official hassle these scammers for a refund.

More importantly, it is my intention to highlight the severity of this scam to the Thai Government and Authorities. The more complaints they get, then the quicker their actions will be towards these bastards in the future.

Tom, it all depends on how you deal with the situation. I, on the other hand, prefer to see the bigger picture and act on it. Whether I am successful or not, it doesn't matter. At least I'm doing something about it.

Cheers, mate.
Ben

Hi Jacinth,

I have read about once about this before.

Mainly, 2 reasons for it:
1. The shop manager refused to give you a refund and tried to give you a dummy credit invoice.
2. Your bank system is different from the way things are done in Thailand.

I'd suggest that you speak to your bank officer first and explain the situation. Sort that out first.

If that fails, give a call or email Mr Suchat. He still has your gems and he won't return it to the shop until your refund is successful. Explain to him the situation and what is required by your bank (ie. what requirements your bank needs in order to debit the money). Mr Suchat will then follow up the requirements with the shop manager again. It's best that you email him the requirements and follow it up with a phone call.

Only hassle for you is that you might have to wait for another 2 weeks for the refund to come in.

Good luck.

Hi Ben,

Thanks for your information and I will ring and make an appointment with Mr Suchat before my husband leaves. From what I have read above by Jacinth it might be a good idea to talk to our bank or credit card company first so my husband knows what to expect with regards to a credit invoice/refund. My question about going striaght from the airport, if we have an appointment was, is it more direct to get a taxi from the airport or from Bangkok? I have to say that I am so very grateful to you for your time and effort and agree that if we keep this line of communication open, hopefully others will be prevented from having to deal with this and will be able to enjoy Thailand as the peaceful and enjoyable place it is.

Hi Helen,

It is easier and faster to travel from the airport. It takes approx 75 mins to get there so give yourself ample time (traffic can be a pain during peak hour)!!

And it's my pleasure to assist you too. :)

Cheers

Hi everybodys.. I'm from Indonesia, I already read all your stories.. mostly same like me..

I don't know who is Ben or Mr. Suchat or the others..
if you DOUBT about going back to BKK / not
************My suggestions *********
NEVER!! EVER!! TRY SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART!!. Try to relax and pray, God will speak to your heart listen to HIM..
it's time for you to pray and asking God. just LISTEN TO YOUR HEART !!!

I don't say Thai it's a bad country but you can see and give the point for Thai
many man change to be a woman,
many mystical, using evil power to control our mind
most people can using spell
many tourism become victims

still want go..?? don't make a stupid mistake for twice.

we have to pray for this country, Lord save this country,
Lord forgiveness this country, they does't know what they do..

it's possible for the scam read this web, my message is
For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.
why not doing something good in your life now,
hopefully you can go to Heaven.

JUST LISTEN TO YOUR HEART !!
and tell to all your friends by mail, media, etc
be aware !!! God bless us !

I feel sick reading this, as now I realise that I have been scammed.
My bank says they can't help me, so i guess a call to Mr Suchat is my only option. Will update my progress.

There is a way out- it just takes time. I fell for exactly the same scam as described. I only realised it was a scam about a month after the transaction. I paid by credit card (cc) and called the cc co immediately. They first said that there was nothing they could do. I went to two different Gemologists (valuer) who appraised the pieces. The estimates I received showed that the weight of the sapphires was less than described on the certificate. CC co still said that there was nothing that they could do, so finally I sent them a letter with the following contained:
1. The situation
2. The result of the valuation showed that the company misrepresented the weight of the gems
3. The Thai Gem scam has been around for years yet CC co had given them a merchant license
4. Questioned whether they perform due diligence before issuing merchant licenses
5. Finally, I said that I would go public with the story if it wasn't resolved immediately
6. After 3 months of trying, I received a call the next day saying that they would charge the transaction back to the merchant
7. I received a full refund for: a) the Jewellery (USD$10,000), b) 2 x valuations ($150), Postage and postage insurance ($200).

Keep trying. Only use the "I'll go public" route in writing and after exhausting all other options. At the end of the day, the damage to a CC reputation is worth much more than what you paid for the gems.

I hope this helps.

what happened to the jewellery?

Hi David,
could you please post the letter you wrote to your credit card company. I was also scammed for a sum near yours and this is very scary if I cannot get the money back. What credit card company are you using, is it a VISA/MASTERCARD/Other? On what grounds were you compensated for the 2 valuations ($150) and the postage and postage insurance ($200). Did you use the I'll go public after the letter containing numbers 1-4, was that the real push factor or did they just not like the fact that they had authorized a merchant license to a fraudulent business?

Your responses would really help me understand the process a bit better.

Hello Ben and others
I am one of the victims. So after reading the long thread, I have some questions: 1. Can I still make a 100% refund even if I don't go back to BKK?
2. Do you think the Thai consulate in my country (HK) can help faster rather than going to the DTI in Thailand.

Any information is very much appreciated.

tks and blessings to all that have been helping out others

The Golden Argosy Gem Scam strikes again... My friend and I visited Wat Pho on 11/8/08. We walked along the Palace wall around 11AM trying to find the entrance to the Grand Palace.

A dark young Thai asked us where we were going, told my friend she couldn't go to the Palace with her short pants and anyway, it was closed because of the Queen's Birthday and only open in the afternoon. He told us to go to the Lucky Buddha and marked it on our map. He told us about the Export show. He hailed a tuktuk for us, bargained with the driver, then left. We tried to tell the driver we only wanted to visit the Buddha, he seemed to have a hard time understanding us. Another tuktuk pulled up behind him and the student came back to "help" explain. The first tuktuk gave up and drove away. This was one thing that made us think it wasn't a scam. The second tuktuk agreed to driving us to the Buddha but said we could just pass by the export show so he could get petrol discount. We agreed on paying him only 20 baht, which seemed unreasonably cheap considering how far we drove (finally paid him 60 baht).

Went to the Buddha ("Wat Thai"), then tuktuk driver asked if we wanted to go to toilet. We said no, he asked us to ! wait while he went. He was gone a very long time. The Phuket "lawyer" (dark skinned Thai with good English) showed up and talked to us. Asked how we knew this local temple. Said he brought his mum for the holiday. Then somehow talked about the export show. Told us how the govt let students make money this way. He emphasized blue sapphires and that it was the last day. After the driver came back, we went to the shop.

Inside the shop, we asked for blue sapphires and they took us upstairs. A young lady and an old fat lady catered to us. After a long time, and not much selling on their part, we each bought a pendant. The fat lady "Wanna" even offered us a free driver and gave us her phone number. Later she said the driver was not available. After we came out, the tuktuk driver seemed in less of a hurry to get us back and less happy. We got off at the ferry pier near Wat Pho and asked him for a photo. He declined.

Back in Hong Kong, I had the gem checked out with 2 jewellers, each told me it was genuine but low quality. Only worth about 1/3 what I paid. One jeweller seemed to have heard of this sort of thing before.

My friend is going back to Thailand in 2 weeks and I have another friend who trades in wholesale gems. My friend has already made an appointment with Mr. Suchat and hopefully, based on everything you've said here, we can settle it from his office. If not, we are thinking of going back there with his help.

Going back to Bangkok on the way back home,
Made an appointment with Mr. Suchat,
It seems like the policy of his office is now to get the store owners to come to the office (since they are afraid to come to the shop) and receive a bank credit voucher.
Now I need to see how can I handle a voucher if at all, or can the tourist police accompany me to the shop to get an immediate cancelation through VISA.
I was told by VISA that the store can take my already “canceled” card (not a new card!) to the shop to get an immediate cancelation on the payment. That the card can NOT be passed through, but for cancelations they can push in the numbers and charge me a “negative” amount and that way I can get an immediate “money back” that I can check with my local visa office immediately after the cancelation.
I hope it is not going to be the case as described above by “Jacinth Ho, Tue 19 Aug 2008 15:51:12 MDT” above

hope for the best :)

Just called Mr. Suchat today (28 Aug). He is apparently out of office and will be back on 1st September.

I have spoken to Elaine (Thai embassy in Singapore) and have arranged an appointment with her on Monday 1st Sept too

Have spoken to my credit card company and have raised this transaction as dispute. They have raised it as claim..

Have emailed Tourist Police too

Lets see whats the outcome...It will be shameful if I have to go to Bangkok again for returning this. I hate the place now as its full of cheaters.

2 weeks have passed since my wife n i had returned from BKK,and we have got our full refund.
All possible to the help of Mr Suchat,very impressed with his handling of the matter.

we went to see Mr Suchat at his office and reported the scam we had from Yindee on 19th aug,one day after we bought the jewellery. the same reporting procedures as stated by various posters here esp Ben.(thanks to u as well)

the whole incident was a trauma and it could potentially jeopardize a gd relationship.we are glad tat its finally solved and hope tat this info could be of help.if u r already a victim n is in need of help,u can really trust Mr Suchat and his team from Internal trade.

I went to see Thai tourist authority here in Singapore. Below is what happened#

******************************************************* *
Why dont you stop these rogue traders?
No one files a case against them in Thai court

Can I get refund?
Yes
How?
Go to thai tourist police HQ in Bangkok, a police officer will come with you to shop and you can get refund.

Can you not take any other action with shop?
On mention of this, she dialled number to Golden Argosy and gave Wanna (salesperson) a good mouthful. She passed on phone to me and I gave her double the mouthful. Wanna agreed that if I visit their shop with goods, she will give me full refund
******************************************************* *

I am now planning to book a day trip to Bangkok. Thai authority here will arrange for a thai tourist police to escort me to shop and get credit notes. Have to take this risk not because amount involved is high but amount involved is hard earned money.

I sent an email to the DTI for Mr Suchat and he said that I need to make a complaint at his office. That means a trip to BKK is really necessary.
However the current political situation in Thailand makes me think more than twice because of the high travel alert warning.
As Ive read from the earlier threads, it is also possible to make a refund by sending the goods to Thailand. Has anyone recently done this?

Dear victims- BEN, RACHEL,........................,

We are victims too. We are from spain and this is happened to us on OCT 2007 and we still have the gems with us. We went to thai embassy in Madrid and they are helpless. they don´t even know Mr Suchat and have no comunication with he or his team
We really need our money back without going back there.
Do you think we should post them the documents and the gems??
Does really works??because if we send them all how are we going to prove we are victims of a scam??

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
BEN,YOU MAKE ME SMAIL TODAY BY READING THIS WEBSITE

REGARDS

ANA Y OSCAR DESDE MADRID

The Email to contact is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it addressed to Mr Suchat Sinrat. Phone numbers (in Bangkok) to call are 025475356 or 025475358.
I have called him last august 26, 2008 and he recommended that I write a letter. Today I got a response and he said to lodge a complaint in his office. But that means to go to Thailand which I would like to defer.

I also got in touch with the tourism of thailand here in hkg and they also recommend the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it email for complaints and assistance.

Try to email him first and tell your situation. I bought mine just late of August this year.

To DH from HK,
Have ur friend gone to Thailand already. Up to know I am still contemplating if I go there or not. Maybe I can join your friend.
Please let me know.

To A&J, great work and great outcome!

To ANA, Check your email. I have replied you.

Hola to everyone,

For us is impossible to go there again. No money at all that´s because we NEED our money back.
Does anyone knows someone who gets the money back without going back to Bkk????
RACHEL how did you manage to get it in one month???Can you pass me your email, please??

Ben you have been really heplfull but i don´t understand why with new tecnologies we have to sing a fisical paper in bkk.

Oscar will go to his bank on monday

good luck to everyone

Hi Ben
Thanks for the advise. Done both.
Looks like the shop's credit voucher is real after all, just that they stalled the submission to the bank.

I have further emailed to Mr. Suchat about the credit voucher and you are right to say that it will take an additional 2 weeks to settle with Yindee. Though Mr. Suchat did not reply my mail, I had made a call to the bank yesterday and was informed that the money was remitted back to my card account in full.

All in all, Mr Suchat and his department are for real despite the ongoing political crisis currently in Bangkok. I will email him today to inform about the return so that he can do whatever he wants with the 'gems'.

Thank you so much.

Hi again to all

I finally made that trip to Bangkok. One day trip. Below are sequence of events

1. I had letter from thai embassy in singapore which requested police to escort me to shop
2. I went to tourist police HQ (Bangkok tower, 2170 new phetburi road) and gave this letter
3. Police came with me to shop and salesman of shop (Wanna) took us on 1st floor office (to ensure that our argument is not heard by other tourist victims)
4. She was very very aggressive and kept on saying she will not give me any money
5. She denied everything that she told me during the process of my jewellery shopping
6. Police with me was not very very helpful but kept quiet (at least I did not fear my life)
7. Police gave a ring to his boss (Mr. Manop apparently) and he spoke to the shop owner
8. We had to settle for 90% refund (it started with 0% then 80 and then 85 and finally 90)
9. I signed all refund papers and on my way out they escorted me to taxi (as there were about 8 tourists in shop)
10. I felt very sorry for them but could not warn them as I feared my life and money they have just promised to refund

It was daunting experience. Never ever again.....

I now have to wait for money to come into my account. Hope these credit vouchers they have given me are real.

I did not go to Mr. Suchat's office as I thought that this matter should be solved by police. I am sure that Mr. Suchat is genuine as I spoke to him on phone and he was my plan B

First of all, I've been to BKK many times and nobody lured me to put $1000 on my credit card that I wasn't planning on ahead of time... You must be pretty gullible!

Secondly, you never use your credit card for such transactions. If you don't have cash, then don't buy it... Better check your visa statement for other charges...

Third, unless you used American Express, good luck getting your dispute resolved.

Dear all, thanks for your advise and support through the reports and posts here. It really helps us feel there is a way out. It is embarassing to tell friends and relatives about this scam because we really don't understand how we fell for it too. We are not stupid and some people here have really no idea how well organised these scam-artists are and how they really know how to take advantage of the human mind! My friend and I both agree that it is a learning experience, and our families have been very supportive, despite our embarassment!

Anna from HK, the trip to Thailand was cancelled due to the political situation. We are planning to make a trip once things are settled again. We plan to go through Mr. Suchat - already made contact with him, and from the reports here and our conversation with him, we feel this is the best way to deal with it. Will let you know how it works out after we go there.

Hi,
I just want to add my experience here and hopefully someone can benefit from it.
To those who feel it is unsafe to travel to Bangkok due to their current political situation, it's not that bad. Just avoid the government house where the protests are being held. Elsewhere, it is pretty quiet and the shopkeepers will tell you that their business has dropped by as much as 90% in some cases.

I was a victim just 2 days ago, on the 16th. That same night, when I found out through searching the net, I contacted the hotel management, who assigned on of their security person to accompany me to make a report with the tourist police and then go to the merchant to get a refund. Before that, I had called the bank to find out what I need to do to ensure that I can get the refund.

On the 17th morning, we went with the security personnel to the tourist police, who called the merchant and then informed us that the merchant will give us a 100% refund. They gave their contact number in case there are issues.

We then proceeded to the merchant. While there, we waited for the lady whom the tourist police spoke to. Once she arrived, she issued a credit card credit voucher. I asked them to do the credit electronically but they claimed it cannot be done, that they clear their transactions everyday. I checked to ensure that the credit voucher refers to the card transaction trace number and that the shop's merchant number is the same. Then I called my bank again, gave them the whole run down and got confirmation that with the credit voucher, the merchant would not be able to make the claim for the funds. Nevertheless, I told that bank to please tag this transaction and I will fax the voucher over as soon as I got back to the hotel.

At the hotel, I drafted a mail, copied the credit voucher, then fax it across to my bank. Then I called them again. The person I spoke to then checked with his superior and came back and told me that everything is in order, that there is no problem and the transaction will not go through. If it does, they will do the chasing for the refund. With that assurance, we did some last minute shopping and left Bangkok at 5pm.

However, this morning, the bank called me and told me that the transaction has gone through and that I will have to liase with the merchant to get the refund. The person who called me got a well deserved firing from me. I have done everything possible to ensure that the bank has all the information not to allow the transaction to go through. I asked to speak to his manager. He called back some 30 mins later, apologised and said that the bank will handle the refund, that the amount will be removed from my credit card.

Now, what I have found out is this. When you sign for a transaction, it will be posted and will appear in your bill as the posting date. That is the date when the funds are no longer available to you (meaning reduced from your credit limit). However, the funds have not been remitted yet and is "floating". The merchant then has to make a claim and that will be the transaction date. Only when the claim is made will the amount be remitted.

I had expected the merchant to make a fast claim when I went back to ask for a refund. That is why I kept calling my bank to ensure that they flag this transaction and that's why I faxed the credit voucher on the same day instead of waiting to return to KL before faxing. I checked my credit card transactions online and noticed that for most of my overseas transactions, there is at least a 2 days delay between posting and transaction dates. Obviously, the merchant in Bangkok wants to get the transaction through quickly so they had made a quick claim.

All my conversations with the bank are recorded in their system. Plus, I have the mail and the credit voucher which I had faxed over which is timestamped. The bank cannot claim that they are not aware and it's their lackadasical attitude that had resulted in the funds being remitted.

The thing to remember is that you have to act fast, and keep calling your bank to understand what needs to be done to ensure that the transaction does not go through. However, that can only happen if the funds are "floating". Once it's remitted, the bank will not be able to help you.

To Anna from hk
i am also a victim. i will back bangkok the sooner day. Maybe I can join your.
Please let me know.
my email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Me & my frens are dupped into the scam as well. The stories all check out. Some frenly nice guy will approach you and then he'll look like he's negotiating with the tuk-tuk driver to bring you to the Lucky Buddha temple for 20 bath. In there we're approach by a guy who claims to looking after the renovation works in the temple. Then he'll suggest us to go to the Golden Argosy Export shop and say they only open to public once a year.

We bought a blue sapphire and a red ruby pendant costing almost 4300 bath. We don't even know if the items are real or over priced. Tried calling our card centres to stop they payment but it was too late to stop it. Sigh!

Dear Jacinth,
I am from Malaysia too. I am now holding a credit voucher from Yindee Lapidary after I insisted a refund from them. It has been 2 weeks since the credit voucher was issued. So, is the credit voucher valid after all? I am still waiting for the amount to be credited into my account.
Thank you
My email is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dear Victor,
You may have to call your bank to check the status of the return first. If money is not returned to your account, you will have to contact Mr. Suchat thru his email and inform him of your status.
Need to wait for his reply and a further 2 weeks or so. You can then check with your bank again.

In case you did not see this, I have sent another reply to your email.

DH from HK, I already scheduled my trip this Oct 4-7 and then will meet Mr Suchat on OCt 6. Luckily I was able to get in touch with a friend in BKK where I can stay, otherwise i am also afraid to go alone due to the political situation. PL from HK I sent you a email. I hope you can join me to make some claims.

I was duped on the 19th Sept 2008, I was blocked from going to Siam Paragon by a person claiming to be from the tourist info centre and told the shops were not open until later due to a holiday - a tuk tuk was organised for 80 baht to take me to the temple and from there we were taken to the Golden Argosy Factory Export Center Co, not to make a profit but the same thing happened at the temple - tuk tuk driver went to toilet - man in 4 wheel drive came and told us how lucky we were - Tiffanie's would buy it - thought at the time this is not the style for Tiffany. Upon arrival I was told they export to Michael Hill Jewellers and I know they have cheaper type things so was confident to get a cheap priced ring of quality.
Was supposed to be 5380 baht but when I got home today to scan the 'certificate' saw another 0, did a search of the company and bam up this site came.
They have taken $2000 from my credit card not $200 so I now need help????

I was the victim on Sept 21st, same story, I just regret I didn't check it online befroe I made the stupid move-- it was all driven by my greedy.

you guys are right, I learned this lesson in my life time.
Now, How to get my money back?

Dear Ben/Jacinth/Victor,

Another bad luck couple in Thailand here though visited Lucky Buddha. Same thing happened on 22/9 and gain back a little luck at night once saw everybodies review. I contacted Mr Suchat on phone this morning and I went to TAT and they guide us to look for Tourist Police. Once there, they help us to call to Yindee on spot and while waiting for them to call back, i made a call in front of them to Mr. Suchat. Later, the policewoman call Yindee again and do mentioned Mr. Suchat name and after hang up, she told me that i can get back 100%. The tourist police seems to be helpful but at the end they ask us to go back to the shop to negotiate with them. With the help of my hotel owner (Thai ppl), we finally managed to get a full refund from Yindee in the form of credit voucher (customer copy). One thing not for sure, whether they will remit back the money back to my account as the voucher is not yet endorsed (bank in)

Is everybody in this forum receive so call credit voucher is not endorsed by bank? Just scared they did not remit it later.

You are really lucky to find out and get help from Mr. Suchat on site Bangkok.
please share with us your experience if you get your money back successfully.
I think you 'd better contact your bank manager, since I was confirmed by my account manager it is the responsibility of bank issued my credit card to persue the money back for you.
you'd better ask your bank manager to watch it closely for you. hope you can get ride of the evil soon.

I am arranging my trip back to Bangkok just for my justice.

I do contacted my card center and sent them email to hold back the money to be transfer to the Yindee rep bank. I sent them the credit voucher as a supporting doc. Let's see how it will turn out.
I do sent email to Mr. Suchat as well but have not get any reply at this point of time.

DH from HK. Would you be able to contact me, it seems I need to postpone my travel to Bkk (Oct 6) bec Mr Suchat is currently out for seminar in this coming 2 wks. I have another person in this forum willing to go together on a same date. U can sms me at 9759 5819. We (HKers) might all be avail on a common sched to make joint complaints at DTI. That will make our cases even stronger to pursue.

Dear Darwin and Jacinth,
My credit voucher has been remitted after 3 weeks of waiting. It was a long and anxious wait nevertheless. It really aches me that so many people fell for the scam, yet no actions are being taken against these shops. Is the government encouraging these shops to continue conning the innocent tourists? Is it a form of revenue and income to the government? I hope not.
I would not go back to Thailand anytime soon after this incident .

Jacinth, thanks for your advise. Really appreciate it. Yeah...we need to create more awareness and spread these websites to more people.....

Me and my friend being cheated by Yindee Lapidary too and planning to visit Mr Suchat on this October try to look for refund.

