Bangkok & Thailand Scams - Thai Gem & Tailor Scams

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Yindee Lapidary Scam

Tuesday, 20 May 2008

I would like to report a gem scam that i have conned on 19/5/08. I have bought a ring with a gem only to find out that I was cheated by the Shop named Yindee Lapidary Co., Ltd, Bangkok. The ring is valued only at THB5000 in Malaysia where I have paid for THB46830 in Bangkok.

At my last day to bangkok on 19/5/2008, i was trying to do shopping in pratunam center with my wife. at pratunam center, we were approach by one middle aged man and asked to pray to the buddha near the center. As that was Wesak Day on the day, we were then pray at that special day. after that, the con man chat with us and somehow conned us to go to the lucky buddha and the Thai Export - Yindee on one of the tuk tuk with well-uniformed driver at a very cheap rate (50THB). we were ok to go to the lucky buddha temple as it was only 10am. when we reached there, at the second floor of the temple, we met with the 2nd con man with his receipt of purchase and the sam story with other flows.

after that, we just went to Yindee out of curiousity and i truely wanted to buy a ring for my wife.

when we arrived at Yindee, i have some doubt about the place. the place is so quiet and old. and most of all, there is no tight security there as to Thai government control gem factory that i went on the 1st day (which is 17/5).

i should have backed out then. but, those rings showed looks good and i love my wife. thus, we just bought a small ring which still cost me THB46830 with a so-called orange sapphire (it is about MYR4,683 or more).

we were happy as we thought we have got ourselves a good buy.

however, we felt something is not right. once we reached home in KL, we quickly do some research on the outlets and ----- bang. we have been cheated. all the happiness is swept away.

currently, i am going through a lot of reading to find out the chance of getting a full refund from my country. I have wrote to Thai foreign affair website and Malaysia embassy hoping they will help.

anyway, people outthere, please do some research on the countries that you are going to travel, especially on the warning sections.

Comments (195) Add Comment

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written by CNor, Fri 06 Jun 2008 12:15:38 CDT

Hello there,
I share the exact same exerience with tyn. I bought 2 rings and 1 bracelet from Yindee. to Tyn, if you have figured out how to solve this case, please share with others. I am also busy researching on how to get my money back.

tq

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written by angeline, Mon 09 Jun 2008 23:22:36 CDT

me n my boyfriend also get conned..pls share with me how to get this things done..thank u

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written by William, Fri 20 Jun 2008 14:14:31 CDT

Hello Tyn,

I have been conned too by Yindee Lapidary Co. I hope that if you have figured out how to solve the problem, please share it with all of us who got scammed too, so that we can all take action together to nail that bastard. Please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by bluemoon, Tue 24 Jun 2008 16:45:11 CDT

hi, i also been conned at bangkok but different store. and i search online and some of the victims get solution. what you have to do is back to bangkok and report to the related government department. if you need further info, you can contact me by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by Sam D costa, Wed 25 Jun 2008 23:28:32 CDT

Hi,
I am also interested to get my money back..Is there any action we can take collectively to get our hard earned money back
Sam
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by vanja, Sun 06 Jul 2008 06:20:31 CDT

ohmg
I had a same experiance.
i was just walking the streets of bakgkok