Anna from HK, do you mind email me your arrangement to Bangkok? May be we can meet each other at his office ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Dear Victor,

Glad to hear that from you. At least it loosen more of my tension these few days that hope is still in the air. Really cannot put it down and the memory keeps repeating the incident that day.

To catherine and Anna, sad to say that i am already back to my country, Malaysia. Anyway, hope you guys will get back your hard earn money asap. Keep in touch in this forum. Will update you guys on my refund status.

Mr Suchat will be a very busy man now... thanks to me!

Hi Ben,
Yup, you have been a great help to all of us. Though some may have doubts, but that's what they called 'human'. Thank you again for the advise.

Dear Victor,

Good to hear you got your money refunded. Cheers !

14/08/08 - Me & my frens are dupped into the scam as well. The stories all check out. Some frenly nice guy will approach you and then he'll look like he's negotiating with the tuk-tuk driver to bring you to the Lucky Buddha temple for 20 bath. In there we're approach by a guy who claims to looking after the renovation works in the temple. Then he'll suggest us to go to the Golden Argosy Export shop and say they only open to public once a year.

We bought a blue sapphire and a red ruby pendant costing almost 4300 bath. We don't even know if the items are real or over priced. Tried calling our card centres to stop they payment but it was too late to stop it. Sigh!

I was a victim of the gem scam. My sister and I are on holiday in Bangkok and on monday we were walking along a street near the Grand Palace and a man approached us. He was very friendly and helped us find several points of interest on our map.We went to the Lucky Buddha and a gentleman told us about a great oppertunity to buy gems at a low low price. We thought it was a great deal and proceeded to go to the gem shop. I didn't realize this was a scam until today when I did more research on the internet. I am currently in Phuket and will return to Bangkok on the 28th. Please advise on what to do next.

It is always the same cheating story, I still can recall all the words exactly from Golden Argosy Factory in Sept. 21st 2008.

1. Last days of Thailand National expo event, today is the last day, only once each year, ( I was told it may not be opened next year in the store)
2. Last moment, it will be closed at 3pm, better hurry up,
3. Goverment control company, it is only one or two these kind of companys in Thailland which got Thailand goverment share.
4. Whole sale company, not even directly to customer usually, only during the time of 7 days of Thailand National Expo' each year.
5. No Tax required, saving lot of money, normally 120% Taxed if buy in other countries. it is the part of benifit of Thailand goverment event.

I do believe Thailand Goverment shall do something legally and officailly to Golden Argosy factory. It is really sad to see Thailand tourist police service without doing anything on it.

hi guys, i'm also one of the victim! exactly like what u all mentioned above, i'm from malaysia.

My friend is going to bangkok tomorrow, i don't expect a full refund but as stated in the agreement of purchase, we are able to get back 80% if we refund it within 3 months time, do u think they will honestly refund my 80% to my friend, since i only bought it for 2 months? please help!!!! i din know its a fraud until i see this post today!!!

hello, my name is ria fr indonesia. im a victim of the gem scam. now im still in bangkok, i just bought a pendant and neckleas today. then i text my friend in indonesia, she said i've been dupped. at the first time i didnt trust her. but after i went back to the hotel, i was curious and tried to google "the golden argosy factory" and i shocked when i got the result...i spent most my money to buy those jewelery,the guy that i met in the TEMPLE (can you guys image, TEMPLE!!!!) he said that i can buy the jewelry for investment bcos its cheaper (195%) to buy there. tmr morning i'll go to police tourist station. i hope they can help me get my money back. i really had a bad expirience but thanks God there's still good people here (hotel staff). guys, pls let me know if there's some info about this...thank you.

Hi, im from Malaysia.Might be, i was the victim as well....Do anyone know where Gems Shop can testify/ evaluate our jewellery in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor area?Im so worrying now, bought from Yindee Lab. on 2006 year? Pls Help me....

Dear all, sorry for the loss. Same story, lucky temple, cheap tuk tuk ride. My bf wanted to buy something for me so i choose something it cost me 4200 baht. Bought it y'day(4/10/08), wanted to check online more about the ruby i bought didn't expect it's a scam after all. Although amount not as great but its hard earn $. I paid by cash. I'm back in S'pore, i have no intention to go back to bangkok anymore after this incident. Any chance to get the $ back ? Any suggestion? Thank u.

Dear all, hope someone can help me out.
My email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hi all

I posted an entry on the 10th of August as I was a victim of the scam as well. What I had to do was return to Bangkok with the jewellery and meet up with Mr Suchat Sinrat. His contact details are as follows:

The Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Rd. Muang district, Nonthaburi 11000
Web Site : http://www.dit.go.th
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 025475356 or 025475358

It took me a couple of months to get my money back, but this very kind man ensured that I got a 100% refund...

Hi everyone,

I am a victim just like everyone else. Same story also, this time by the Golden Argosy. This happened yesterday afternoon.

As I am still in Bangkok, I contacted Mr Suchat Sinrat today and he told me to go to his office and bring all documents and the jewelry. Hope I can get the full refund.

Thank you Darren for the contact.

Hi all,

Just got back from Dept of Internal Trade. I wanted to get 100% refund for the purchase although the rep from Golden Argosy insisted on the 80% buyback. Mr Suchat Sinrat helped me get 90%. It's not what I wanted but at least it was more than Golden Argosy was willing to give.

So if you've been a victim and realized it before leaving Bangkok, contact Mr Suchat Sinrat

The Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Rd. Muang district, Nonthaburi 11000
Web Site : http://www.dit.go.th
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 025475356 or 025475358

Just some details to add to my story.

The guy that approached me in the Lucky Buddha spoke good english, 30-35 years old, 5' 5" in height, had eyeglasses which were slightly tinted, bad complexion, top-front teeth had spaces in between, medium built maybe chubby. I could not be sure of his nationality, maybe he is Thai. He gave away his name, Narin or something, not sure.

We spoke at length (maybe 30-40 minutes) that's why I could give the above description. He kept showing me a gold ring with a large blue sapphire (maybe 1-1.5 carats) with daimond studs which he bought at the export trade. His story was that he was visiting the Lucky Buddha before he and his wife go to Sydney, Australia.

Anyway, I am sure he is one of many who do this so if you ever encounter this man, be wary.

Thank you,

Add me to the list too.
Just been scammed and can't believe I fell for it. The Guy Juan decribes above sounds like the Scmmer who approached me at the Lucky Temple. Same story- visiting friends in Australia etc.

Started by using a river bus. At the end of the line were met by a 'student' who told us of the special Thai day which the Government gives petrol vouchers to Tutt Tutt drivers to take tourist around tourist spots. Was told the Golden Palace was closed til afternoon and then he showed us several other tourists spots on our map. He got us a Tutt driver and told us that we only had to pay 20baht for the tour. Great we thought. Anyway, we ended up at several places before being approached by this evil man. He seemed very genuine and wasn't at all pushy.
When we arrived at the Golden Argosy Export Centre we were made to feel very welcome. The manager explained that it was the last day open to tourists etc. All seemed fine and after the tranaction we were offered the use of her car and her driver. We were over the moon and taken outside Bangkok to several tourist spots. Looking back this was to keep us away from the internet etc.

I ended up paying $3500 on my credit card for gems that are not worth more than $750. I have been scammed and feel really bad about it - so much that I can't sleep at night.

I work for an airline and so I have the oportunity to return whenever I want. Question is 'Is it safe' and should I first contact Mr. Sinrat or the Tourist Police?
For those who have contacted Mr. Sinrat - how long did it take him to reply to your emails? I feel very weary now on who to trust. I even think that some of the Golden Argosy employees are using this website?

benny

Years ago a Tai contract worker in Saoudi Arabia stole expensive stones from king Faisal. The stuff was just lying arround in his palace. Well the stones were sold in Thailand. The police traced some of the stones and sent them back to angry Faisal. They turned out to by fake. Was Golden Argosy involved? Did they scam king Faisal? What about years later when Saudi embassy people saw the wife of a high ranked Thai officer wear one of Faisals jewels?
Who is really behind this Golden Argosy?

Hi,

I am a victim just like everyone. Same story also, this time by the Golden Argosy. This happened yesterday on 6th, afternoon.

I´m now back in germany. Can somebody tell me what to do to get my money back?

my email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Do you really think the Shell or any petrol station over there will hand over free petrol with a little card with stamps on it come on...

Golden Argosy or Golden Fiction?

Wouldnt you think the Thai Government would shut this place down after all the complaints.

In case one is interested in the saudi scam mentioned above google: Saudi arabia blue diamond case
Not a joke. The jewels disappeared. Proves that scammers have protection

Hi everyone!
My life has never been better since i left Bangkok 3 days ago.I got 85% refund from The Golden Argosy (the accursed shop). I consider that I was lucky. But still I have some anxiety. I paid the transaction with Credit Card and I paid the 15%. They refund my money using credit voucher, they said that they cant void my transaction automatically because they have already submitted it to the bank. Nothing I can do. My question to Juan, did they refund your money with credit voucher or cash money? I've been checking to my bank and the refund money was not there.. My bank says the refund will takes 5 working days. Is it right? If someone that hv ever been in this situation please share it with me. Thank you in advance. My email address This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hi Ria,

They used a credit voucher. I'm still waiting for the confirmation of the refund.

Benny,

I've read somewhere that the tourist police are in cahoots with the scammers, not really sure. Also, if you take it back to the shop they might give you a hard time if you ask for a 100% refund.

As others have suggested, (and also what I've done) if your still in Bangkok, call Mr Suchat Sinrat of the Department of Internal Trade. He'll ask you to come to his office He'll assist you in getting a refund. I got 90%, 10% more than what they've offred to buyback the jewlry. Everything was done in 3 hours including lunch break.

Though, to be honest, the situation felt a little weird, almost... I don't mean to be ungrateful, in fact I appreciate every thing Mr Suchat has done but it's just how I felt after the transaction. It's hard to trust again, I guess.

Anyway, good luck to everyone.

I am going back to Bangkok next week and have arranged an appointment with Mr.Sinrat. Hopefully i will get most of my money back. However, i am still cautious - more than ever now and will be taking a friend who will wait nearby. I will call him during the appointment to confirm all is ok. Also if he does not hear from me then he will carry out my further instructions. IE; contact the embassy and police. I will report back here.

hi Juan,
How far is Mr. Sinrats office from Bangkok? How did you get there and how much was your taxi fare? What kind of building are Mr. Sinrats offices in? I plan to arrive at the airport next week and go straight to his office. What was the procedure? Did someone from Golden Argosy come to his office? Were there any threats etc? Did you have to make a statement? Then when I have been refunded I will return directly back to the airport and catch a flight home. I have put several safeguards in place to be safe and sure.
Benny

Why not 100% refunds??
Mr Sinrats needs his cut?

Let there be no doubt. The Police are in on it.

These scammers are all working in view of the Police Boxes and many are located next to the TAT Info Booths!
Thailand. Corrupt to the core.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29324583@N05/

Does anyone know if this Mr. Sinrat is real or part of the scammers? I am with a TV crew now and plan to meet him. The crew will not be allowed into his offices. I will be contacting the crew every 10mins to let them know I am safe. I will be using passwords and coded messages. The crew will not make themselves known to anyone but will follow closely for their safety.

hey guys, could this site and Mr Schuchat or anyone of them those ppl mentioned above that could help us are actually in this shit ass scam too?

i got a very bad feelings about this, and i'm going back there 23rd of this month to meet uip with mr schuchat.

bought my airtickets, got a bad feeling, pray for me guys.

Leo,
I am returning soon but first of all I am doing a little more research to the authenticity of certain persons. Like you I am nervous but I am putting safeguards in place all the way from my hotel, when inside the DIT offices and when I return.
I cant say that the DIT website looks that impressive.
Benny

On our last day in Thailand and "only" day in Bangkok, we also got scammed by...ERAWAN LAPIDARY on Oct 5th. It's a horrible way to end what had been a wonderful two weeks vacation, especially since we got engaged during this trip.

As a newly engaged couple, my fiance and I had our heads up in the clouds re: buying jewelry "as a potential investment" and was looking to buy wedding jewelry as well. Having spent big money back in North America on my engagement ring which we knew was imported from Asia by a diamond wholesaler, we honesty thought we were embarking on a good deal when the so-called "teacher" whom we met at the "Lucky Temple" told us about an "international export center's final day sale." The chit chat about the resale value of sapphires, retail markup...it was all very believable to us. How wrong we were to be so gullible!

Yes, and we feel rather stupid and ashamed now so please, please no more unnecessary and mean comments - they have no place here.

We also had a Thailand guide book in which I remembered reading something about being careful buying gems but it all happened so fast and we were so tired from the heat and pollution. Whenever we were doubtful of one person, another person/conspirator - the British guy, the French guy and German guy at different locations dissolved our doubt by telling us that they've also purchased jewelry from the export centre.

Before arriving in Bangkok, we had met so many genuinely friendly Thai people (including tuk tuk drivers) in other parts of the country and l guess we had our guard down. We were in Bangkok for just 12 hours but that's all it took.

Anyways, we paid for 2 sapphire rings, a pendant and a pair of earrings on two separate credit cards for a total of 206,000 baht. These were supposed to be my "something blue" for my wedding. Of course it wasn't until the next day when we were back in Canada on Oct 6th that we "woke up" and searched ERAWAN LAPIDARY on the Internet and found ourselves in this mess.

We've been in contact with Mr. Suchat Sinrat at the DiT and he insists that we need to return to Bangkok to meet him at his office. Well, from our home in Canada it's a 20hr flight and not to mention expensive. Mr. Suchat said in the past he's helped victims without having them return to Bangkok but does not do that anymore. I'm absolutely devastated.

I'm hoping that Mr. Suchat will be sympathetic and change his mind about helping me while I'm in Canada.

I have sent two emails to Mr Sinrat.
No reply.

To the latest victims,

I went back to BKK last Oct 6 to claim my refund with the help of Mr Suchat.

Please do not think of him as part of the scammers because he is *NOT*. I had the same doubts, anxiety while in contact with him and before I met him at his office. But there were no incidents of biased, hostility, or animosity from him and his team. In fact during my appointment there were 5 other people from various asian countries who were asking help for refund. We get acquainted to each other, showed the gems that we bought and looked at our various certificates, receipts from the different gem companies. It took us maybe 3 hours to finish our transaction, but in my case my taxi driver had difficulty finding the correct place because it is far from the city (abt 1.5 hrs travel). Anyway 3 out of the 5 victims got a 100% refund because that was written on our credit card voucher. But we have yet to wait 2 weeks to appear on our credit cards. While waiting for that; Mr Suchat keeps the jewelry in his office and also waiting for the victims to confirm the transfer of money.

The other two got 90% refund because their companies are very tricky.

To Anna from HK,

I'm very glad to hear that your trip back to BKK went well. I live in Canada but was born in Hong Kong. How ironic that while you were in BKK negotiating your refund Oct 5-6...I was falling for the same scam! Thanks for your reassurance that Mr. Suchat is a decent person. I really wish he could help me while I'm in Canada, but it doesn't seem like he will.

Did you end up going to the Dit office alone? If I'm able to make the 20hr trip from Toronto, I plan to stay at an airport hotel and avoid the city altogether. I'll be traveling alone most likely and head directly to Dit from the airport and once the refund is complete, return to the airport.

Are you safely back in HK now?

I posted this in another form, but still mite be good here too

I think quality gems are about the same price worldwide
( unless they are stolen of course).

why would anyone bother to buy them thinking they are going to make a huge profit taking them back home.

think about it, if they are so valuable, ligit companies would
( and do) export them.

if you are bringing them back, and they are over your countries free duty limit ( and you get cought) you will loose them and maybe pay a fine too.

don't let greed colour your judgment ( and don't beleive anyone trying to sell you something when away from home)

Please guys. Mr Suchat is real and has helped countless people.

If in doubt, why don't you go to the Tourist Police instead?

Dianne (from canada), Back to HK safe and sound (my departure was last Oct 7)amidst the protest that started that day. another tip, to find their office easier if you can ask to write the address and also the word The Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce in Thai as a reference for your taxi driver. Good luck! and Take care.

Also thanks to Ben and all the other people who gave their email addresses in the earlier thread who gave out the details on how to make a claim. Ive contacted them too and they are real victims.

Mikey, not all victims intended to make huge sums trying to re-sell the jewels, in my case it was an special family occasion. I think others gave it as gifts to their wife, gf, mom etc. But Thanks for enlightening us too, that we may stay away from another similar event to happen.

One thing is for sure, Mastercard are not in the business to police for people who have been scammed, they are in the business of trading. If you make a purchase why should Mastercard or any CC company not allow payment as YOU have signed for the purchase. This forum is not for people to say they will have investigations carried out by the CC compay which they used to purchase the product to try to get their money back, it is gone forever. YOU are responsible, if you are not responsible for your purchase then don't own a CC and don't try to make the CC company be the ones to have to end up footing the bill for your mistake. It is a woeful experience to be scammed but it is not the fault of the CC provider so why should they cover for you. When they do, and they do often take the hit on scams and fraudlent transactions, it increases the fees (as they have to cover their losses) for everyone else.
Remember, you are on a holiday in Thailand, what you so with your own money is your business, if you are easy to be scammed no matter how 'believable' the scammer is, the fact remains you got sucked in to a 'deal' that was supposed to bring you many times your outlay. That in itself is unbelievable how you can be scammed into believing that you will be making a fortune on your return to your home country.

The old saying - If Its Too Good To Be True, Its Not True.
Always start by treating everything as the worst case scenario. Expect something to go "sideways" on you.

No one will ever be scammed if they say no.

As per the advise of my credit card company, I already received the refund of the full transacted amount from the jewels. I have informed Mr Suchat about it. Finally.. the case is closed.

Well done, Anna.

Don't forget to send a thank you card to Mr Suchat! :)

Hello everyone.
I have just returned from BKK after visiting the DIT. I made notes from start to finish. Here they are:

I arrived at BKK airport and decided to stay at a local hotel for 1500bht. A basic hotel but adequate. I arranged with the hotel shuttle driver to take me to Nonthaburi the following morning. The driver ( we will call him Tim ) said that on a good day the journey would take about 1hr and a bad day due to traffic- maybe 2hours. I called Mr. Suchat Sinrat from the hotel and he told me to get to his office for 10am so I told Tim to pick me up at 8.30am the following morning. I had negotiated a price with Tim to take me to the DIT, wait for me and then take me into BKK for some last minute shopping. The price was 1200bht which I think is rather good considering I was getting a car with chauffer for the day.
The next morning after a rather nervous sleep due to the fact I was still unsure if this was still part of the scam - I was picked up by Tim at 8.30 and headed to Nonthaburi .
We arrived in Nonthaburi about 9.20am and boy- was I glad to see sign post with the words ' Government Buildings' etc. A huge sense of relief. As we came across the Government Buildings I was totally rest assured. It is a massive complex with security guards at the various gates. The complex has several Government buildings on it and they all looked pretty impressive. Tim parked up and I made my way to the Department of Internal Trade ( DIT ) Building which was simple to find. Time now 9.30am.
I walked into the 'Complaint's' office to be met by Mr. Suchat Sinrat himself although there were about another dozen employees there. He took me into a side room and asked for my passport and receipts for the jewellery so he could photocopy them. He also asked for the name of the shop involved- this being the 'Golden Argosy Export Ltd'. Five minutes later he returned and said that the shop didn't open until 10am and he would call then. In the meantime he made me a welcomed cup of coffee and presented me with a complaints form which was simple to fill out. It just wanted details of when and where I bought the goods and the reason for my complaint. Mr. Suchat Sinrat then told me of the procedure that was going to happen. After he looked at my sales receipt he noted that I had signed a form stating that within 3 months I could only claim back 80%. He said we would have to negotiate by asking for 100% but would be best to settle for 90% and would I be happy at 90%? He said that if I demanded 100% then the case would have to go to court which could take weeks but it was my option. To tell the truth I was more than happy for 90% to get rid of these bits of glass that have caused me so many sleepless nights during the past week.
At 10.15 a woman walked into the office and sat near to me. I thought she was also a victim but soon afterwards Mr. Suchat Sinrat walked in with several bits of paper and an 'overseas' envelope. I knew it was from overseas because of the large blue ' par avion' label on it. The two had a conversation in Thai and then the woman started to count out a large amount of cash before handing it over to Mr. Suchat Sinrat. She then left the room. Mr Suchat Sinrat turned to me and said the woman was from another shop. I asked Mr. Suchat about the envelope and asked if it had been posted to him from overseas? He confirmed it had been but was not the best option as if stopped by customs then the sender would be liable for custom duties. He went on to say it would be best to send to the relevant embassy for them to pass onto him. This way there would be no import duties! So, there is some hope for you guys and girls out there who can't get back to BKK.
At 10.40am the shop manager arrived. I was the same woman who sold me the jewels in the first place. She said hello and came and sat opposite me! I didn't think that this would happen and I felt a little intimidated. Mr. Suchat Sinrat sat next to me and listened to the woman explain that she was willing to refund 80%. 'Not so', I replid,'I want 100%'. Anyway, she refused and we settled on 90%.
She filled out a credit voucher for my credit card and explained that the refund can take up to 3 weeks - this was down to the card provider and not the shop. ( Funny how the card companies charge you interest as soon as you spend on them but take 3 weeks to refund the money?). This is a scam in its' self!
Mr. Suchat Sinrat explained he was holding onto the jewelery and when I note that I have been refunded he would send the jewels back to the shop. He then said I was free to go whilst he wouldn't allow the woman to leave for another 15 minutes. I promptly left.

Part2.....

Tim was waiting for me and I ask him to take me to the IT Mall in Bkk. It took about 45 mins to get there so I would say that overall it took about 3 hours to get the refund.
After leaving the mall it was now so easy to spot the Scammers hanging around and targeting various tourists. I felt like rushing up to them and to tell them not to do it etc but and a big but- I felt pretty glad I got out of this mess unscathed and I didn't want to put myself in any kind of danger now. I just hope these tourist were more wiser than me two weeks ago.

So, it's been an expensive lesson but I think I'm wiser to it all now. I certainly won't fall into the trap of thinking I'm getting a great bargain at silly prices. What's more, before I venture out I will use the internet as a valuable tool to read about the area I'm visiting and potential scams etc.

Am I bitter that I've been scammed and lost some money? In some ways yes- no -one likes to lose money but in other ways I have felt I have learnt a valuable lesson. However, one thing is for sure and that is I wont be recommending Thailand to anyone. There are far better places in the world to visit.

Benny

Dianne in Canada.

You don't need to make the trip to BKK. Save your airfare. I explained to Mr Suchat Sinrat your situation and he said you can post the items to him or the Canadian Embassy in BKK.

Regards

Wrote in this forum few weeks back. Finally, i was informed by my bank after 15 days waiting for the refund from Yindee Lapidary. It was a 100% refund. Really feel at ease by the time i received the call.

First of all, thanks to this forum which i believe Ben is the one who help the most as well as some other "frens" in this forum.

Still remember after purchasing the gems, the whole story from Central World Plaza to Wat Makasan and finally to this Yindee was so coincident. Nothing could be so strange that you are being approached by those "kind ppl" directing you to so many great place.
Till i search the net on the same nite just for the word "Yindee Lapidary". The word "scam" follows. At that point of time, you never imagine that you will feel ultimately unsecure where nobody's word can be believe beside the one who sat next to me(my girlfren). Luckily, we still have 2 days left in Bangkok that time to settle everything.

My husband is usually almost impossible to con but he fell for the scam although we have had the pieces we bought valued for insurance we can obviously not sell on. It does make you feel very differently about the people of Thailand

Can you not return them?

hi Rachel, i am also one of the victim from malaysia, it just happened on mid of september 2008 . i would like to know the detail on how you get your refund. can you contact me by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

waiting your reply.
thanks

Good on you, Darwin.

Glad I could be of use to you! Cheers!

I'm getting the feeling that Mr. Suchat Sinrat is getting 10% from these scamming gem dealers.
He's made a deal?

I don't think he has made any deal. After meeting him in his office I believe he is a genuine guy and will do the best for you. He has in the past got back 100% from many of the scammers. He managed to get me back 90% even though on the papers I signed with the shop it said I was only entitled to 80%. Even if he did get 10% would this be too much for his services? I would of ended up with worthless gems if it wasn't for him and lost far more money than 10%.

BENNY

Benny -

Thank you so much for the details of your return trip to BKK and your recent meeting with Mr Suchat at the DiT. It was very help to read. Also, I really appreciate you mentioning my situation (being far away in Canada) to Mr Suchat. I will email him about sending my items to him directly or else the Canadian Embassy in BKK. I'm still waiting to receive the jewelry that I purchased (sent via EMS) from Erawan Lapidary on Oct 6th...hopefully it'll arrive soon.

I'll keep you posted...

Hi Benny
I am also a victim. How do you argue your way to get the refund? Plse , plse advise as i am not good in these type of verbal exchanging situation. I am scared ...Plse provide the points to put across.

Thanks

Well...my luck just keeps gets worse. The EMS package arrived in Canada, however, it's being held by Canadian Customs. In order for the package to be release to us, we're required to pay tax/duty on the amount we paid in BKK -- which is way beyond its worth, of course.

I just don't know what to do anymore....206,000 baht was what we spent. Duty on that amount is quite a lot. Does anyone have advice?

I read most of the posts on this blog and hardly anyone mentions going to the Tourist Police. I went to their headquarters. Follow the big yellow signs "File Complaint." A woman at the desk made copies of my receipts. I had purchased the gems a month before and she was able to get me 85% of my money back. I went back to where I bought them. I left with a refund receipt and my money was credited back to my account about a week later. In the end, I lost USD 400 plus THB 500 in taxi's, etc.

I exchanged a few emails with DIT but they wanted me to set-up an appointment and that didn't work for my schedule. So, I suggest going to the Tourist Police for a fast result. If you go there right away after you had been scammed the lady said they could get you back more of your money.

So, after many years of visits to Thailand I'm done with that place. It's not "cheap" anymore and I'm tired of the touts and other scams farangs have to deal with.

Good luck.

JJ

SO if you put some effort into it, you can get back 85% of your money, looks like the crooks work on a 15% margin ( way better than stock market or bank interest)

they get back their crap to sell agin, you walk away with nothing, less 15%

Hi Diane,
Didn't you say you were in contact with Mr. Suchat Sinrat and he said that he was unable to help you? Was this over the phone or via email. I have been emailing him since the start of September and have not yet received a reply.

I was scammed in August of 2008 and cannot get anyone to reply to my emails from DIT. I have the gems in my possession and simply want to post them to DIT for a partial refund, is there any key to getting a response so quickly?

Your best thing to do is to telephone him and talk to him and explain your situation- that you're in Canada and unable to get back to Bangkok. I spoke to him in detail about Diannes' situation. Posting the goods back to him is an option although he does prefer personal visits.

LYN,

You do not have to argue with the shop owners. Mr Suchat Sinrat is there with you at all times. I'm sure by now the shop managers/owners know the score and don't bother you at all - afterall, they've made a 10% profit from your purchase anyway and I think that they know a certain percentage will return the goods some time or the other. It works out at a profitable lbig business for them in the long term.

You must telephone Mr. Suchat Sinrat and speak to him personally.

regards

Dianne,

Have you spoke to Canadian customs about you situation? You might be able to have the goods sent back to Bangkok and directly to Mr. Suchat Sinrats office? If you could get some kind of letter from him to show to customs then this might work. I'm not familiar with Canadian customs and procedures but contacting them should be your first step.

regards

Just to give you an update.

I have received my 90% refund into my account after 6 days despite Golden Argosy claiming it would be up to 3 weeks.

i think i have just got scammed 2 days ago as well.the same stories go on me too.i bought a ring actually. however, i do not have the ring with me now, as at that time when i purchased i thought of security reason and choose to send it by mail back to my house. i just wondered whether i will still receive it. anyhow, the receipt is still with me. so, do you think i still able to ask for refund if only with the receipt from the jewelry shop? btw, what should i do now?

I was given a name , Mr Choochart who is in the DIT. Wonder is Mr Suchart Sinrat & Choochart the same person??

Lynn,

I think you've got the right person but got the spelling wrong.

Hi All,

If you are one of the victims out there, please dont get panic.
Just try to approach Mr Suchat and he really helps you to the end.
One bad thing is that you may need to meet him personally to help you to get the refund!

This was the email which he sent to me:
--> the buyer need to make a complaint at my office

Please contact him as follows:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Center of Complaints
The Department of Internal Trade,
Ministry of Commerce
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Rd. Muang district, Nonthaburi 11000

Please don't feel ashamed about this, share this with all your friends and ask them to spread.......

Thank you.

Good Luck,
Gina

I sent 3 emails to him..no reply.

Hi Everybody,
Just wanted to let you know that my husband went to Bangkok and had a meeting with Mr Suchat on October 7th, 3 months to the day since we purchased our necklace. We received 80% of the purchase price and it took 12 working days to have the money paid back to our credit card as a credit. There were many calls to AMEX to see if the money had gone through and finally after AMEX said they would lodge a complaint, the money was there the next day. My husband had copies of signed documents saying they would pay 80%. With regard to the complaint, AMEX said I would receive a letter in 7 to 10 days and had 15 days to fill it out with the complaint and return it to them. The shop then had 45 days to respond and if not AMEX would take the money from their account. Luckily this did not have to happen. Believe it or not, with the exchange rate what it was on the day, even with only getting back 80%, we actually made $675 which went towards airfare and accommodation. This has been very upsetting and a HUGE learning experience so good luck to everybody else.

Hi Benny -

I've been in contact with Canadian Customs and so far, it's been an uphill battle. They said their policy does not allow "redirecting" a parcel to another person (ie. Mr. Suchat at DiT) who is not the original sender (me). My situation has now been passed on to Corporate Security for consideration as they are the ones with authority to "pull" international parcels from their routing. At the moment, I'm still awaiting a response. I think they're also doing a background check on the DiT office.

The saga continues...

this is your problem to try make money and be greedy this is your problem should not come back and try refunds. you are greedy try scam thailand and make money is your bad luck for having such not good thoughts.

haha - I think you've missed the point (again). How are these people trying to scam Thailand? Anyway, it's kind of funny that you're amusing yourself by trying to annoy people on here. School holidays at the moment? .... or are you skipping class?

haha seems to be one of the scammers so pleased that tourists get scammed. I doubt he/she/it would be laughing when all the tourists stop going to Thailand and the place becomes a bigger cesspit than it already is. I for sure, will in every way try to prevent anyone of thinking of travelling to Thailand actually going.

Dianne, here in the UK once you have received imported goods and paid the tax you have the opportunity of sending them back to the sender if you are not happy with the items. You have to prove that the items have been sent back and then claim back the import duites/tax you previously paid. I would think the Canadian customs must operate a similar operation. Proof would be a receipt from DHL/ other courier?
Have you checked this can be done rather than stopping the goods in the first place?

regards

Allot of tourist are avoiding Thailand.
Would you bring your family here after reading the scam reports?

Typical Thai thinking. Take what you can get today.

You idiot neva stop to come thailand. new one every minute coming ,
you have unpure thoughts when come here and try scam us.we will out smart you alway

Haha, is it the school holidays already?

Stop trolling here and go do your Primary 4 homework....

Unfortunalty, many Thais feel the same as ha ha does. That's OK. Travelers are learning about Thailand and going elsewhwre. O well.

Boycott Thailand - send out the message.

Smiling faces somtimes they dont tell the truth. Something like that. Wasnt that a song of the Rare Earth? My father used to listen to that music. May be that band has visited Thailand?

Hi to all latest victim,

Please contact Mr Suchat if you need help to get refund. I'm one of the victims who get help from him and i get 100% refund under his help. I've just confirm with the bank that the transaction of refund is done. I've wait for approx 1 month for this case to settle.

I've take a taxi from First Hotel (Bangkok City) and it takes approx 45min to 1hour to reach the office.

Good luck.

I too have been scammed...

I am now in Hong Kong. I leave for Canada on Nov 7. I purchased a blue sapphire necklace for my mother and a blue sapphire bracelet for my girlfriend on Nov 3, 2008.

I'm sure you've heard this before, but here's my story.

I was walking along Na Phra Lan Road and Ratchadamnoen Nai Road near the City Pillar Shrine where I was approached by what appeared to be a Thai Embassador in a yellow shirt. He asked where I was going and I said I'd like to see the Giant Swing. He told me I could use a tuk-tuk to see the Giant Swing, Lucky Buddah, Golden Mount, Thai Export Center, Marble Temple, and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium for 40 Baht and that it can only be used done by a red and yellow tuk-tuk. He flagged one down and told the driver to take me to these places. We barganed a price then agreed on 40 baht.

He drove me to those places, while I was at the Lucky Buddah a gentleman from the UK, named Andy from London ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) approched me and asked me where I'm from. I told him Canada. He gave me a story about his friend living in Calgary and how they both worked together and travel to Bangkok to purchase jewelery. He said his friend made a profit by selling a piece of jewerly to Berks or Peoples Jewerly in Calgary. He also said they are great gifts for loved ones. I was thinking of presents for my mother and girlfriend after he said that. Then he mentioned buying his girlfriend a nice deep blue sapphire ring.

After telling me, I was interested in what I could buy. The tuk-tuk driver was supposed to take me to my next stop, the Golden Mount, but insted went straight to the Golden Argosy Factory Export Centre Co. Ltd. In there I was approached by Am Poon - the retail man. He was quick to show me the necklace and bracelet. I purchased a necklace for my mother - Blue Sapphires and Diamonds in 18 K white gold setting (87,000 Baht) and a bracelet for my girlfriend - Blue Sapphires and Diamonds in 18 K white gold setting (44,400 Baht) = Total 131,400 Baht. We ended up needing to have my visa approve the purchase by calling my credit card, but after it was approved, he said his driver will deliver the product to me after I'm done my site seeing. His personal Limo driver will take care of me. Lee was the driver's name, two kids - but I don't know if that's true.

We did the rest of my sites and then the messanger met up with us to look at the product. We took a look at them at the back seat of his car. I was running late to meet my friend so I felt pressured to sign the form that I recieved the items.

I left the next day Nov 4, 2008 at 8am. Now I did some research and found out other people have been through the same situation.

I just emailed Mr Suchat Sinrat and am waiting for a reply.

CC,
I have emailed Mr. Suchat so many times and from what I have heard he does not answer emails. Don't wait for a reply. Contact the Canadian embassy in Bangkok and they will direct you to their information website at the embassy to find out what to do. The contact at the embassy got in touch with the Department of Internal Trade Thailand for me and then gave me an address to ship the jewelery. You'll have to send the jewelery to DIT Thailand and get the director to return them for you. I am currently waiting for a return and have sent my jewelery to DIT. Keep me updated, and I'll do the same.

Hi fellow victims, I was the latest one to fall into it... but i got my money back so hope this post can raise more awareness.

Incident: 11/10/08 (saturday)
place: Grand palace
time: 11 am
cheat: Erawan lapidary

Me and GF hired a cab outside my hotel at pratunum area and were dropped opposite the grand palace and was told by the taxi driver to cross the road to the grand palace.

Immediately after alighting, a smiling Thai (in yellow T shirt and temple logo on his left breast photo) came to greet us and asked if we were tourists going to the grand palace. He then said that today is their BUDDHA DAY and the whole morning there is praying by the monks and the royal family in the grand palace itself and IT WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE MORNING AND OPEN AFTER 1 PM. He appeared helpful and started to suggest places to go while waiting for the palace to open again. He saw our map and started circling out some temples on it (wat ratchanadda, marble temple and vimanmek mansion and inthrarawihan temple) and says that these ARE the temples that are open in the morning.
He suggested taking a TUK TUK to tour these temples first and come back at 1 pm to visit the palace. He then added that the Thai government in celebration of BUDDHA DAY, has ordered that the TUK TUK bring tourists around the temples he circled out for a flat fee of 40 BHT and to bring the tourists to a thai gem export shop as well. (He specifically mentioned that only the tuk tuk with the yellow vehicle plate are involved in the special offer as THEY ARE government owned TUK TUKs). He told us of this wonderful thai export center for gems that is only open to public (tourists, local students, local thai etc 7 days a year to buy tax free gems and today is the last day and urges us to take a look. The rest of the year, the export center only caters to businessmen.
He then hired tuk tuk off the road immediately and started talking to the driver in thai and pointed to the circled areas on the map, appearing very helpful. He emphasized to the driver that he must bring us to the circled sites first and bring us back to the grand palace, after which then we will pay him his 40 BHT. The Tuk tuk driver kept saying “Kup Kup Kup” and kept bowing and appeared super friendly! We got on the tuk tuk, thinking how lucky we are to meet such a deal. The fact that we only pay the driver after everything somehow sets us at ease as we have no fear that the tuk tuk driver will cheat us... how wrong we are.
Tuk tuk driver somehow dropped us at a remote temple not found anywhere on our map! When i asked him what temple it is, he just say LUCKY BUDDHA... when i asked him to point out location on map, he pointed to an area without any marking of a temple...thinking it was just a simple temple and since we are here, i thought maybe just pay our respects and leave. Inside the temple, the temple sweeper says the monks are praying and that they will take 10 min and asked us to sit and wait. There is already another person sitting there and there are 2 more plastic chairs left for me and gf. That person says he is there for an hour already....

Part 2 to follow.....

He started making small talk, asking us where we are from, where we stay and when we are leaving thailand. He then introduced himself as a lawyer in phuket who used to work as an accountant. He says he is only back in bangkok for the past 1 week to visit his mother and for this annual gem sale and he has been doing this for the past 11 years! He say the thai government is very strict on this gem sale and is monitoring it closely, thus everyone is only allowed to buy 1 set and we are supposed to buy it only for personal use and not to resale. He claims that on usual days, thai government will charge 195% tax on all gems bought in thailand but for this special 1 week, they are willing to forgo this tax and sell it at cost price. He mentioned that he will buy 1 set every year and bring to sell at 200% profit! He then pulled out this receipt from his bag for a set of pendant, earrings and ring costing 160,000BHT. He say we are very lucky as it is the last day of the sale. After 30 min of chit chat, a european male came into the temple and introduced himself as a French from paris. He also claims to have come Bangkok to buy gems from the sale. He too came here to buy gem back to sell... been doing it for 3 years. He claims to have bought a set yesterday costing 4000 Euros. Apparently he sold to his paris jewellery shops at 200% of his cost price!
After 40 min of chit chat, we decided to check with the temple sweeper how long more we have to wait, he then said 1 hour!! so we decided to leave the temple, the Thai kept reminding us to go to the export store even when we leaving.
Tuk Tuk sent us to this old unglam looking 2 storey shophouse along the side of the road and says that is the export shop. We are surprised that the setup will be so small baring in mind it is an annual gem sale and a lot of foreign tourists expected... but somehow we just went in. Inside were all ladies except for a well groomed man who claims to be the manager. We were shown sets of jewellery in 3 different designs. The manager went on to say that he is into export business and that he is only offering this sale for 1 week annually to clear old stock. While we are choosing, a rich looking thai man came in wearing a huge ring and a thick gold braclet. He intro as a london based businessman here to buy gems annually. He took a set worth 175,000 BHT and without examining it much, took out 1 thick stack of money and gave it to the sales lady!!! He then advised us to send the jewellery back to our country as it is valuable stuff and that he will send by himself later after he bought the set and left.
We went to level 2 for payment (i bought the 80,000 BHT set). Upstairs it looked totally like any storeroom! And u wouldn't think of it as a gem store. The sales lady took my passport and credit card and went to photostat, saying that it is government requirement to track all jewellery bought... (how silly i am by letting my credit card out of my sight! Coz they can easily copy down my CC number!)
After the whole transaction is over, the sales lady offered to send 1 of the staff to acc us in a cab to the post office at chatuchak market as it is the only one open in the weekend, and said that the company will give us a free city tour since they have booked the cab for a whole day!! (free city tour and gem stone company just doesn't click!!!) and i felt it is fishy already...

Part 3 to follow....

Benny - thanks for your advice. Canada Customs has finally released my parcel and I will now attempt to send it to Mr. Suchat at DiT.

Aaron from Canada - would you please tell me by what method did you send your jewelry to DiT? I'm not sure what to choose from Canada Post's options...letterpost, parcel, xpresspost, priority?

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

Hi Diane - I sent mine Expresspost ($60) to...

Director
Complaint Centre
Department of Internal Trade
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Road
Bangkrasor, Muang
Nonthaburi, 11000
Thailand

I am going to phone them tonight because they have not yet contacted me even though the package arrived there last week.

The latest I heard is that you need to pay a lawyer 10% of your purchase and they may only be able to get a 90% refund. I don't know if this is the process they are going to now. Has anyone else heard of this?

CC,
I have not heard anything like that. DIT is supposed to return the jewelery for you as their job description from what I have read on other blogs. Where did you come across this information regarding a lawyer and 10%?

Here's my correspondence.
>Dear CC
we just give your mail to Sriwatana Lawyer that you can discuss with them. They have done this before with all success.
Dit
>Dear CC
Refer to Mr. Suchat, we just help the taiwan couple to get money back at 90% without flying back to Bangkok. By give me authorised to do on your behalf to deal with the shop. we will charge 10% of the amount of purchased. Make dicision and let me know
Tipaporn Sriwatana
Lawyer
>Sriwatana
Could you provide me your company name and phone number? I can contact you to discuss further.
Regards,
CC
>Dear CC
we are freelance lawyer group. right now we are dealing 2 cases of gem scam. Cell Phone 083-687-7100
Tipaporn Sriwatana
>Just to be sure, what process will we go through in order to obtain my refund? I know you have been helping other people. What do I need to give you and how will you get my refund? If I am to hire a lawyer, why wouldn't I be able to obtain a full 100% refund since I will be paying you 10% of the cost?
Please clarify these questions for me.
>Dear CC
1. According to our record, people could get 90 % without present at the negotiation and save time
2. To get full refund you need to go back to Bangkok and you may need to prsent at the Court for criminal action.
3. All process will take long time and cost a lot.
Tipaporn Sriwatana
>Tipaporn
You still have not provided any information regarding the procedure I should take to have my gem issue resolved. As a lawyer, you should have some protocall or procedure inplace so that you can pass this information to me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
CC

I am still waiting for the lawyer to give me directions.

BTW, The lawyer is using a hotmail account and I check with the Canadian Consulate in Bangkok. Here's their reply.
>Mr CC,
While I understand this is a very stressful time for you, I must apologise and reiterate that the Embassy cannot get involved in private legal matters. We cannot comment on the suitabiliting of a particular lawyer or law firm. I can, however, advise you that it is not unusual for Thai lawyers, or even sometimes government officials, to have hotmail or yahoo accounts to do business.
I wish you good luck with your case and thank you for the information.
**************************
Sent from my BlackBerry | Envoyé de mon BlackBerry
**************************
Robb Stewart
Senior Consular Program Officer | Agent principal du programme consulaire
Embassy of Canada | Ambassade du Canada

getting a refund of 85 or 90 percent, maybe the persons that ripped you off dont mine this as a last resort, 10 to 15% is better than bank interest pays.

IMHO, all part of the business ( scam)

hi, i can't believe but i also fell victim to gem scam in bangkok. i purchased a set of sapphire necklace and earrings from Erawan Lapidary and then the same day read in the internet about the scam. i called my mastercard credit card company within 12 hours and the fraud/security department person initially told me the charge has been reversed. i confirmed by calling my credit card company the next day. however, when i returned home 16 days later, i called my credit company only to find out the charge has NOT been reversed and this matter is now under business dispute department. i am told to get an independent gemologist appraisal(at my expense) and then submit a form to formally dispute this matter......i am afraid that there is a possibility that i won't be able to get my money back.
Also, while in thailand, i contacted tourist police but i didn't find them helpful.....they asked whether i had the jewelry in posession, and since i did not(scam artist at Erawan Lapidary told me to mail jewelry by mail to my home since this was safer than keeping jewelry in hotels), they could not help me.
I also read about Mr. Suchat at Department of Internal Ministry, and I emailed him but I haven't received any reply. I looked up the department of internal ministry website and I didn't find his name.....I am wondering whether I should email to all the executives listed in the website including the director general.
Would anyone have any other helpful suggestions please?

Hi Aaron from Canada - thanks for the info regarding Canada Post. I will send my parcel tomorrow via Xpresspost and hope for the best.

My correspondence with DiT has mostly been by phone with Mr. Suchat and his colleague Poh ...emails were ineffective in getting responses much of the time. I was instructed to send the jewellery back to DiT however, was also told that they didn't prefer this method. Anyway, I too have not heard about the "lawyer" involvement as of yet.

Any progress on your situation?

Hello all - I phoned the DIT and asked for the director of the complaints department, the conversation involved alot of hello hello hello back and forth as nothing was being understood. The person I was talking to could not speak english very well. I identified myself and where I was from and then he told me to write him an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . I have read that phoning is not very helpful since this is what happens - they tell you to correspond via email. I have since written an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and am awaiting any type of response regarding them receiving the package or what will happen next. I will continue to keep everyone informed.

I have sent several emails. No reply.

hi everyone, I have received short email reply from mr.suchat....that i need to be there in person. i am here in u.s. and unable to get there in any time in near future. i talked to mr. poh(his assistant who speaks fairly good english) who told me that they do not prefer receiving the jewelry package, and that there needs to be a reprentative of the buyer who can negotiate with the seller. can you believe this? what negotiation? the only thing these dishonest sellers deserve is good spanking and prompt return of my money.
i emailed american embassy and they emailed me some useful documentation and a list of attorneys in thailand. reading the document was discouraging, but i will try to do my best to get my money back......that includes pressuring credit card company, contacting the tourism authority of thailand, and tourist police.

Contacting the Tourist police? That's funny.
The Tourist Police are in on the scams.

The Thais are not always happy when one calls the tourist police. Because in case the falang is eager to get his revenge the farang might have more money to corrupt the police in his favor then the avarage Thai. The police will help the one who offers the most, or the one who has the most power.
They wont help you against organised crime because of their obvious power.

I met an elderly gentleman last night who fell victim to Golden Argosy scam yesterday. A friend is a local gemologist and he appraised the piece; worth B30k and the guy had paid B130k; we know some local police who were keen to help.... but what does that matter when the police are normally in on it, due to low salaries and endemic corruption.

The gent phoned his credit card company who said the transaction was going through. I advised him to go to the local tourist police and then return the idem to the shop Golden Argos and demand the refund which is his right on the contract (this is disputable due to no company stamp). 80% of what he paid is a lot more than the true value of the piece.

It annoys be that so many foreigners fall for these scams; they are well documented. Would you jump in to a taxi in your own city and on the way buy a necklace for $5,000?

nuff said!

started my one month travel to indochine in bangkok and got scammed there too. As CC I was contacted by that nice guy Andy from Singapore who now lives in the UK and of course knows somebody in austria and what a good business he is doing with him...

Retrospective I don't understand how I could get seduced to buy such jewellery. As completly uneperienced I spent about 2.700 € for trash which at the most is worth about one-fifth. But as others on this site wrote I think it was a combination of my own greed (you can sell that at home for the double price...) and that atmosphere in the shop.

Anyway something is remarkable: almost each of us scammed tried to cancel the credit card transaction which as far as I see wasn't successful for anybody.

But isn't it strange that those credit card companies still make business with that shop and don't cancel their contracts? After all they must know about its fraudolent activities.
I really would appreciate if you write a short notice if you paid with VISA (which I also did) for I try to gather evidence for a joint guilt.

Ah ja. and are there some more news about institutions which could help? The "lawyer connection" does not seem successful...

dear cheated,
i totally agree with you....it's not only strange but it is also irresponsible of the credit card companies to allow these jewelry scammers to continue to stay in business. i received a letter from the mastercard that they cannot dispute my charge. i am planning to cut my plastic in half and close my account with the credit card company.....that's the least i can to to let them know how unsatisfied i am with the mastercard not being able to help and also unable to stop erawan lapidary from continuing to scam people.
i am also thinking about contacting lawyer in thailand but after reading the previous comments i am not too optomistic.

Dear CC,
I have been scammed, too. Same story as everyone else...
Was the path using the freelance lawyers successful? Dit you have to pay anything upfront?
Thanks in advance for your response.

Scammed and HKH, going to a Lawyer in Thailand would be the bigger of the scams, why on earth dont the credit card merchants blacklist these people, they also are scamming people.... and ex pat, just maybe not everyone is internet savy!

Please if any one has Mr. Suchat at DiT's telephone number? I am scammed on December 13, 2008. At the age of 50, I am not greedy of the profit mentioned by those actors [cheaters], just emphasis too much on some business opportunity to cross-country and travel between HK and Thailand many times for this business if it is feasible. Then I am too much to my idea and do not really think of any trick like this. It is really like in a drama that many people are acting to cheat you for an amount of money that seems not worth for so much arrangement. Now I recongize that they are doing this to many people and the sum of money worths all these arrangemetns. I am going to cotact Mr. Suchat at DiT and also ask the credit card company to try to pend my payment until there is a finalization. I plan to return to Bangkok if necessary. Will keep everyone informed of the results. I beleive we need to give a force to the new Prime Minister of Thailand to do something also. He must be very eager to generate some force to bring up the tourisim in Thailand at this moment. Anyone has his email address, or telephone no. also please?

Just found Mr. Sinrat's telephone in another article:

66-2-547-5356

66-2-547-5358

Golden Argosy contact information:

The Golden Argosy Factory Export Centre Co., LTD
463/9-12 1st Floor, Look-Luang Road,
Mahanak, Dusit, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
PHONE: 0-2628-3565 or 0-2628-3566
FAX: 0-2628-3564

I to have been scammed, December 2008, with very very similar stories that are written above. But one fatal mistake made by Golden Argosy is it was on our second day there. We returned to the store demand a refund and we could only get 80% refunded as per policy which is in the fine print. On returning to Australia we have lodged disputes with our banks and it does seem likely we will have the remaining 20% balance credited to our credit card. I am now adding my story to whatever website
I can find.

Golden Argosy Revenge is Sweet..... delighted you managed to get your 80 per cent back, these damned "fine prints" another Scam!!!!.... I know using our ANZ card (signature required and NOT pin) sometimes "clawback" is possible with the cards, so heres hoping you have great success, I for one after discovering this website, before purchasing any costly items will always google first to see "remarks", a valuable site! Good Luck

Given the sometimes extreme mark up for jewellery products everywhere in comparison to the worth of the materials people should be more aware of the guff and reason behind a high price. Sometimes this does not relate to intrinsic quality but the fashionable aspects of the products offered, advertising budget, sponsorship by celebs the list goes on.

If there is a particular design you like then do your research on the net and get a rough price in your head to pay for the item YOU want. Do not give in to advice from recently met third parties or the idea that you could be 'saving' $$$$$$$$$$$$$, you probably are not!

Also some people look for opportunities to make money on these deals to pay for their holiday or overspending on said vacation etc. If something sounds too good to be true then take a long time before deciding with your pocket to find out the hard way.

Sometimes there are good deals in Thailand craftsmanship is good there but know the price and quality of similar stuff back home so you can negotiate and get a good deal. Dont pay more than you can afford and walk away if you feel the experience is going to leave you with uncertainties or problems to rectify later. Another deal will come along quicker than your next $1000 assuming you are not a hollywood A lister (who get given their jewellery anyway).

happy holidays! A little thought goes a long way.

naive traveller

It mite be easier to email him:

Director: Mr. Suchat Sinrat
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

phone and arranging time is difficult

Mr Suchat Sinrat (Mr. 10%) does not answer emails.

Just got the following reply from Mr. Suchat:

The buyer need to make complaint at my office:
Center of Complaints room 20301
Internal Trade Building
Ministry of Commerce
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Rd. Muang district, Nonthaburi 11000
Tel. 025475356

Center of Complaints
Dit


Btw, I did not pay the credit card company yet. Do anyone have idea whether I should pay first, or just pend the payment and let the credit card company to tive some pressure to Erawan Lapidary?

Be careful of this company:

The address of Erawan Lapidary:

101-103 Prachathipatai Rd.,
Bangkhunprom
Pranakorn
Bangkok 10200
Tel: 2282-7424-6
Fax: 2282-7056

I find it incredible to read how many people are still falling for this scam. It's mentioned in every good guidebook about Thailand that I know of. Don't people do any research before going on their trips? Just the mere mentioning of the word gem should raise suspicions when visiting the country, and in particular Bangkok. Obviously this scam is very well thought through and quite professionally executed, and I agree it is a real shame it has been allowed to rip tourists off for decades now, but still...it cannot be overlooked that stupidity and often greed plays a part in matters too. If something appears too good to be true, it most certainly isn't...

Taekyon2, I agree that stupidity and greed plays a part, but also psychologocal factors under different circumstances cause some stupid actions. Besides criticism, any suggestion?

Please comment on my suggestion that is used in some Asian countries:

If the matter is so professionally executed, brochures of the blacklisted companies should be distributed to travellers upon arrival of the airport to adivse them of the scams.

Good suggestion are always better than mere criticism. Anyway, I think you are just feeling upset by so many travellers being scammed and nothing is really done to prevent it.

Surely Credit Cards could have their own web site giving a list of companies to be aware of . If the same names are coming up again and again then a warning wouldnt go amiss!!!

naive traveller, I would refuse t pay your credit card company. Let them look at the situation if enough people are disputing their CC bills then surely they must do something about it

Thank you Sammie.

Today I also send a fax to the litigation dept. of the credit card company to report them this matter and try to get also advice from them. Will update on this when I get any reply from the credit card company.

@naivetraveller...I'm not exactly upset about the fact that this is happening, more like incredulous for how this has been going on for such a long time. And no, sorry, I can't offer any specific advice other than walking away from this thinking of it is a lesson learned. Who knows...maybe this experience and the resulting skepticism when being offered comparably "good deals" in the future will prevent you from making even bigger losses. In the end it's just money. There are scams out there that leave you drugged, mugged, maimed, or even killed. Having said this, I hope you will not think of all Thais as crooks as a result of this episode. It's so easy to generalize, and yes I agree there are plenty of scams out there, many even tolerated by the officals, but that doesn't mean everybody is indecent there. There's a lot of generosity, honesty, and goodwill, especially off the tourist trail.

As for your suggestion of brochures being distributed at the airports...well, in theory that may be a good idea, but then again...there are quite a few people entering Thailand overland. Also, it's just one out of many scams out there. The companies who are involved frequently change their names and even their business locations aso aso. As mentioned, every guidebook talks about this scam, often in great detail. People need to take responsibility and do their homework before they travel. Some scams cannot easily be avoided. That's not true for the Thai Gem Scam though in my opinion...Bangkok is not Zurich or Monaco, but the capital of a developing nation with a vastly different culture and socio-ethic background.

As for trying to get the money back from the credit card company or even not transferring them the money...sure, give it a try. I would be money on it that it won't work. You willingly paid for those gems. It's not like anyone stole your card or made a copy of it.

@ sammie: What numbers are we talking here? Of millions and millions of transactions per day maybe a couple would be disputed for this reason, and again, basically due to the owner's own mistake. I seriously doubt they'd be interested.

@ naivetraveller...

PS: You want to send the Prime Minister an email about this? LOL! Well, good luck with that. I believe he's got more urgent matters to attend than this... ;-)

Taekyon.... thank you... well in fact these companies are operating daily scams.. and yes I take on board that people should be more aware of Scams, maybe the younger generation who are more pc aware are capable of educating themselves of these scams.... I have learned much from these sites and class myself a resident of Thailand, and then there are folk that are not pc aware and fall into the trap... I in fact possess both european and australian credit cards... European credit cards are chip and pin and I believe its not possible to claw back the money, the Australian cards i.e. Credit Union are Visa and still to be signed for.. now that is possible to claw back... Credit cards can be complicated, they are lending the money on behalf of you and I was under the impression until your satisfied you are entitled to query your purchase... would be interesting to have a Credit Card spokesperson gide us on this one. I have seen some victims retrieve their cash back from CC's so hopefully Naive will be fortunate.... If one were to purchase a rolex watch on a credit card and found a timex workings inside instead of a rolex workings would one be entitled to claim back given your are supposedly purchasing from a reputable shop bearing an Amex/Diners Club/Visa insigna? Yes there is genourisity, honesty and goodwill away from the tourist trail but let us not forget that Thailand is still classed as a dangerous country and people should be very aware of this not lulled into the LOS sabai sabai.

Taekyon, you know the new prime minister is English born, Eton educated and might just want to be made aware of the tourist's problems....If you dont try you dont get.... just maybe this could be the man who can edcucate the zenophobic old men in power who have changed all the visa regulations! He could be just the person to try and bring tourisim into the 21st century abolishing corruption within its police force and the government... who knows... Good luck Naive

@ Sammie. I'm not really buying that part of having to be PC aware to avert becoming a victim. Sure, there's tons of good information on the internet about those scams, just like on this website, but who'd google "scams" at their holiday destination before getting on the plane? Most people, young and old, wouldn't think of that. Unfortunately it's a fact that lots of people who travel to Thailand (as well as to other nations) on holiday seem to never pick up a guidebook or find other means to do at least the most basic research about where they are going before leaving on their trips. The result is that they sadly are largely unaware of the danger and annoyances, and maybe even worse, the cultural norms. The result is that people are getting ripped off, and try walking into temples wearing hotpants, muscle shirts, and flip flops. Just look how badly lots of foreign visitors / tourists behave when visiting Thailand. Sure, some wouldn't even care if they knew any better, but many simply are ignorant because they didn't invest an hour to educate themselves about some basics before setting off on vacation. Honestly, I find it quite difficult to have a lot of sympathy for those individuals.

You mentioned Thailand is still classed a dangerous country. I guess you are addressing the travel warnings issued by most Western nations in response to the political protests recently. Well, as everywhere, they are overcautious in their assessment, making sure that they cannot be blamed by anyone who suffers as much as the involuntary loss of 10 Baht in that country. Thailand has tons of problems and is certainly not as safe as it sometimes appears, but it definitely doesn't deserve to be listed in the same category like Sudan or Afghanistan either. But that's also a part of educating yourself before leaving on a trip. People on the large tend to be a bit like sheep, unquestioning and naive. Good natured people don't take advantage of that, but the fact is that we don't leave in a perfect world, and so some people do.

Yes, I am well aware of Kh. Abhisit Vejjajiva's background, yet I doubt that in these difficult times he'd make it a top priority to fight a particular scam that in the end only a very small number of visitors falls victims to. I am sure he is quite aware of what's going on in his country just the same, but in the end he is just a wheel in a system lubricated with corruption, cronyism, and frequently crippled by cultural idiosyncrasies. Who knows...he might turn some things around and change things for the better. Personally I am not holding my breath. Issues like the ones discussed on this site are more complex than they appear and largely the result of the societal framework Thailand operates in. Lots and lots of elements factor into this. Too many, as if a phone call to the prime minister could solve them in any case.

I understand that Sammie and Taekyon2 are educated and you both have your points and are very cautious of any precaution.

It sounds that ATaekyon2 is more pessimitic and very disciplined and would not let anyting go wrong. Be careful not to get a heart attack if you are always that nervous and over-excited.

I am more for Sammie that he encourages me to try. Since the damage is caused, I learnt a good lesson and lost the money. Now I would try my utmost best to amend the damage. I am quite adverturous and that is also a reason that I trust people easily. Of course, I would have to be more careful and read more in the future, it may be more serious damage that I could not afford.

Before I travel to Thailand, I read books, one English and one Chinese. I copied the places that I want to visit, restaurants, spa, etc. I have to admit that my alertness is very low and did not pay any attention to 'scams'. I do read the cultural difference part because that is the care I am interested in.

Now something happens, I will try the best to make the minimum loss and not hesitate to try any methods even they seem not possible.

The money lost did not really worried me too much. If I could not get them back, it would be OK and I did not want to continue any damage by not sleeping well. But of course I will try the best effort to let any person know this. I am very optimistic and do not mind to try anything.

Naive, I like your way of thinking, go for it. I guess this is also a site to educate ones self and also warn other people what COULD happen. After all optimism is positive thining and I am sure you will have many good stories to tell. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising be it negative or positive. I have a Korean son in his twenties and to view his perception of Thailand is also interesting, but then Korea is 1st world asia.............Taekyon also has good points I fully take on board the behaviour of farangs, I too have felt disgusted on numerous occasions, actually what I was trying to say, was the hopefully the new PM would look at tourism as a whole, the pitfalls, advantages etc and try and work out a solution beneficial for the Thais but also for tourism. I guess the rough element of tourism attracts the wrong kind of people on both sides of the coin, getting a good balance would be more beneficial for all concerned.. Good luck Naive and enjoy life

@ naive...I'm anything but a pessimist, more like realist with a generally positive outlook and trusting nature. Having said this, I am certainly quite disciplined and aware. One thing doesn't exclude the other. Either way, good luck...

PT Barnum said it best..."there's a sucker born every minute".

I find it hard to believe, in this day and age where information about ANYTHING is at your fingertips, people still fall for obvious scams like this. Unbelievable!!!

Get a clue folks!

Moonman, your contribution is amazing, and whats it like being so perfect!

Hi everyone,
What if you paid cash for the gems?????? How will you obtain your refund????

Chris...try ebay! ;-)

Hi Chris, interesting question, when I have paid for an airfare at my travel agency and the flight has been cancelled etc... having paid by Credit card I have had to wait 60 days for the agency to return my money to my credit card for some reason! (by law I am told !!) then in the Tsunami when we went down to Phuket we paid for our hotel up front by credit card for a 3 week duration (big mistake), the hotel which wa son the front was destroyed, when the owner asked me how I paid (I had the receipt but it didnt say how I paid) I said cash and my money was refunded, credit card would have taken 60 days to have got a refund through the Thai system.... so in answer to your question, if you are buying and paying cash ask for an english receipt stipulating 100 per cent refund... see what happenes then. Do your research well before buying, they are now beginning to moderate Thai internet sites in a big way so maybe get people in your native country to help you do the research for you as well....just an idea

Chris:

one of my customers that likes to make settings ( more a hobby than anything else)

did go through a similar hassell, he bought some loose stones, paid cash and had the receipt stating 100% refund. while still in bkk he notice the stones were not as good as represented to him, he went back to get his refund and was told ( accused) of switching the stones for fakes.

he made a scene and the boys and brown arrived and also accused him of trying to rip off the shop, and told him he could go to the police station to sort it out.

he decided to eat the deal/

A receipt in thailand is just a piece of paper, and your word ( forigner) is meaningless

even some of the larger businesses have the policy, once you leave the premisis with the item, you are out of luck if there is a problem.

so the motto of the story is dont deal with the gem shops. go to a reputable shop in your native country and if you pay more well at least your getting the decent article

Naive let us know how you got on... do try and read Stickman's columns, one is able to nod, smile, grimace and almost cry at some of the stories he tells. Good Luck

yet another fine pair hook line and sinker in the tuk tuk, buddha,gems same story line give Palace closed and the area around. it was for the kINGS SISTER FUNERAL HAVE THE NO RESPECT see four golden buddha but you must go the gem export company as it is there last day they sell with out tax why do the credit card companys still give them a terminal to carry out these cons, we where vetted by the banks here before we could have one for our buisness if this is the case surly the card companys are condoning these scams

Sid, the list is endless, actually when you think about closure of temples etc the scams are quite childish, i just smile and so my own thing, I never believe anything until I prove it for myself, but things like gem scams, bank and atm scams etc etc are easily to get fooled by. Probably the best thing is to go away do some more research and start again. You were vetted Sid because the thais dont trust the thais, so what chance do the farangs have?? I keep as little as possible in a Thai bank for obvious reasons! In Lao there are such few ATM's and even then you need a large suitcase to carry around their money, but maybe its time we became more of a cash society then a CC society, counting out thousands of Bhart would surely make us think twice with parting with our money... interesting to see what others think?

Sammie now not much progress. I requested Mr. Suchat of DiT if I could send him everything and he contacts Erawan Lapidary on my behalf. Then no more reply from him. Now I talk to the credit card company and ask them to comment. They do not agree to act for me if it is due to the goods is not of the value I paid. They say they will only act if I did not get the goods. Still wait for more info from credit card co. If there is no more progress, I may go back to Bangkok in Feb.

Hi Naive,
I had a moment to search a little for credit cards information and in the Uk there is a website for just this sort of thing.http://www.choosingandusing.com/using_card/protecting_yourself.html
On UK-issued credit cards you benefit from Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act when you make a purchase between £100 and £30,000. Under Section 75 credit card companies are jointly responsible, along with the supplier of the goods or services, for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by the supplier. This is a useful protection if, for example, the supplier goes out of business after you have made your purchase.
n March 2006, the Court of Appeal ruled that Section 75 applies to transactions with overseas companies, on UK-issued credit cards, as well as to those transactions made in the UK, even if the transaction with the overseas company is made over the phone or Internet. This ruling took immediate effect.

You only get this protection if you pay by credit, including credit cards – payments by debit card, charge card, cheque (including credit card cheques), or cash aren’t covered..... there is quite a lot of information on this on the website I found and I hope this may be useful to you, anyway if your american etc well it shows you the tract you may have to be on. I noticed on e bay that there are big problems with suppliers selling fake global knives, North face clothing etc and some interesting articles are being written in the credit card holder's favour.... please let me know how you fare, it could benefit all of us cheers for now

Sammie thank you for introducing Stickman's column. I start to read 'Vientiane Again, After All of These Years'. I plan to go to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in July. Just get reply from credit card company, they do not act for me. I plan to pay everything and cancel the card. Then I think I will go to DiT to talk to Mr. Suchat for the next trip.

Naive, dont give up with your credit card without a fight.... I would certainly fight until the end with your credit card company...... I never give up and I can do that without loosing my face lol...... Love vientienne and Luang Prabang, wonderful people, exotic country . dont cancel card until you have gone back to BKK and spoken to Mr Suchat...... and please never ever buy gems in 3rd world countries again..... but I still think your credit card company is the iternmediary between yourself and the company and they should bear the brunt of this scam!!!!.... act quickly and repent at leisure, they should have withdrawn their services from the gem company many years ago, but they are the scammers themselves allowing this to happen!!! let us know what happens and look at my web site there will be something similar in your comapny very best wishes in Laos, a truly wonderful country, give me Laos any day!
sammie

Sammie your advice is well noted. Many thanks. Will keep you informed any new.

Naive.... just a thought, I was wondering whether all these poor people that purchase these fake gems are gettin the Duty Tax back at the airport before departure... If this is the case then it is Thai scamming Thai as well as Farang... another way of looking at it!.....I dont know which country you are from Naive, but you probably have Money Programmes on the TV/Radio, I would also seek their advice as well, they might even put your credit card company to shame, pay the minimum requirement until it is resolved hopefully in your favour!.
In Vientienne, there are some good lads operating the TukTuks but there are some really bad boys who have learnt from their cousins over the bridge, so keep an eye open for them.


Forex Income Engine Videos

Lao Kip exchange rates against some other currencies (Jan 13)
1 USD 8,470
1 EUR 11,280
1 GBP 12,230
1 THB 242
1 AUD 5,660
1 CAD 6,950
1 JPY 94
There are a few ATM's in Laos, one I use near the morning market, . I either use Thai Bht or Kip. Visa is $30 US..... have a great time

Sammie your information is so useful. I am now having 2nd round negotiation with the Bank. I am from HK, I think it is the same of UK law. Many thanks for the legal links etc.

Naive,
Given your optimism and adventurous attitude you might as well try to go back to Bkk and claim refund thru help of Mr Suchat. I am also from HK and was in the same boat last Aug-Oct 2008. I got my 100% refund and the experience made me wiser and also cautious when traveling. My HK issued credit card won't help me (cancel the transaction) because they claim that I authorized the purchase. Goodluck!

Thank you Anna. I sent fax to Mr. Suchat and got his confirmation today that he could meet me on Feb. 20. But then I could only get leave in April. I am going to write to Mr. Suchat and see if he could see me in April.

About the credit card, it is very helpless. I sent several faxes and the doucments from 'Erawan Lapidary'. It is not going to do anything. Not to blacklist the company. It is afraid to cause any harm to its other transactions etc. This month I paid the minimum amount. I will keep on sending fax to it. If it is not going to help, I would be in Bangkok in April.

I may just pay the full value to credit card company instead of paying the min. amount if I could not figure out that they would really response to my complaints.

Before you claim back the money, did you pay minimum or you just settle full amount with credit card company? Would like to get a second opinion if possible. Many thanks.

Hi Naive, I am so pleased your going back to Thailand to sort this out, it looks promising for you and I wish you so muchy luck. Do you have weekend papers over there, that incorporate travel sctions. Well why not write to these travel papers givng them your story as a warning to other tourists as well, this you can give to Mr Suchit and the Jewllery company after you have done the deal. You can also seek the help of a consumer media outlet who will know all about the laws vis a vis credit cards in HK, I still feel you can claw back with bad publicity (as long as you dont ruin your credit worthiness), pay the minimum amount and see what happens
Keep in touch

Sammie I give a second thought, since I definitely will go back to see Mr. Suchat in April, then he probably will arrange someone from 'Erawan Lapidary' to come to meet me. My focus then go to him to deal with 'Erawan Lapidary' to fully responsible. For the credit card, I just pay this month min. that is 3% of the full amount. Until April, I will still pay 3 terms, that add up to 12%. I believe the credit card company will keep silent and welcome this type of income. It sounds simpler for me to focus on dealing with 'Erawan Lapidary' because it is really the source of scam, not the credit card company. My ability may be just upto this far to focus on 'Erawan Lapidiary'.

I called the credit card company and waited for their reply today.

Will keep you informed of any news.

Naive: I paid the full amount because i don't want to incur further interests on credit card. I bought the jewels late August and got my refund mid of October. The refund was quick and even the negotiation with Mr Suchat. Please see my entries for the said month (earlier thread). I even wrote to the Tourism Authority of Thailand here in HK. And they gave me alternative channels for my complaints but since DTI (Suchat) seems to be the most reliable I went to that channel and sure enough it was quick and got 100% refund.
If you can give me ur email add then I can forward to you the email address/response of TAT HK and their other details here in HK or probably further stories on how I got my refund too. I used to be in the same situation as you and a lot of people in this forum has helped me. So I just want to pay it forward.

Hi Naive... I most sincerely and hold much hope that it will work in your interest and fingers crossed for you.. heres hoping..... please do keep us informed

Thank you Anna. My email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Talk to you.

Luckily we didin't buy any gems altough the story described above really sounded acceptable but for some reason the blue eyed chinese man from the argosy shop looked to me like some james bond film bad guy. Man man are we happy that we didin' t loose any money!! I took a picture of the outside of the shop and wonder if I could show this to any future possible victims in order to warn them

Regards

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a message is sent to ur email addy, naive.

Part 1

Hi All,

I'm in Jakarta, just arrived from Bangkok this morning. I'm also a victim of this gem scam by Erawan Lapidary.
With this post, I would like to say a lot of thanks to this forum, Ben for the detail posting, Anna, Benny, Helen, and other that had encourage me to take the trip to bangkok 16-20 January 2009. We're quite lucky because AirAsia held a promotion in December so we could bought the ticket with very low fare, USD 30 all included for roundtrip Jakarta-Bangkok.

At first, I was doubt about the success stories, because I've already got scammed. I got on in 19th October 2008. For the detail, you are welcome to check zhiwei's post. It quite same story.

I and my girlfriend went to Ministry of Commerce in Nonthaburi by cab, charging 200 THB from Pratunam area plus 55 THB for toll. Don't forget to ask someone write the address in Thai and write the phone number. It will become handy when the driver having problem finding the address.

Arrived at big complex of Ministry of Commerce, it was still early and Mr. Suchat will be available at 9 AM then. Mr. Pom was the one who welcome us. He asked for the documents (invoice, agreement, certificate) and handed us a form to be filled.

While waited, I was notice there was also a foreigner, european male. He asked me if I were also a victim of gem scam. Then we were exchanged our story. Turn out we were victims of the same shop, Erawan Lapidary, with quite same story. Besides us, there was a Thai military officer, who represented a victim from Indonesia. That my fellow Indonesian was also caught in Erawan Lapidary scam. So, there were 3 victims of Erawan Lapidary on that office, waiting for the representative of the store. The score of our lost were: I was 88,000 THB, Frederico (the Argentine fella) was 132,000 THB, and the Indonesian woman was 160,000 THB.

hey guys,
do you think there is a chance of recieving any money back if your 12 month return policy has expired??????? I cant get back to bangkok in the next 12 months but have thoughts about going back and trying anyway in the future.

Try to call Mr. Suchat / Mr. Pom first. You can ask them regarding that matter.

dear moderator,

Why my second part of the story didn't here yet? Am I considered as a spammer?

Part 2

At noon, the representative showed up. A woman. Mr. Suchat arranged the negotiation per victim. The Thai military officer had it first. When he came out from the meeting room, I and Frederico rushed at him, asking how was it went. He answered that he couldn't do much because he only represented the victims and encouraged us to do the negotiation.

Next round was mine. I was stated to the woman that I want a 100% refund. But she was decline it, referring to the agreement that I would only have 80%. My friend Then the bargaining happened. Her offer was 90% in cash or 95% in credit voucher. I looked at Mr. Suchat, expecting him to say something. He told me that it was up to me. He also showed me a form stating the Thai military officer only received 80%. After short consideration, I was agreed to take 90% in cash, because I wanted it closed right and then.

Last round were given to Frederico. We waited outside the office because I wanted to know the result and also worried to travel by ourselves, carrying a sum of cash then. After around 15 minutes, the woman came out from the office in hurry. We headed back to the office, were we found Frederico had a chat with Mr. Suchat and Mr. Pom. We were thanked them and grateful for their role as a mediator.

Part 3

Frederico got his 92%. His round was full of yelling, swearing, and slamming at the table. Quickly, we were leaving the office. We shared a same worried. What if a gang of mafia waited to take the money from us? We need to be caution then. Then we past the woman, who was sit and smoking near the other building in the complex. Frederico eyed her with an angry look and point a finger at. We were hurry and take a cab outside the building. Our destination was Pier 30 Nonthaburi to have express boat to the city. I was thought it was a better way to avoid a heavy traffic toward the city while we were headed to Nonthaburi that morning. We shared the cab, 65 THB to the pier. I was planned to stop at Central Pier so I could continue my trip using BTS. It cost us 30 THB each.

Hi all,

Just arrived back from Bangkok and yes we to are a victim of this convincing SCAM at the Golden Argosy 463/9-12 1st Floor, Look-Luang Road, Mahanak, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 Thailand. Phone numbers 0-2628-3565, 0-2628-3566 Fax 0-2628-3564.

Firstly whilst walking down Sukhumvit Rd our group of four were approached by a well dressed man who spoke fluent English from Thai's Tourism Department. He said that with the recent riots in Bangkok the government was eager to restore Bangkok/Thailand's image and boost tourist numbers and confidence.
He then went on asking about our trip, what we have seen and we asked him questions about tourist attractions, we were holding a copy of 'Lonely Planet' and he circled attractions on the map inside and told us the best way to get there.
We had no feeling, indication or reason to suspected him of scamming us, his story was very very convincing.
He told us he could organise a tuk-tuk and driver for 100 baht to take us to 'The Lucky Buddha' then on to Golden Argosy Thai Export and on to a river long boat ride the tuk-tuk was then to drop us off at where he picked us up from. Since we had been ripped off and were fed up with the tuk-tuk's this offer of 100 baht for what seemed to be the whole day seemed fantastic and we eagerly accepted.
First stop 'The Lucky Buddha' (Ironic name) and we paid our entrance fee's and looked around and made our way back to the tuk-tuk, the driver had moved his tuk-tuk and was waiting for us in the new location, which was conveniently parked next to a flight of stairs. On approaching the tuk-tuk the driver asked if any of us needed a bathroom, which we didn't, the driver walked off to use it himself. No sooner had the driver left another Thai with perfect English sat on the stairs and started a conversation asking where we planned on going next. We told him we were going to Thai Export (Golden Argosy) and then on to a long boat. He talked Golden Argosy up saying this was the last year it would be open as some of the mines were shutting down and the Golden Argosy would no longer be opened to the public and they had limited the amount of jewelery to people to one item each.
No suspicion was aroused as we told him we were going to the Golden Argosy, he just talked it up saying it was a great place and how he had a friend from Collingwood in Melbourne who had traveled over to Bangkok and had visited the Golden Argosy on those occasions. Our driver returned after about 5 minutes and we were off to Thai Export.
He parked across the road from the Golden Argosy, there were other tuk-tuk drivers there waiting for other un-suspecting tourists that were already in the store.

I must state this we were not interested in obtaining jewelery for resale and were happy to spend hard earned money on jewelery as a reward for hard labour, we just wanted what we paid for.

The store looked genuine like any other, see photos on this website, a guard on the inside of the door opened and closed the door for people, many well dressed assistants and genuine jewelery cases with what seemed to be quality jewelery on display and I can't forget the shrine to Buddha. The assistant helping us, a lady in here early to mid fifties spoke fluent english and claimed the store supplied Michael Hill Jeweleries in Australia and named a couple of other jewelery stores in USA names of which I cannot recall, this just came across as a sales line and was ignored as we were interested for ourselves not who they supplied.

The four of us looked around for around an hour with the two girls deciding on a ring each. Price tag of 55000 baht and 65000 baht which converted to approx $3500AUD. The paperwork was completed and we had to sign a declaration that we had wrote ourselves that the item was for personal use and not for resale. Both rings came with certificates which seemed authentic each ring was paid for using credit card. There were other tourists inside the store making purchases themselves, whether they were part of the scam or what I do not know. One ring had to be resized and they offered to deliver it to our hotel later that afternoon, but with the money we had just spent we decided to collect it ourselves later that day.
Our tuk-tuk driver dropped us off for a bite to eat and then we returned to the store to collect the ring all went well. We decided not to take the offer of the long boat ride and returned to relax by the hotel's pool.
After a good night sleep our minds started to race and re-think the previous days happenings, and somethings were to coincidental. A quick Google search of Golden Argosy brought up this web page along with others and after reading people's stories it was obvious we had been taken for a ride and anger soon rose. The next day we rang the tourist police, and explained to them what had happened. What a waste of time that was they were of no help what so ever and told us to return to the store to obtain a refund, they would not give us a report number nor provide their name.

A call to the Golden Argosy, and after a short conversation explaining we had sprung them we were told to return to the store as they, in Thailand, did not do business over the telephone.
A short metered cab ride to the store we marched in and were quickly ushered upstairs away from other Westerners. In a office with two Thai ladies present we told our story and the results of the Google search we wanted a refund.
We were told we could have a refund however only 80% of the cost would be refunded as per policy. A read of the fine print of documents we had signed we found this clause. We had no choice but to accept the 80% refund and leave. At least 80% was better than nothing we thought.
After double and triple checking of the refund documents and more checking on leaving the store we left still angry but accepting we had been duped and thinking ourselves lucky that this scam occurred early in our 8 day stay giving us the time to return to the store something they, the store, we not expecting at all.

Now back in wonderful Australia we have lodged deputes with our banks over the balance of the refund (20%) and we are confident to have 100% of our money returned to us shortly.

While this has a major impact on us, and Thailand's reputation had plummetered to a all time low, I now will take it upon myself to add this story to as many websites as I can and a full reported well be filed with Thailand's Tourist Head even though they probably wont care, something needs to be tried to stop this happening, while we all feel stupid for believing in something and then being conned the way this all was orchestrated it is worthy or a academy award.

Hi all,

We too were victims of such a horrible scam. On our honeymoon and stupid me thinking I would buy my wife something nice, we fell for the same problem just like everyone else in here. We fell victims to the Erawan Lapidary gem scam. I found different options that people have taken but not sure what I can do. I have tried emailing to DIT but they replied to have me file a complaint. Unfortunately, we are already back in U.S. and are not planning on going back to BKK. For those who have mailed their gems and received refunds successfully, please email me ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and let me know the details of the process that you used. For those who may have an alternative solution, please email me as well as I am at a lost of what to do. The contact information I got from other forums is:

his email is : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
address:
Center of Complaints room 20301
Department of Internal Trade Building
Ministry of Commerce
44/100 sanambinnam Rd Nonthaburi

Everyday that passes by makes us forget the wonderful honeymoon we had in Thailand and just remember the horrible way that we were scammed. I appreciate any help that you can give me and will pay it forward as much as I can.

My Contact Info:
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Thanks - Jon

Michael Hill Australia would be mortified if Argosy Gems are associating themselves with them. Michael Hill Jewellers are an up market jewellers as you know Sweet Revenge. I actually wonder what the Thai Embassy does for a living other than issue visas, ( lets not forget that Thailand announced that visas were free for a while due to credit crunch but they forgot to notify their embassies!!) and Sweet Revenge, I personally would bombard the embassy demanding explanations and maybe get Michael Hill involved in sending a "letter of warning" to the embassy. It is so unfortunate that these scamming jewellers are giving the good companies such a bad name, the police do their usual " token police raids" for fake watches and t shirts, totally neglecting the massive scammers like Erawan and Argosy Jewellers, which leads me to think the Scammers are probably operating with Thai Mafia/and high officials.

Dear victims,

I´m from germany and I´m also one of you.
It happened to me at 2nd january 2009, just before flying back to germany.
After many e-mails and some telephone calls with Mr. Suchat, I will fligh back to bangkok this coming Tuesday (17th Feb) from frankfurt airport.
I tried to find somebody from germany who could take my stuff (bought at "golden argosy") back, but unfortunately with no succsess.
I know that my additional costs of airplane-ticket, taxi, hotel, etc. are very high, but I will not just let things like that go and accept.
Trying to minimize these costs, I would take anybodys back as well who contripute with part of my costs.

They say, ANYBODY can bring this stuff back, if this person have a certificate of authority of the buyer with signature including all documents, credit card receipt, etc.
On the bill they say, getting back 80% within the first three months and 70% when more than three months, but less than one year.
If anybody is interested in this, please contact me asap, because time is running fast….
My email address is: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / Tel. 49 (0) 175-1637440

Good luck
Michael

"On the bill they say, getting back 80% within the first three months and 70% when more than three months, but less than one year. "


pretty good profit on a scam, they get their stuff back and make 20-30%


good luck Michael.

let us know how it all comes out

Hi guys,

I am also a victim of this scam and i managed to get 90% of my money back today. I ended up doing a pretty strenuous day trip, (got here 6am in the morning, and leaving to sydney at 11:50pm tonight) so i managed to save costs on hotel, because there are far more important things i wanted to do then stay any longer than i needed to in dirty Bangkok.

Sorry Michael, if i had read your message earlier i may have been able to take your goods with me, i ended up exchanging mine and a friends (with Suchats help) for a 90% refund. And now i will use my credit card company to help chase the remaining 10%.

You are right though, all i needed from my friend is a signed letter authorising me to do the exchange. It was good since we were able to split costs for my trip.

Its funny as i was talking to Suchat as i was leaving, he showed me all the jewelery he had on hold (waiting for the Argosy refunds to go through), it was a bag filled with about 7-8 refunds, and that was just from THIS WEEK. They said that this is a well organised mafia, and they seem to imply that some of the police are in on it too - thats why these scammers are not going out of business.

Wish you guys all the best, I would be more than happy to provide answers or advice if anyone would like.

cheers,
Danny

Hi comrads,

today I got my money back by visa credit card.
As I mentioned before I returned on 17th to BKK and meet there with Mr. Suchat and the guy from Golden Argosy. After about one hour negotiation I got 95% of my money back.
After that (one day after) I went to the tempel from where the guy sent us to GA (in january). I was prepared to beat the shit out of this guy and was especially armed for that. I saw him at the entrance, taking care of his nice big black car (surly bought by scamed money). I was waiting inside with the hope he will come seeing me to offer me this excellent chance of jewelry buy. Unfortunately this freak didn´t come. I was waiting more than half an hour inside. After that I went to the entrance where he and two other guys were waiting. I went to him and told him who I am and why I´m here for the first reason. This ashole was very scared and than he called the other guys. I told him that the two fat guys for sure will not be able to stop me to punch his face and it was not a lie, but unfortunately I saw some policemen , because there is a police station nearby, so I only threatened him to watch his back for the next three days and his f.. car. Man....I was angry. When I walked away he had of cource a big mouth again, so I stopped and keeped walking towards him. Again I saw fear in his eyes and body popsture....I keept on walking pass him towards the other entrance (direction police). I was observing him for an other hour so that he can see me, trying to warn some other victims. The day after I left.
If anybody get´s the chance to kick his ass and/or demolish his beatiful black car, please give him one punch more from me.....!

God luck
Michael

Careful Michael,
Some of those scammers are police.

I think you guys should get over it. iam sure no one placed a gun to yur head and made you buy....

You choose to purchase the items you deal with it . stop complaining and making a big deal out of nothing.

Very much in the same vein as well I got mugged today but at least he only blacked one of my eyes not two?

In many of these cases a crime has been committed against them, maybe people do have to get over it and move on but it can be hard.

Some people do genuinely buy gemstones as a special present not out of greed and want the item to be special considering the amount theyre paying. If the item turns out to be crap it can put a shadow on a special occasion or holiday and thats a shame considering the organised criminals who are getting away with things on a massive scale.

We only get one life and its nice to mark certain milestones in it with nice things if we are in a position to do so. Criminals take a bit of that one life away, so why should honest people stand for it?

Hi guys,
I´m from austria and i am also one of you who falls into the Golden Arcosy Scam.
It happened on the 4th of march 2009 and we came back to austria on the 5th.
Is there anybody who can help me to get my money (91300 Bhat) back and how can we do that?

Manfred
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Is there anyone who is going to bangkok next time or anyone who have the same problems and take a part of the costs when i go to bangkok and take his things with me.

Manfred

Michael, I understand your anger so much, but I would never advocate threatneing or attempting to hurt anyone on Thai soil. Not only will you have been scammed, but your freedom of liberty would be scammed as well eg you will end up in the police cells or prison. As a foreigner there is only one looser that is YOU

we got scammed back in december. Got a bad feeling when we left the place in a taxi. Went to an Internet Coffee. Thanks to this blog we recognised immediately what was going on. Drove back to the shop. Acording to our contract we should have gotten 80% back. We wanted of cours all. Our argument was, that the deal was only 2 hours old and we became aware of the scam. They agreed to pay back 85%. We agreed under protest. Approx. 4 weeks later we had the 85% back on our accounts. Claimed the scam to Mastercard. Our argument was: the fact that the sop was able to accept Mastercard gave us an additional feeling of security that the shop was a honorable salespartner. We had not purchased the jewelery had the shop not been able to accept the credit card. Had to write twice to Mastercard twice and reserved rights for legal action. Got the difference of 15% from Mastercard recently. Plus Mastercard adised that they have reported the incident to the Thai bank and we maybe hear from them about any further development on the issue in the future. We shall report here in case we get any further information. Thanks to everybody sharing their thoughts on this block. I got my money back after 3 months. Happy ending for me. Wish you all good luck. HKH

Mastercard has been very friendly. Its you who made the error of buying. Next time I will buy my second hand cars with mastercard. If it turns out to be a rotten car bought of a rotten dealer I will call matercard and try to get my money back. Thanks, useful information!

we are not talking bout a car dealer but about organised crime that everybody including police, embasies ect. are aware of and the credit card companies for whatever reason cooperate with them.

Right ABC, Makes me angry when I hear oh farang they can afford this and afford that because we are all Tom Cruise / Hanks and all live in mansions in Hollywood or whatever bullcrap movie that has been exported worldwide has told the criminal element in Bangkok.

This is robbbery and obtaining money by deception, fraud.

The people who run these scams are rich, they are not your average poor Thais. The people who run these jewellery scams are large employers of poorer Thais, so they provide for them and ingrain themselves in Bangkok business culture.

One loser the Foreign visitor who has a choice of whether to go to Thailand or elsewhere for their vacation next time.

hahaha 3 b's in robbery, perhaps I was too angry there?

Wrong!, the people that run scams are scammers, whether you are rich or poor, deception is deception, lies are lies, tuk tuk drivers scam (some), the waitress short changing scams, taxi drivers scams, hospitals scam, because it is a nation that thinks that scammng is the done thing. The monks scam (obtaining monies whilst having mobile phones, mercedes cars, HIV positive, murdering farang women). People must not be fooled by this country, they must enter it with their eyes wide open, take all precautions, use their money for necessities but avoid jewllery/girlie bars/tailors etc etc. Taxis to use meters. Yes there ar good people but there are good people everywhere, but just because this country CAN be an affordable country to enjoy your holidays or life, our younger generation need educating on the dangers this country poses particularly when travelling by themselves. And this advice comes from a half Thai person so it cannot be deemed racist!

Hello All,

I have also been victim of this scam, purchased some rings last week and turns out the are worth nothing back in the UK. I see the name "Mr. Suchat" mentioned on several comments as someone who has been able to help. Can he assist even if you have left Thailand or do you have to be present with him to get a refund ? Is their a contact number or current email address for Mr Suchat ?Appreciate any feedback, Regards !

I wonder what "Mr. Suchat" cut is.

sounds like he is working "both sides of the street"

Of course Mr Suchart is getting a piece of the action.
Ever see a Thai help a foreigner for free?

No one works for free, if its not family or friend related then a fee seems appropriate.

Making the best of a bad situation for those already scammed, could be ok if it actually lessens the financial burden.

These scams have been running for 30 years plus now its time everyone gets educated about them.

In the good old days Thailand was "exotic" and people did get unusual bargains now history has taken its course. The only thing still going on from the old days unhindered are the scams.

Mr Suchart works for the government.
That means he has the right to take money from scammed guests too?
Amazing Thailand.

From what I see, this Mr Somchai happens (according to other posters) to be a reasonable kind man who helps out these victims with retrieving a percentage of their money back, and not having met this man I withold comment!, but according to one poster his office is inundated with this "fake jewllery". Mr Somchai is a government official! Very commendable and a wonderful service to the tourist! BUT these shops are selling FAKE jewllery to tourists why is this allowed to carry on, why havent the serious crime squad and the government become involved? In the days of credit crunch Mr Somchai's fake jewllery complaints centre must be extremely costly to keep open, surely with one truck going around picking up these scammers and taking them to the BKK hilton its over in a few hours and Mr Somchai can carry on doing his extremely important urgent "official work" lol

I used to laugh at those groups of Japanese and Koreans, Chinese tourists etc that followed their guide with a flag keeping the group together, but it makes common sense, hard to scam a group of 30 en masse! would make a lovely photograph though when they all entered the Ministry of Scams to see this Mr Somchai hahaha

Bought a ruby ring this afternoon for 12000THB and I just had a bad feeling. Goggle about gem scams and I just realised I got scammed! I just emailed Mr Suchat but as tomorrow is Saturday, I{m not too sure if they are open.

I cant leave this lying down and must do something about it. Anyone has any info on what to do_ Please email me at theresa1509 AT gmail.com please.

Should I call the embassy or go down to the shop_ but im afraid as im a female travelling alone. URG

MR Suchart wont answer emails.
He only will get off his butt if the jewelry is present and he can make 10% on the refund.
A scammer too.

I bought a Rolex three years ago in Thailand for 30 dollars. I hoped the scammed me and the watch would last only a week. Then I would have had a funny negative story. But imagine the think is still running. It even still looks good. No scraches on the plate, nothing. I have been diving with it to 8 meters dept. Swimming in the see with it for hours. It got by accident in the washing machine. Still running. I have done cyclecrossing with it. Usely automatic watches cannot take the schocks. This one does.
I tried so hard to get scammed too like everybody else.
Its not fair!

Theo, maybe they gave you the original one that they were copying from! Treasure it lol

Jessica, there are several jewllery shops that specialise scamming on this site, trawl through them and hopefully someone who has been to Mr Suchat's office will be able to advise you. The Embassies dont get involved. Good Luck and be careful out there

Its not accurate have to adjust it twice a week Goes fast a little. A watchmaker here told me the real ones have the same problem. But I have friends who bought one too that goes for years already. There seem to be good and bad copys. In Pnom Pen those watches were sold openly in shopping malls But in the same shop prices would go from 10 to 100 dollars depending on quality.

Jim Stewert, Sat 28 Mar 2009 07:13:08 CDT
MR Suchart wont answer emails.
He only will get off his butt if the jewelry is present and he can make 10% on the refund.
A scammer too.

Jim:

I hope more pepople figure this out/

Theo

"I bought a Rolex three years ago in Thailand for 30 dollars"

the real scam is ppl willing to pay big bux for a genuine rolex. payin for a name

Oh I dont know about that Mikey, I wouldnt turn my nose up at one. Copies can be useful and fun "throw away mentality" but if your given one as a present or handed down one I certainly wouldnt sniff at it. The problem nowadays is you wear your good watch/jewllery you get mugged. You leave it at home you get burgled. Regardig paying for a name wonder how the gentlemen with the polyester suit is getting on?

My last post was Nov 17, 2008 (when I mailed my jewellery to the DIT office) .... and today, I finally received an 80% refund on my VISA from Erawan Lapidary. My first contact with Mr. Suchat was by phone in early Oct 08, then emails from Nov 08 to Mar 09, and in total it's taken 6 months to resolve my case. Yes, I did lose 20% and over US$1,000 but that's the price I paid for being naive, impulsive and...greedy. Perhaps, Mr. Suchat does get a cut but what does that really matter? We can continue to blame the Thai people but "we tourists" have to take responsibility for our own stupidity. I have truly learned a lesson from this ordeal.

sammie

Regardig paying for a name wonder how the gentlemen with the polyester suit is getting on?



one way or another, we know he got burned :)

Yes Mikey, I hope he is not a smoker lol. I am sure we will get a further assessment from him lol

















Hi Mikey,

So is Mr Suchat "Minister for Scams"? if so, I am looking for a position such as his as well, because it is guaranteed work particularly as I get to keep 20% myself as well. So tourists go on holiday not being able to afford cashmere suits at home but Thailand promises cashemere everything!. Where does cashmere come from Kashmir, India and Pakistan, so homework needs to be done on good cashmere. If I was going to Thailand and spending thousands on jewellery dont you think I would do my homework first! I know nothing about gems but I certainly would not allow myself to go into these shops where over made up faces are calling me to hand over my hard earned money!.An old chinese proverb

你什么没有什么 you get nothing for nothing!

Khun Issan

and in the refund dept, you end up with less than noting

exactly!

ERAWAN LAPIDARY – another success story

I have a same story as everybody here „how I have been scam in Bangkok “.

Long story short :tuk tuk ,Lucky budha ,Erawan lapidary ,160000BTH gone for a crap.

Probably as other of you I found later on internet a true about Erawan´s gem scam.

So I contact Mr. Suchat by email .All answers from DiT was :it´s really hard to negotiate with the store without the buyer .Whatever I wrote them ,the answer was still the same.

I was really despert that time ,so I contacted almost all department´s in my country (Czech rep ) which has anything with Thailand .Nobody help.

So I started call to Department of internal trade ,but most of the time I they told me that Mr.Suchat is not there and I should send him email…I did ,but he never answer back.

Than I wrote to Czech embassy in BKK and explain everything….finally someone how want´s to help me…Czech consul was the key!!!

He started to call Mr. Suchat a found some informations about the gems scams.

After that Suchat sent me email about the Thai lawyer called Tipaporn Sirwatana,that she can help to get 100% back and she will keep 20% for her .

I emailed her ,she always wrote me back:I am sorry but this time we are helping to get a full refund for a canadien student.

Sent that to Suchat and he sent me back email with contact for this Canadien student.

He told ,that DiT and everything in Thailand goes really slow and I have to be patient and never stop to bother them.

So I sent DiT two email´s every week.After 22 emails with no answer they wrote me back , that I can send them the gems and all papers and they will try to get refund for me.But they can´t guarantee how much it will be.I did not trust them of course , after everything happen ,so I call to Czech embassy and the consul told me ,that he met Mr.Suchat personally and it should be save.He also told me ,that he is going to visit Erawan lapidary to see what is going on there.

I sent the package with gems,certificate,receipt to DiT via regular post as they told me .
That was week with out sleep ,because if the package got lost ,I had nothing.
But it´s arrived ok…About 2 weeks later Suchat sent me email which say :after many many talks with the store they will give you 80 % back .

I called to Czech consul again to make sure ,that Suchat don’t wanna cheat me somehow .
He told me that he already went to Erawan lapidary to figure refund .
He told to manager of the store ,that this situation is unacceptable and he maintain to give me back 100% of my money.Manager told ,that I sign paper which says I agree with 80%.
He told him that it´s invalid ,because it´s obvious scam and if I not gonna get 100% back ,all the people from the store going to “black list” and never will have have any visa to EU and also he will visit the general manager of BKK gems fair and tell him about scams of Erawan.
Manager told that they don’t care and 80% is the most I can get.

After about 2 hours consul took pictures of manager and the store and left.
He told me to agree with 80% because it seems that behind these scams are lot more people.

So I sent Mr. Suchat email ,that agree with 80 % and after about two weeks later I recive my money via my Visa card.


All of this was horrible life experience ,took about 6 months ,lot of stress and also some money.

If you just got scam ,my advice is:
-if you can ,fly back to BKK asap ,visit Mr.Suchat (if you there personally he has much more power and I sure you will get more of your money back ).The money for ticket will worth it.Trust me!
-If you can not :BE PATIENT
-Contact your embassy in BKK
-Call to DiT ( 6625475356 ) all the time and ask for Mr. POE (it´s hard to understand Suchat English )

-Try the lawyer : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 660836877100

I used program Voipwise for calling there (1 min=0,03 E)

I thank´s god ,that I have my money back and I am going to use part of money for charity.

I wish good luck to everybody who was scam…

Guys - ashamed to say I was one of the latest victims (3 Apr 09). Same scam as all report, this one was Golden Argosy and for about 1000 USD. Felt fishy afterwards and found this site, thanks for the tips on Department of Interior Trade. Called Mr Suchat and got an appointment the following morning. After a 40 minute taxi to the building in north bangkok, he had us fill out a form and wait about 1 hour for the store representative to come in. He negotiated 90% refund, which he assured us was the best offer we'd get unless we wanted to go to small claims court (takes months). I accepted and gave the old hag who came in a mouthful and a half. She was very combative back and defended her "store".

Bottom line, i was a sucker who let his guard down, and Mr Suchat is the only reason I recovered from this. BTW, still waiting for the refund to post, but i have high confidence after reading all the posts here. Also, will be fighting other 10% with Visa, they seem supportive. Suchat has the jewelry in question as an intermediary.

IF YOU GET SCAMMED, FILE A COMPLAINT with DIT BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!!!! Otherwise the fight will be long and difficult.

I wonder why Mr Suchat doesn't call the Police and shut down these scammers? Ha Ha Ha....I guess that 10% Mr Suchat keeps is a small fortune.

I wonder where the Ministry for Scams are in Australia, Amsterdam, London, New York? Dave good luck to you, great that you received something back, it is quite unbelievable that these scamming shops are still managing to get away with it. Thais buy gold and precious stones as an investment! Similar to restaurants I would only buy if a Thai is buying! thats the normal down to earth Thai, not Thaksin's mob. I would love to be a guest at Mr 10%'s house! it definately wont be an Issan shack either!

Got our refund a few days ago for 90%. petitioning credit card company for other 10%. For those in similar situation, best of luck to you.

well Dave I guess 90% is better than nothing but its still a scam the other 10%, was it hard work getting it back?

I'm glad to see victums are finally realizing the refund percentage is part of the scam

I realized that i fall into this scam when i smell something is wrong. I hope some1 can help me wit this matter and tell me wat to do... i had reported to the tourist police but they cant help much. I had e-mail Mr Suchat and still waiting the reply... I just hope to get a piece of good jewelry in good price for my mum but not bcoz of making those stupid profit by so called sell back... pls help

i can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it help help help.....i'm alone here in bangkok and helpless....:"(

hi Mr Uen,
I have gone through some previous posters and Naive traveller posted these details
written by naive traveller, Mon 12 Jan 2009 21:45:47 CST
@tx

If you go back to Bangkok, you may contact Mr. Suchat of DiT

I sent him email last week and get his quick response:


The buyer need to make complaint at my office:
Center of Complaints room 20301
Internal Trade Building
Ministry of Commerce
44/100 Nonthaburi 1 Rd. Muang district, Nonthaburi 11000
Tel. 025475356

Center of Complaints
Dit

Mr. Suchat's email address:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected by spam.
I would try and call him to make an appointment if possible, hopefully there are other posters that have been to see him also and can give you advice, but apparently he gives back 90% and ten per cent is taken.
Lets hope as a fellow asian they might treat you more sympathetically
best of luck Sammie

Why doesn't Mr. Suchat do something about the scams?
Answer:
That 10% adds up nicely.
Why would he stop it?
I bet he protects them.

Well John, if it wasnt so serious it is laughable, and really says a lot about Thailand when there is a Ministry for Scams, the message should be loud and clear unless you are a jeweller and know what your purchasing stay well clear of these shops. I know the difference between a real and fake Nike item, but I wouldnt know the immediate difference between glass and a real diamond, but I know if I wanted one at mega bucks then I go to Belgium/Holland etc, yes pay more, but I am not attending Ministry of Scams giving up 10% of hard earned money and also my time and energy as well.

Yea, the gem scam has been the best thing to happen to Mr Suchart in a long time.
Go Scammers!

If mr Suchat is really involved in the scam he wont get 10%. The gemshop doesnt work (scam) for nothing. Neither do the tuk tuk driver and the dress man at the temple. If he is in the deal he will only get a part of the 10 %. Besides if it was such a good business, why there is only Mr Suchart doing it? There would be a lot of police employes doing the same business.

You don't think he would lift a finger for a foreigner if he wasn't getting a piece.
All Thais exploit their position for a profit if they can.
No integrity.

He probably does. But if there is a good kickback to make, why isnt the police more willing to help scammed tourists?

What do they actually "get" from helping people, apart from a low salary?

.........and derision from their superiors if they dont take enough fine money in at the end of duty.

I just mean: May be they can make the same deal with the gem shops as Mr Suchat, as you suggest, does. Why dont they do the same thing. I agree. I suspect mr Suchat too. But why others like the police ,per example, dont make the same deal?

"But why others like the police ,per example, dont make the same deal?"

they won't get into his territory.

also, factoid you mite like.

most of the good police jobs cost money to get.

working in the airport or tourist area bring in the most

Hi Ben and Rachel,

My husband and I were duped with exactly the same scam at The Golden Argosy. Would there be any other way to get the refund back without visiting Bangkok again? Please give us full details.

We have been experiencing sleepless nights since it happened on 05/04/2009.

Appreciate all your help.

Thanks

Hello,

It appened exactly the same for me!!!!
I contact Mr Suchat yesterday, no answer fo now! Unfortunately it's impossible for me to fly back to BKK.
Does anyone succed to get refund from europe?

I would like to know if someone can forward me some mail (with Mr suchart) which explain the different administrative paper needed, so I can start building the file?

Thank you very much for al your information given here... if someone can help to feel better....?...
Regards, Julien

Juju:

I returned from Bangkok last week. Met Mr. Suchat. I got the credit voucher from 'Erawan Lapidary' and stil wait for the refund in my credit card.

Please give me your email address. I could send you the faxes to/from Mr. Suchat and see there is any help.

HOW I GOT 80% BACK AFTER LEAVING THAILAND WITH NO INTENTIONS OF RETURNING

1.) Contact your embassy in Bangkok and ask them if they can assist you by contacting Mr. Suchat on your behalf regarding this return. Mr. Fakchit Racharit at the Canadian embassy did this for me.
2.) Phone Mr. Suchat's office and ask them if they can help with the return. They will most likely say to send an email. They never replied to my email but it got my name into their system.
3.) THIS IS THE SCARY PART. Take pictures of the gems and photocopies of the documents. In a new box, send the gems in the original packaging and all original documents by regular mail and not by courier to avoid customs (I did ExpressPost in Canada for $60) and claim the value at no more than $20 with 'NO INSURANCE' (very important) - say it's a Compact Disc or something. (Won't get flagged at customs) Write 'REJECTED' and 'CHEAP MERCHANDISE RETURNED FOR REFUND' all over the box so that it is visible.
4.) Once you are sure that the package has arrived at Suchat's office at DIT through the tracking system, phone him and explain that you were told by your embassy that it was okay to send the goods to him. I was actually told this by the Canadian embassy but Suchat claimed that he was not sure that he was contacted. He then found my old email and told me he would get back to me about the return since he was very busy with all these returns. A week and a half later he sent an email telling me to look for the return on my Visa and to inform him once I have received the money back on my credit card. Got the money back, sent him the email to give the gems back and that was the end of it. I ended up losing like $1000 Canadian but it was still way cheaper than a return flight and hotel and time. Luckily the exchange rate changed over ten percent in my favour over the waiting period and I recovered a little more money. Good luck to all! Do a search on google for 'gem scam canadian embassy' to get an official version of this information from the embassy.

P.S. Diane from Canada, congratulations on your return!

Please stop filling this blog with crap discussing if Suchat gets a cut or not. Who cares, we all f#$@ed up and this guy can help you get a partial return in a country where you're lucky to get anything at all without paying somebody to do it for you.

TRY TO ONLY CONTRIBUTE CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS SO PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO READ FOR DAYS TO REACH A SOLUTION - THIS SITUATION IS ENOUGH STRESS BY ITSELF.

How many claims is he processing every day?
10% looks like a very good business.
Doesn't he work for the Gov?
What's he doing taking 10%?
Somethings very wrong here.

Mr. Suchart is part of the scam.
Embassies have been pressuring the Thai Gov to stop this Gem Scam so the clever Thais present Mr Suchart.
Mr Suchart is too busy processing claims to answer emails but does nothing about the gangs of scammers loitering around Thailand's main attractions.
Mr Suchart is not to be trusted.

Pluto thos thing with Suchart stinks like some dead rat

Aaron you are right, Khun Suchart is unlikely to work for nothing, he has to eat and keep his family afterall. 90% back is reasonable compared to being scammed for 100%.

A shit sandwich all round considering the scams but some light at the end of the tunnel those who have been caught by the scam jewellery shops.

Mr Suchart know the Scam Shops, know where the scammers operate but chooses to run a Gov refund service for scammed tourists, but do nothing about the criminals???

Mr. Suchart is a Government employee so he has earned the right to scam and defraud tourists.
His salary is not enough to support his lifestyle.
Why would he do anything about the scam shops.
In fact, the Gem Scam is the best thing that ever happened to him.

Maybe, but the end result works out.

Work out for the criminals, that's for sure.
Everybody knows who they are and where they are but nothing happens.
Thais have zero respect for foreigners so it's going to continue.

Pighoglet, YOU ARE WRONG you are advocating for these scams, Sabai you are rRIGHT. So you are penalised by 10 % for buying fakes ***te, this is icing on the cake, you get to the ingredients and eliminate those then there would NOT be a NEED for the Sucharts of this world, 10% of 100,000 is 10,000$!!!! do 4/5 a year then you have a sweeeeet salary for Land of Scammmmmmmmmmmms!!!

Guys like Mr Suchart ARE the problem. He cut a deal with the scammers in exchange for shutting up the most persistent complainers.
Thousands more are still scammed every year.
This is bad, bad, bad for tourism but they don't care.
Guys like Mr Suchart would sell his children into prostitution for a profit.

I am delighted when some of these poor people do get a proportion of their hard earned money back albeit 90%, the disappointment , time factor and the bad taste it leaves in the mouth is disheartning. My concern is with the authorities actually allowing this to take place. What are the TAT, Thai Police, Politicians doing to rectify the situation.... well I think I know the answer. The Travel agencies in the west and lst world eastern countries are well aware of what is going on, but see no reason to address this corruption to the powers to be on behalf of their future clients! Companies like Kuoni, Tui, Martinair etc etc need TAT to tackle these problems because it isnt going to get any better.
So we have the police carrying out a massive "round up of fake goods" campaign for media attention, then we have the prisoners in the prisoners making the damn stuff for distribution of the damned stuff, I guess as guests/vistors/residents it will be a hard battle ever to convince the Thai people that in the long run their country is being ruined by greed.

Like said before Suchart doesnt get 10% The gemshop doesnt scam for free. Neither do the tuk tuk Neither the men at the palace. Neither the men at the temple. He only gets a small part probably. And why there arent more people going in the same scambusiness as it appears so profitable?

Please let me make it clear, I dont condone or support the scammers, the best way out would never have to have been scammed in the first place but these people have fallen for the sales patter and are out of pocket because of it.

90 percent is far from ideal but it would cost that lost 10 percent and more to take a business to court in any country to get your money back. Granted in most countries you would get costs refunded but after alot of hassle and time.

Who else could you turn to for reliable help in that situation apart from men like Khun Suchart? Yes it stinks, yes its a scam but the only conclusion here is damage limitation.

The best way out is to publicize this and discourage travelers from visiting Thailand.
Tourism arrivals in Thailand is in a freefall and the scammers have increased their efforts.
In a few years time, travelers will see nothing on the web but scam stories.
I would not want to be in the tourism business.

Otherwise know as killing the goose that laid the golden egg?

The neighbouring countries are more developed these days and will continue to develop.

Can Thailand improve its reputation for tourists?

naive traveller:

I got a response from Mr. Sinrat's office that i need to personally file a complaint in his office. I'd like to ask if I need to call his office first for appointment before I book a flight to BKK? Need your help since it is not a joke to spend for airfare, accomodation etc and the DIT will not be able to assist me..

Thanks.

When I make appt with Mr. Suchat, I send him an email and fix a date. He will reply and confirm the date and time. After his confirmation, I make air flight booking.

Mr Suchart.
He must know all the gem scam people by now.
He could do something to stop the gem scam but it would hurt his pocket book.
Remember. A Thai will not lift a finger for a foreigner unless there is a nice profit.

Doubt if Mr Suchart could stop a scam thats been operating for 30 years plus and he would probably be threatened with violence if he took away the scammers ill gotten livelihoods.

Too much money to be made and many influential people getting a rake off and a "nice little earner" here.

Would have to be broken up at government level but unlikely again to happen given its been going on unhindered through countless administrations.

Right.
Best if people stayed away until the Thai do something to protect visitors.
You would think that flying around the world, staying at hotels, eating at restaurants, shopping and entertainment would be enough but NO, they have to cheat them too.

Would be nice if Mr Suchart would post a comment here. He is been accused here of making profit at the expence of scammed tourists. A lot of tourists though are glad he is there to get at least some help. I indeed doubt if there is a whole lot he can do on his one. (Supposing he wants to)

Having a Ministry for Scams is amusing if it wasnt so serious. Personally I would be ashamed of my country if such a minister existed. I sincerely hope those hard hit managed to redeem something back from the scammers.

Hi Niave traveler, how r u, I just got my money back two weeks ago, if you remember you and anothre girl from Singapore, we 3 person in the room talk to that germ store represntative, now I'n having my visa card dispute the last 10% of my payment, hope I will get it emailme if you could.

Mr Suchart is loving the scams.
Best thing that ever happened to hi I bet... financially speaking of course....

Lam:

Of course I remember you from Canada. So nice to hear from you and good new that you dispute the balance with visa company.

I also just got the statment from Bank and I think due to the exchange rate difference I lose about 15%.

I will send Mr. Suchat an email thanking him for the arrangement.

Best wishes.

Naive

I just returned from Bangkok two days ago and I have the same scenario happen to me the day before leaving with the Tuk-Tuk driver at the Lucky Buddha and the well dressed man telling us to go to the Gold Argosy Factory Export Centre for sapphires. His mother goes there every year etc. I bought a diamond ring there. I am Australian and they told me they supply to Michael Hill Jewellers here. I had the same older Thai lady, well spoken. I queried the authenticity of the stones and I had the ring resized and delivered to my hotel. I told her it better be the same ring when it arrived there. She brought over the man to me who would be delivering the ring. I was not looking to make a profit, I just loved the ring. I paid $61.600 baht on my credit card. Now Ive come back to Australia and read all of this material about the Golden Argosy. I am feeling sick, but of course, I do blame myself for being stupid as well. No, i am NOT a seasoned traveller. I had breast cancer recently and also have a neuromuscular condition, so I was looking forward to a great holiday, and although this was an extravagant purchase for me, it cheered me up and made me feel good for a while. Now I cant believe what has happened. I have not yet had my ring valued, but will do so today. Im fully expecting that it will be worth nothing like the valie of what I paid for it. Can someone please tell me how to contact Mr Suchat and to proceed through him? My credit card company say its too late to stop the payment.
Best wishes to all
shazzabelle

I think we should all post this story on Facebook to make people aware. It could really make a dent in their profits if word gets around. Facebook is an amazing forum for getting news around the world.

The TAT should be doing something to stop this and warn visitors.
Could it be, someone at the TAT is also profiting from the scams ?

Could it be someone at the TAT is NOT profiting from the scams?

Did you ever hear of a Thai Officaial that doesn't want a part of a good scam?
Thais hate foreigners so scamming them should be OK.

What gets me is why don't thye credit cards companys refuse them (Golden argosy) an account, that is if the scams are genuine?

ah baron von munchenarse is speaking better english hahahaha

@Prince,are yu realy a genuine Prince?

You write so eloquantly.

Well I am really happy for those who have received refunds. We know its not 100% but 90 sure is better than nothing! These people are still making money, they have your 10% plus they get the item back to resell. But Aaron is right is saying that one way or another, its great to even achieve that, regardless of Mr Suchat's cut or whatever. I suppose that one has to take these types of destinations for what they are and just accept the fact that scamming is part of their culture. Wrong as it is, sad as it is, upsetting as it is. I would never tell anyone to just get over it and it was their choice to buy. Terrible thing to say. We all went into this in good faith, expecting these people to be operating in good faith. Anyway. I have some encouraging news of my own. I dont know whether i was just lucky or what. But there werent that many diamonds at the Golden Argosy - mainly sapphires and rubies. I bought a diamond ring as I told you. Well I took the ring to two different jewellery stores here in Sydney today, and they tested the stones with a machine and said they are geniune. They also told me that they are nice diamonds and good quality and the carats are correct according to the Argosy 'certificate', though for some reason the certificate doesnt state the grade or colour, but they believe them to be S1 clarity and around G or H grade, which is quite high apparently. They told me that the price I paid for the ring (AUD2,300) was about the price I would have paid for it here in Australia. So, while I didnt get a bargain, they didnt think I had been ripped off totally. However, they did say that I could possibly have purchased such a ring here during a sale for a bit less. While these were not official valuations, I was pretty happy to hear the advice. I am still going to get an official valuation done however. Again Im sure not if the fact that I bought diamonds rather than sapphires made any difference. Cant really see why it would. Suffice to say that the jewellers told me that sapphires do come in a much larger range of grades than diamonds, so perhaps this makes it easier to overvalue them to clients. Who knows. Anyway, whatever my outcome, I still feel for everyone else here and I hope you all get your money back. Do get your things appraised in case you are in fact ok. Who knows, maybe some random pieces are put in there so that they can portray some semblance of being above board. I well let you all know how the valuation goes. Good luck to all.

Shazz, really glad to here some positive news for a change, I also wish your health luck for the future.

which shop in Sydney did you take them to then shazz? pls

Hi Shazza -if you had spent the money on doing something good for somebody else and improving their life (which isnt hard in the third world if you look) then you would have got back to Australia feeling good about yourself and that would have made you smile inside....also you wouldnt have bought something that by your own admission was only worth what you paid!!! so you now have a shiny stone to make you happy...but you still are not happy?? WHY ? A stone is a stone whatever color clarity carat or price. what you pay for it is UP TO YOU :) beauty is in the eye of the person holding the money

Knowledge is power here as with all high priced commodities. Given that the gem stores would know their product better than most prospective customers, the margin for profit can be massive.

Not a scam on the surface, most people bought genuine stones at a jewellery store so hard to prove malpractice against Golden Argosy and their likes. The mis-selling sales spiel could have come from most countries asides from the fact that the bull**** about government sales, one day only offers and others should only be taken at face value.

Dont know if anyone out there has actually been sold fakes or copies but the fact that the gemstones are real but of lower quality puts this "scam" into a grey area.

This is a well known legal loophole exploited by the gem shops and makes any claim for recompense a civil rather than a criminal one in law.

well you appear Baron to have more sympathy in these forums than you do in bed where you are totally useless with your small dick, so maybe thailand is just the place for you, small dick they wouldnt know the difference.

Reply to the above comment, I'm 18 and not married?
I will not go into persoanl issues as top regards what I doin the bedroom, but I will say this, my nick name is "horse"?

You seem to have an agenda of hate whoever you are?

@ soddoff u whingebags, maybe she should of stayed in Australia and just sent the money? Why are you trying to make her feel guilty, she was not well and wanted to recupriate!

soddoff
How dare you say such horrible things. I told you I had breast cancer and another medical problem, which you would have no idea about in terms of what one goes through. Dont tell me you have never bought anything for yourself that you truly wanted? As for spending the money to help others - I give to several charities on a regular basis even though i am a disability pensioner and I also do volunteer work for a childrens cancer charity. Not that I have to explain myself to the likes of you. You have a sickening attitude that defies any kind of humanity. So thanks for adding to the already sick situation here with your sick comments. What are you even doing on here? Trawling for people's bad stories and then rubbing that in their faces? Have you nothing better to do than come on here judging people?

Baron thanks for the kind comments.
Gold Coaster I took my ring to a jeweller at Westfield Eastgardens in Sydney called Epiphany. Spoke to a girl called Natalie. And then two other women at another store in the centre. Again, not official valuations, but at least a ball park idea. So I feel ok. If you get what you pay for it doesnt feel bad after all I guess.

Shazz, I read your story with interest, and dont worry your story has given some hope to some. Dont concern yourself with rude bloggers, they tend to be embittered miserable people and as you say trawling through the bad stories, I sincerely hope you are on the road to recovery, and you now have some interesting stories to tell. As they say word of mouth advertising is the best form of advertising, take care

We go to Bangkok all the time but never do the tourist run and yes we went to the Golden Argosy and bought sapphire rings, now it all makes sense! I am ashamed of the human race and particulary Thais who call themselves Buddhist who prey on people who just wanted to see some temples. I have not had the engagement rings valued as yet but do not have much faith in the AAA grade rating! I hope that others are forewarned before they go as tourists to Thailand,

Nothing wrong with buying stones anywhere as long as you have done your research beforehand considering you are parting with large sums of money for something intended to last a lifetime.

This way if someone tries to scam you, you will see it coming and say no. Its your choice and your money.

Engagement rings! You are going to wear them? Everytime you see the ring on your finger there will be a flash back: The Golden Argossy scam!!

Sammie, thanks for your gracious comments and kind wishes. I appreciate them greatly and what you say is so true. People who come on the net as social commentators, judging and being so self righteous truly amaze me. Sites like this are intended for people to share their experiences, helpful information and to support eachother after a commonly negative situation occurred. Everyone else here, including your fine self, seem to be on the same page. But I suppose there will always be the occasional bitter and twisted person who tries to insert themselves into the situation and start passing judgement and presiding over events with their imagined divine wisdom. All the best to you.

The Golden Fiction shop

Shazz, thank you, and smile because you are in one of the most beautiful countries of the world x

Thanks to this website (and to Ben for sharing his experience), it somehow gave me hope and a lot of knowledge in getting our money back. Me and my husband are scheduled to go back to Thailand next monday (June 22) to see Mr. Suchat. Wish us luck. Anyone who's going there on that date for the same purpose, please let us know so that we can come as a group.

BTW, how can I upload a picture here? I got a picture of the guy from the Black Buddha temple who is in part of this scam. He was the first stop on our trip with the tuktuk before we went to Argosy and this guy told us the same story as most of us heard about the "gem export tax free week".

Dear Cecile,

I've got scammed too (by The Golden Argosy Factory Export Center Co., LTD.) at the 9th of June 2009. Unfortunately I am now back home and unable to fly to BKK to return the jewelery I have bought. I am trying to get my refund too, but I will have to do it from my home country, which of course makes it much more difficult. At the moment, I am trying to settle this through the VISA card company, but I need some kind of evidence that I am not the only one scammed by this company. Could you please email me so I can join the group filing complaint at mr. Suchat's office?

My emailaddress is: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thanks!!!

I got scammed on June 12. I fell for the Lucky Buddha and a French tourist claiming to buying these everytime he visits Bangkok. My Bank tells me that since I authorized the payment, they cannot do anything about it. Have been travelling to various countries since last 10 years and haven been to Bangkok in transit several times. This time it was after we finished the training and the group had left. I had the Friday morning to do some sight seeing. Having been careful all throughout my life, I still don't understand how I fell for this. It must be something in the water they offer at Argosy.

Dear Eva,

I'm sorry to hear that you got scammed too. What I meant in my previous post is if we can "go" there as a group of complainants if you are physically present in Bangkok on Monday. But since you won't be able to make it, the only help I can offer is for you to file a complaint letter to COMPRO ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Maybe your government can help out since they have an embassy in Bangkok. Try to read through this site also. I now based from the previous postings that it won't be that easy since this is how bureaucracy in Thailand works but don't lose faith. I'll try to share my experience after our trip on Thailand next week. Good luck and don't lose hope.

Hi all.
We got ripped of on 18.06.09.
1) It all started with a welldressed man speaking good english, wanting to help us with telling us wich buddahs where good to see. We went into a tuk-tuk that then "suddenly" arrived, who took us around the different places.
2) Got to the Wat Sam Phraya (black buddah?) where this french tourist talled us all about the "no-tax-week-for-tourist."
3) Went to the Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), where this Thai tourist was sitting inside. He asked which country we are coming from, and what we wanted to see in Bangkok. He then saw the"Expo" marked on our map, and asked if we had been there. We told him that the person under 1) had told us about it, but that we wouldn't go there. He then told us all about him doing this every year, and if I wanted good quality jewelry for my self, I would be stupid not bying there...so we went to "The Golden Argosy Factory Export Center Co., LTD" bought 2 jewelry.
We then went to the hotel, googled the place and found out that it is just a scam, the jewelry being worth NOTHING compared to what we paid for them. To help others, we did the following:
1) Called our embassey in Bangkok (emergency number) and got some advised. They checked out the situation for us, and told us to:
2) Contact the Tourist Police. We went there in the evening, told them about what had happend, brought all we had of documents from the shop, jewelry, passports, print of this side, etc
3) The Tourist Police said that what we could do, was that they would call the shop for us the next morning before we were going back to the shop, telling the shop that we had been in contact with our embassey, that we had called the office of Mr. Suchat Sinrat, and that we wanted our 80% as we are intitled to due to the contract / invoice we got in the shop.
4) So this morning (19.06.09) we got the Tourist Police to call the shop, took then a cab that we paid for waiting for us around the corner of the shop, I called our Emergency nr at our embassey again, and talked to them the hole time from before we went back into the shop, telling that we wanted our 80% as we are intitled to. Two ladies took us up to 2nd floor, filled out the Credit Voucher that we got the copy of, checked that the "Sales slip number" was the same as on the "Tracenumber" on the creditcard receipt. We are now waiting for the money, that should be back on our account within 2-3 weeks.
5) If we have not received the money within 2-3 weeks, we can then again contact the Tourist Police and Mr Suchat Sinrat.

We hope this can be helpful to everbody else that has been scamed in Bangkok.

Wbr
M

shazzabelle - good for you. This website is for warning about scams, and to try and resolve the issues ........not some people's social issues.

cecile, how successful was your visit?

To everyone scammed by the Golden Argosy Factory Export Center Co., LTD :

Can you please email me so I can make an (email) list of people scammed by this store?

I am trying to build a case against them, and to convince the VISA credit card company to cease all business with this store! It would be very helpful if everyone who has paid by VISA (or any other credit card) would email me so I can show VISA that I am not the only one scammed by the Golden Argosy, and it is a big mistake that they are still in business with them!

Thank you all in advance!!!

Best wishes,

Eva

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dear Dilip,

I am also convinced there was indeed something in the water they offered at the Golden Argosy (436/9-12, Loog-Luang Road, Mahannak, Dusit) as I would have never let myself spend this much money on something I had not researched properly, especially not jewellery!!! I feel I have been drugged, and feel very stupid for drinking water that was not sealed, but presented with a straw already in it. Anyone who is also convinced there was something in the water at the Golden Argosy please email me: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you and good luck to all!

what if the receipt(of the credit card) said "no refund" under the signature? can i still refund 85% from the Argosy?

Eva

they could be using oxytocin.

we came back from bangkok just yesterday and was able to get 90% refund which will be credited to my credit card account in two weeks time. the negotiation with the lady from Argosy was tough and sometimes heated since we wanted to get 100%. DIT (Suchat) advised us to get the remaining 10% from our credit card company since they cannot compel Argosy to give 100% refund although they kept on saying that we signed an agreement 80% refund (which still baffles me).

Hi Mikey,

Thanks for your post! How did you think of this? I know oxytocin being used to help women who are breastfeeding, and synthetic oxytocin is sold as medication under the trade names Pitocin and Syntocinon (and also as generic oxytocin), implicating that this is probably available at the Thai pharmaceutical marktet. What does strike me is that oxytocin has the effects of:
- Increasing trust and reducing fear;
- Affecting generosity by increasing empathy during perspective taking.

If they really did use this it has been a really smart move for them! I do remember this manager of the Golden Argosy, "Prayuth", being very happy that I (being a woman) would pay for te jewellery with my visa card. He asked me a couple of times if I would be the one paying...and women probably have more receptors for oxytocin as women have mammalian glants and it is a mammelian horomone, also acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Thanks again Mikey!

Is there anyone from Western Europe who has been scammed in Bangkok as well who wants to return their jewellery for a refund? I think it would be great if we could organize ourselves so that one or two of us could go back to BKK to deliver the items at the DIT to mr. Suchat who will do the negotiations then. As long as you have written a letter authorizing someone to act on your behalf, anyone of us could go back with the items of the others. I think this would save a us all a lot of trouble and money on travels.

Anyone from Western Europe please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

This Mr. Suchart works for the Government, right?
He knows what the people at Golden Argosy are doing but does nothing to stop it?

How much does he make ?
His job is to pacify the noisiest complainers and keep this scam alive.

Hi, I'm another victim of Argosy. it's very helpful for me to find this website. i will try to follow what the other victims have done to get my savings back. And i'm glad to hear that Cecilia has managed to get her refund.

Thanks Simon for that comment. On the one hand, I sort of cant believe that, with so many returns and complaints, they are even still bothering to operate at Golden Argosy. But on the other hand there are going to be literally thousands of 'uninitiated' folk who will fall for it. I guess if they get the merchandise back, they are still getting 10-20% of the price back for nothing really. But all the same, you would imagine that it would all come down on them with THIS many annoyed people. May I ask you this, those who DID try to get their money back......did the Golden Argosy ask you for proof of the valuation that YOU had obtained on the item? And, if so, did they try to dispute your valuation as being correct?

our scam was also multi personnel and it ended up by me going to them and after a huge fight between the lady resposnible to the money refund cause we already paid in credit card they said they refund bu credit card
so when things wgere comming out of hand from my side i started getting nervouse got a hold of all the recipts they have and started threatining to tear them all they agreed that i show up on monday to go with one of the argosy ppl to the bank to make sure that my refund vouhere has reached the bank
well to be honest -20% from my money

These scams succeed because the victims are "greedy". You think that you're going to pull a fast deal, make some easy bucks. Now why would you think like that? In your own country you'd laugh away the scammers, so who really is to blame?

This is an APPEAL to everyone scammed by the Golden Argosy Factory Export Center Co., LTD (and other scam-jewelry stores):

Can you please email me so I can make an (email) list of people scammed by these stores? Just send me your name, the date (roughly, month and year), wether you paid by credit card (and which card), and if you have informed the credit card company of the scam.

I am trying to build a case against them, and to convince the VISA credit card company to cease all business with this store! We could all use this list to show we are not alone in this, and show the credit card companies they should have known better than to keep on doing business with them!

Thank you all in advance!!!

Best wishes,

Eva

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

and if you think you are safe on leaving thailand, read this

http://www.andrew-drummond.com/tag/stephen-ingram/

Tim in Thailand: not everyone is greedy. Most people just want to buy something nice for a good price. The fact that these stores are misleading people is what this is about. Not about greed. So if you don't have anything useful tho say, then please don't say anything at all.

Hi all, just a follow up from my April 09th posting. Our credit card company will NOT refund the remaining 10% balance for us. They (Chase Visa) tell us that since we signed the 90% refund agreement at the DIT. I've been fighting this 10% (which is 105 dollars) since April. I am getting massive run around, so going to put the white flag up and pay the 105 and close my chase cards. It's frustrating because we followed every bit of guidance the credit card company gave us and still we are getting denied.

I wish there were a way to file a class action suit against these schmucks (golden argosy), and Chase Visa deserves every lost customer they get from this kind of ordeal.

Best of luck to all of you on here, I wish i could go back in time and spit in the TukTuk driver's face.

Dave

Tim in Thailand (definitely a member of the Argosy clan or Mr. 10%'s office), greed is not the same as opportunity... and cheating, lying and scamming is not something to be laughed away in any country!

hi everyone,
just wanted to let everyone know that i was scammed by the Golden Argossy over 2 years ago. I bought a sapphire ring which was soon discovered to be worthless.
As i had no opportunity to return to bangkok in the alloted refund time limit i thought all my money was lost which was pretty devastating for me. Two years past and i had the opportunity to return through bangkok on a trip but thought my case was useless because the refundable year had past.
So, what i did was colour photocopy the reciepts, white out all the info and photocopied again giving me a clean reciept. I then rewote all the info changing the purchase dates in my favour and took it back not knowing how it would turn out.
Well, it actually turned out well. The most trouble was getting a tuk tuk driver to take me to the Golden Argosy. They kept on telling me it was closed in order to get mee to go to one of the bigger sapphire stores. But i finally got there.
As soon as arrived in the door i was taken upstairs very quickly to keep me away from the customers. They looked at my reciept alot less thoroughly than i expected. My cash was refunded in 5 minutes and i was kindly told to get out.
I only got 70% of the original sale price but it was much more than the ring was worth and alot more than i ever thought i would get back.
I hope this letter might help someone who thinks they have no hope of ever getting their money back.

I guess i can say, one for the good guys huh!!!!!

especially to Tim. Not about commenting Thai people in special. The fact is that people scamming other people have a wrong attitude towards other human. I cannot imagine these people - wherever they live - are levelling up any culture. Scamming people by organised lies maybe can bring in cash but with the cash coming in "the Self goes out". Just try to imagine you are lying about almost everything throughout al your professional life. You have to pay the price for this one day. People who are greedy, - and scamming often works in combination with this- , still live in another way as the scammers. They do not make their lives a complete tragedy of lives. Regarding thailand. Well, not all Thai are Budhists?!

Like other victims, It was on my last day in Thailand. I was on my way to Wat Poh on foot, when I was taking some photo of the temple, one man (he said that he was from Thai Military and he was on his day off) approached me and told me Wat Poh was closed for the rereigiouse ceremony, I believed is as I it relating to the reregiouse holiday on the following week. He shown me other hightlights of the area and he sugested to tak a tuk tuk. He got me a tuk tuk and negotiate the price which was 30 THB which was reasonable to me. He took me to one tepmle where there is a lucky buddha. There was a man in the temple like a tourist, he told me that he is from Singapore but lives in London. He stopped at Bangkok on the way back and he bought some jewelies from the exhibision. He shown me a receipt and told me this is the 3rd time he bought jewelies as he could sell them twice the price he paid. His English was good and knew about London and other part of England, he even gave me his Email address although it was Yahoo mail. After visiting the temple, tuk tuk drive took me to this jewery shop and silly me I have bought necklace and a bracelet. On the way back to the air port I sarted questioning myself, if it was a scam. I am at Dubai for transit back to UK and I connected internet and found that it is a scam and I am wrting this comments. In my case the Thai army man, tuk tuk driver, a guy from Singapre at the temple, they was all the same groupe so that they can make me believe. All I can say now is I will try to get them valued when I get back to UK, but I have no chace to get my money back I think. Anyone have ideas to have my money back?

here an update on my case: my husband and i finally got our 90% refund reflected in our respective credit card statements. i already gave up in chasing the remaining 10% since my credit card company does not provide much help. my husband is still fighting with citibank although we're not sure how it will go.

Happy C great news about your refund and what bit of clever work on your part. If they wanna scam people they should expect the same in return!
Tim in Thailand - yet another wanker on here who chooses to attempt to be some kind of social commentator and butt into something that's nothing to do with them and pass judgements about peoples' 'greed'. We are simply consumers who brought a product which we expected to be of a certain quality - as it was represented to be. In case you're a bit dopey - its the very same concept as when you go into a shop to buy an appliance, clothing or any other retail item for that matter. Ever done that yourself? Unless you walk around naked without a home and never eat or drink, then, yes of course you have. Just leave us alone and butt out. People here came to buy themselves a nice piece of jewellery - not to sell it for a profit. We are just normal people who did a normal thing. If you cant quite grasp that concept, then you obviously have some kind of mental deficiency.
For the record guys, my diamond ring bought from the Argosy turned out to be all they said it was. I had it valued here and they told me it was definitely worth the price I paid for it. Again, perhaps I was just lucky that their diamonds were better than their sapphires, or perhaps the sapphires were easier to colour treat etc. Not sure. Good luck to all in your endeavours to get your money back. I could well have been in the same boat, and I felt sick as you did until I got the valuation.

I am from Singapore. My wife and I were just back from first-trip BKK. I am the latest victim to the list.. I bought USD 2500 Jewelry from this shop. I cannot believe that such Thai ppl who are so devoted to Buddism cheated tourists like that.

Andy

a lot of $ to loose on fake gems.

keep in mind, the mindset is ( thai mindset)

if you cheat a farang, you gain face, ( not loose it)

if you could listen to some of the conversations of thai merchants that deal with tourists you would quickly know they spend much time bragging ( trying to top their friends dealings) while chatting.

main logic ( thai logic ) in most instances of tourists being treated badly is its the tourists fault since it was their decision ( fate) to get in the situation ( come to thailand) in the first place

I am the newest victim of this Golden Argosy Gem scam. I spent $2100 to buy a sepphire necklace for my mother as a gift. Usually I won't spend more than $500 on anything during my vacation or business trip (The trip to Thailand is a break from my business trip before I return to US) The lady who served me in the shop told me that everything sells in the store is half price of the market value and this shop is usually won't open to the public. Since I really wanted to buy something nice for my mother, I chose a necklance for her. I always agree that tourist can't get away from overcharge, however, I never expect for such huge scam behind this whole deal. I don't mind paying money, but I really hate people cheating and lying to me. I will try to contact Mr. Suchat tomorrow to schedule an appointment. This is the worse experience in my life. I will tell everyone about this story and discourage them to come to Thailand. Soon or later, Thailand government is going to pay for the price of letting these scam shops exisit.

I made a comment here on the 19.06.09, this is how it ended:

We got 80% of the purchase price, as the contract said, after going back to the shop and give them the jewelries back.
We received the money back on our account on the 10. working-day.
We have decided to leave the 20% and this experience behind us, but I hope these scamers get what they deserve in - hell.
So to all of you that have been ripped off, go back and stay on your rights, at leaste you will get a minimum of 80% back !!
GOOD LUCK.
:o)

Wbr
M

i'll go back to Thailand on August 15 or 16. Therefore i'll try to make an appointment with Mr. Suchat through his email first. Does this email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it still work?

i'm a new victim from malaysia...
is tat possible tat i can get my refund without going BKK again?
:(

-Yap-

Happened on the weekend. Outside Siam Shopping centre, near the temple... first person didn't even mention jewels, just special places to visit and shop and drew where they were on our map, went to the happy buddha temple were the person who knew all about Australia mentioned the Export Centre as well, etc etc, went to a very professional looking shop.. etc.. bought a ring for my wife, my friend for his wife did so too. When back at the hotel thought I would do a Google on the Golden Argosy.. rang the tourist police, who said ring the fraudsters. Rang them, who said come and visit them to discuss. Rang a Thai friend who took us there, she rang the Tourist Police and said the head of same was a family friend, so the Tourist Police arrived whilst we were there. The shop people stopped arguing when the police arrived. The police recommended and the friend, who is a local business person, recommended we take the 90% refund offer. Policeman said we were the 10th he had heard of. I did but I won't let this one finish.. I am very patient. Saw on local TV back home of a scam involving a duty free shop at the airport and the police demanding $8000 US to be released for a bogus claim of shoplifting, I was in that same shop two days ago and now I know why the shop assistant was acting a bit funny. I went to a jewelry shop in The Siam shopping centre and bought a similiar specifications ring for about 40% of the other ring. What amazed me was the sophistication of the subterfuge.

We were scammed by the Oscar on July 18th 2009 (the last day of what was until then a memorable visit to Thailand) for $2,800 USD. I am trying to fight MasterCard(Chase). We called them 4 hours after the incident. They assured us that they will cancel the authorization only to find out after we returned to the US that they let it go through. I am now trying to get enough people that used Mastercard to file a collective complaint. Anyone interested email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ben
We were scammed by the Oscar too. Did you get any refund? if yes, how did you manage that?Any information on this would be highly appreciated. Thank You
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

LinaB and the others that can not get refund from cc company

its a shame the cc companies are aware of these scam places, but still allow them to process credit cards.

my business takes cc payments with no problems, part of the agreement with the cc processing company is that they can revoke our account of any fraud or deceptive practices are known.

seems the rules are flexable

will go DIT from malaysia in 03 aug 2009 . wish me luck guys~ going to meet mr suchat for refund . yindee case..

I wrote a mail to Mr Suchat for appointment, but he hasn't replied yet. i will leave to Thailand next Friday morning (Aug.14). What should i do? mail him again and see if he will reply?

Unfortunately to say that both of us are one of the victims too, we are from malaysia and have business meeting in Bangkok this few days. at the first day we arrived in bangkok, we planned to go to pray for luck. We took tuk tuk and request the driver to send us to the famours temple. Once we arrived the temple named "Lucky Buddha", we met a guy name "CHANON" (FAKE NAME), is a middle aged man, smart, polite & gentlement. He mentioned to us he is working in Maybank and explained to us how miracle of the "BUDDHA HEART" (Scientific named Orange Sephere). The tactic is same as what faced by all victims above. What a fool and shame of us, we been trapped in this SCAM!!
We took tuk tuk to the shop name Yin Dee Lapidary before their lat day sales to public citizens and tourists. I think should be around 1530 we arrived, we spent around 1.5 hours and choosed 2 rings, 1 pandent & 1 stone with THB 86000. We were so happy after purchased the "LUCK" stone as recommended. But, while we on the way back to hotel, we found something wrong, why so coincidence and "luck". Hence, I checked thru google with BUDDHA HEART, that's no such thing!! Then I tried with "YINDEE", I get into this forum!! BIG SHOCK & UPSET..........after 30mins, we only wake up from the sad feelings. I quickly read thru the details in this forum, I found BEN and Racheal suggestion. No room for us to decide, we direct call to our credit card center and try all the ways to stop the transaction. But the advice from bank is need us to issue the dispute form, need to take 2 months time for investigation. In the meanwhile, we also call to TAT (Tourist Authority Thailand), but useless. Because of already 2000, we unable to get to DIT (Department Internal Trade) to contact with Mr. Suchart.
The next day, we quickly call to DIT and make an appoinment with Mr. Suchart, he is very kind and helpful person as what mentioned above by all victims. We need to thank to him and his assistance (Mr. PHOM), within 1.5 hours the Representative of Yindee arrived to DIT and straight away give us 100% credit note without any extra explanation. Mr. Phom promised us this will only take less than 2 weeks to get back our money.
At last but not least, thanks for DIT - Mr.Suchart and Mr. Phom!! we appreciated their kindly support and help. Perhaps this can help all to pay attention to this kind of SCAM in Bangkok or may be everywhere. Bear in mind, no GREEDY in our mindset, you will not get in trap. But what I angry is I believed Khun Thai is very respect to Buddha, why that fellow (middle aged man I met) can swear to Buddha in front of us!!??!! May God Bless Him all the times!!

TO "another poor Cecillia", you can direct go to look for Mr. Suchart or his assistance Mr. Phom. Coz while we called to them, they asked us direct go to DIT instead of writing email or talk thru phone. As long as you are still in Bangkok, I suggest you to go to DIT immediately. If you need any assist, you can call to my temporary cell phone - 0878184248 before this Saturday, coz we will need to travel to another state of Thailand for busines discussion. Perhaps this can help u.

i m back in malaysia now . I just realised that i m a victim yesterday . I bought a pendant and earrings from Golden Factory Argosy on 26th July 2009.

aww..same old story ..tourism board officer, lucky buddha, that day was the last day of the exhibition for public to buy gem stones tax free, a man at the lucky buddha further confirmed and convinced us must go to the exhibition .

I m wondering anyone of u will go back to bangkok to meet Mr.SUchat ? Perhaps we can go in group ? i m so helpless now ...

I tried to email Mr.Suchat, but the mail cannot get through ..help me please .

almost got scammed as well. When we were walking to the royal palace a guy (said he was a school teacher) told us it was closed for 2 hours cause the monks were praying. He told us it was a special week and we had to go and visit the buddha's, especially the lucky one.He got us on a special government tuc tuc, which he said was cheap in this week to promote thailand. When we got there we were approached by a very kind man, who told us he just got married and was praying there for luck. After the student story, which has been described before, he also told us he didn't had money to pay for his honeymoon, but the thai governemt allowed him to buy cheap diamants in this week and that is was a good possibility for me and my gf to get our holiday money back in this week. I truly believed him (though i was not willing to buy anything) and I congratulated him on getting married very honestly. While we walked away from the lucky buddha, my gf said, if this is a scam it's really good. Suddenly both us realised, after going through everything that happened it was a scam, but we let the tuctucdriver take us there(the golden argosy factory export center), as soon as we got there we were 100% sure it was a scam. the tuctucdriver also knew he had found out and asked us to take u somewhere else, so he could get his gasoline coupons. Cause we were happy about finding out it was a scam, we let him take us to chin jewelry co.ltd. This store looked more like a true jewelry but we didn't believ anything anymore. After that he took us to the royal palace.

If you go through everything that happened it is a clear scam, but the guys are really good at it and it's not strange so many people felt for it. I felt sick for believing the 1st two guys and truelly congratulating him on his marriage. Though everything was a nice experience on our last day, we just paid 40 baht for a tourist attraction you'd better not want to be on!

Yap, i saw ur email . May i know what is the outcome of your refund

Cecille, i would love to hear from you what is the outcoem of the balance of the 10 % refund .

I m so helpless now ..Someone please help me.
Laurens, both of u are very lucky .

hey Yap, may i know what is the outcome for ur refund ?

and Cecille, do u manage to get the balance 10 % from your bank ?

Sean and Ricky, thanks for ur concern. I live in Taiwan now, but i'm a Malaysian too. I'll be back to Malaysia on Aug.14. And i'll try to go back to Bangkok on Aug 21st. So i hope to contact u guys when i'm in Malaysia. Pls kindly give me a mail if u see this. my mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

just been on the net seen all the coments! i can not express how angree i am right now! we are getting married in two days and they all knew that, at the F*****g golden argosy bangkok 4hours ago. my partner is on his way there now, no answer from the number they gave and the money has come out of both are banks already, barclays cant do anything they say? and tips guys, as we leave tomorrow, nearly £1400 down!! so upset :(

Hi all. I am another victim was well (me and wife). Same story. But when you are on holiday you do not think clearly :(. Now I am back to London so it is too late :(

Yes as all i fell for it to the people all seem nice and very helpful un like some people i had come across in bangkok, brought a pendant blue sapphire as i was told it would be the last time it be mined so a piece of history right 1500 dollars later back in aussie and pissed off, my first time overseas with my girl friend and it will be the last to thailand thanks golden argosy it has put us off traveling to aisa again and we will be warning others about it to

hey another_victim, it is never too late. Just ask around if any of ur friends r going to Bangkok or contact Mr.Suchat frm DIT.Please don give up.

I will go back to Bangkok next month and asking for refund. i wil probably go back to the shop by myself without Mr.Suchat's company.

yes, you've guessed it, I'm another sucker that got pulled in by the big story, "big sigh"
I had just got engaged to my girlfriend who lives in Singapore and thought that not only would this be a great present for our engagement but would be an investment for our future.
Am due back in London tomorrow, scared to go into jewellers for a valuation, but think I have to to quantify how much I have lost.
Two and a half grand down the drain, looking at the other comments here they must make hundreds or maybe thousands every day from niave tourists!

Hi Rob, don't be afraid to go in for a valuation. We just had our gems valued and have found that they are actually worth more than we paid for them!! Bought at the Oscar and had no luck getting a refund; really no chance if you're out of the country.

Can't say that this outcome will be true for everyone but it's looking like a happy ending to our horrible ordeal. Still think Bangkok is a horrible place, sadly it's somewhere were everyone is constantly trying to rip you off and that's not much of a holiday if you ask me. Farungs are basically just walking dollar signs to people in Thailand and that is a sad state of affairs.

Good luck to all!

Guys , finally my case been refunded after waiting 2 weeks time ( credit voucher to be funded into my credit card)

Journey :- 04 Aug 2009 (BKK)
0650 - Taxi to DIT (better early else traffic jam around 163 baht from central plaza area)
0740- Found DIT office , believe me , the ministry of commerce HUGE .No worry. Local DIT hotline '1569'
since i'm abit too early , i gotta wait for mr suchat . i saw mr Phom in office
0930 - Meet mr suchat . Gotta wait 30mins for Yindee Lapidary to open
1000 - Mr. phom hand me a form to file a complaint for the case. and i saw suchat calling someone to
deal
1025- Mr. phom took my passport and the yindee receipt to photostat
1430- A delivery boy comeby DIT office by motorcycle. He represent yindee to hand over the 'credit
voucher' . 100% refund . I left my gem in suchat office til my credit card fully refunded then suchat
will return the gem to them. So coincidence ( it's take 4 hours as told , so be prepare ur self)

19 aug 2009
Double confirm with the bank. The amount being funded exactly the same amount. WOW Case Over!
Thanks DIT TEAM!

Good lUck for the rest victim. i saw mr suchat received a phone call from some new victim while i ' waiting in office.. Hell... scam never stop.

Thanks sally so much for your comforting words, have took the precaution of taking the jewellery to get valued, thats gonna take a few weeks, although the jeweller, at first glance said that they were genuine stones. And after I had told him the whole story he said that I would be "pleasantly surprised" when the result comes back.

So yes, these people do prey on tourists but they are still aware that selling fake gems is a serious Thai crime, but since these are only stones that are more expensive than normal then the authorities aren't too interested. I think the scam is not so much in what is being sold but how they get the customers through the door.

Its been a horrible experience and I'll be emailing the tourist authorities and the relevant embassies to let them aware what has happened.

Anyway, I walk away with some very nice stones and a valuable life experience, never again!

I was also targeted by this scam, with a variation:
It was my second trip to Thailand and i was looking for Wat Saket (BTW : the Thai NEVER use this name and call this Temple Wat Po Kao Thong, most are perplexed with "farang" use another name, yet its the name all tourist book give...go figure...) and was approached by a friendly Thai man telling me Wat Saket was closed this morning and will open only at 2PM. Then telling me if i liked Temple there was the "Black Buddha" that was open only this day and that it was a once a year event. I asked him to show me on my map where was this Temple and he obliged, showing me some obscure Temple located between Kao San Road and Chinatown. Then the same man told me he could help me arrange a Tuk Tuk to drive me there for 20 baht...only to have me tell him i would never use the service of a Tuk Tuk as they were all crooks...he did not like that and left mumbling insults in Thai...

Just after that i decided this nice man was not so nice and decided to check if Wat "Saket" was open or not and sure enought it was open...then we decided to go to see this "black Buddha" temple and WALKED there..(it was far, yeah, i know...but we like to see the places out of the tourist way and we dont mind long walk) . Once there i was surprised to see that for a "once in a year" event there was...no-one...The Temple was sort of nice, wery quiet with some nice turtles, the Buddha was not black wich left me perplexed...Then we were approached by a "friendly" Thai women in uniform asking us a few questions (where you from? Why you come here?) and she was really perplexed when i told her i came to this Temple to....make merit...
She asked me if i took pictures and i told her i had no camera and why to take pictures in a Temple if you come to pray? Then i asked where to get food for the turtles...

She just left us wishing us a good day, but with a rather perplexed look on her face...

Now i am almost sure she was part of the scam and just surprised to see some farang arriving BY FOOT in this out of the way Temple and was wondering what to do with us and if we were good potential victims for the scam...my naive answers to her questions making her even more confused LOL

Not sure if I was led to this gem store but our tour guide did bring us to a gem store....

Outside was a small factory where you see workers working on the gems and once you enter, the guide was telling us about the certificates/awards they have received.

Huge place, lots of employees and a rip-off souvenir shop at the end before you leave!

Luckily I wasn't scammed as I wasn't interested in any of the gems

thanks to everyone on this forum for your candid comments and advice. My husband and I bought jewelry from the Golden Argosy. We will also be seeing MR Pom/Suchat next week on Sept 3 and will be glad to share in detail the experience for all to benefit from.
Just curious about a few things-
1) not sure exactly where to go as I have heard DIT is huge so didnt want to get lost on arrival. I have the address, but my friend in Thailand said she wasn't able to find the exact location?
2) Also it seems that everyone is getting returns via credit voucher which I am unfamiliar with and a little wary about. How do we know that it is a legitimate credit voucher. Why are they not able to do an instant return on the credit card purchase as normal refunds are normally done in the US? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Zoe, to clear ur doubt, for question 1, I showed the address of DIT to the taxi driver, the journey from Bangkok town area to the DIT office is ner to 1.15 hours, please be patient, the address of DIT is combined with few more goverment office. The security guard will show the taxi driver where should you need to go. Just tell them you want to go to DIT office and meet Mr. suchart.

For question 2, this is normal procedure for credit card, once the credit card been swiped, the transaction is been processing and can not be return. I am not sure the refund process in US, but in Malaysian or Thailand, is either the Merchant VOID the transaction immediately, other wise, they need to issue a credit note to credit back the fund back to your credit card account. Normally, will take 2 weeks time to complete. you can call to your credit card center to check whether this process is valid or not.anyhow, I able to get back 100% refund with this, so no worry. Just pay a visit to DIT, you will get the surprice. :)

hi. my friends and i are here in bkk, and we bought one item each at a store called CHIN JEWELRY CO. LTD.

i checked some parts of the thead and missed some of the scam step by steps. no students need to study drama.

We went to Golden Agrosy but didnt buy anything. then we went to another jewelry store where they show the "factory' or how the jewelries are made. we bought 3 items on our credit cards

i was scammed a while back and i've waited to leave the country before writing this. you can get full refund if you research your rights and build your case well. first thing, Suchat is in on the scam. anyone who has posted to the contrary is part of the scam team (you can chose to believe me or them - but don't be naive enough to think they don't track this website). here's what i can tell you (irrespective of what they tell you at DIT):
- you do not need an appointment to file a complaint at DIT
- a tourist has no lesser right to file a complaint with DIT than a Thai citizen
- this is not a case for the tourist police
- suchat will tempt you to take 90% refund and end the matter - don't
- suchat will bluff that you need to go to the police and its not his problem - remind him that complaints against any commercial trading enterprise is his problem and that even if you go to the police, it will come back to him. he is the one who issues a license to these scamsters
- lady from scam shop will bluff at least twice during negotiations - don't settle for 99% refund
- suchat gave away their weakness when he was convincing me to take 90% - there has never been a complaint officially filed against the scamsters - which means you can persist on filing the complaint and they will give you 100% refund.
- write notes during your visit and go prepared
- make sure you mention "lied about government discount" & "cheated/misled" in the initial complaint they ask you to write up - think of it as a document which will be used in court
- the only way this scam will end is to ensure each one of us fights for 100% refund - not 95%, not 90%, not 80%

best of luck

I hate scammers, but you know what? If so many people weren't so stupid as to fall for them, they wouldn't be so prevalent. Just keep in mind, if it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!! Just walk away. It's not hard to spot these scams if you have half a brain... unfortunately stupidity abounds in this world. It will probably be the undoing of our entire civilization.

thanks to Sean and Ricky for the quick reply, really helpful info! to 100% refund: curious if you were able to settle on 100% refund in the end with Mr Suchat? did you make your purchase through the Golden Argosy or a different scam shop?

Another way to get your money back is via your credit card company - part of your credit card charges is for insurance for exactly this type of situation (although your bank may need reminding of this).

The process is that your bank will ask you to resolve it with the shop directly. Once that has failed, they will send you a disputed transaction form. If you can prove on this to the bank that you were intentionally missold to, then visa / Mastercard will pay you back the difference as part of the insurance cover on the card (it can take 120 days to go through). Once they've given you your money, they then charge the shop for it (plus a small fine), so ultimately the scammers pay.

If Visa / Mastercard get enough of these then they will withdraw the shops ability to accept their payment cards, which would go some way to help shutting them down. If everyone who's been a victim of this (whether you lost money or not) wrote to Visa and Mastercard's fraud departments directly to make them aware of it it would raise the chances of this happening.

good luck

its quiet simple in thailand if someone approaches you just ignore them do you normally talk to strangers in your country? just do your on thing and keep away from scammers in bkk tuk tuks expecially catch the bus or get a taxi meter dont let these husslers get away with your hard earned money!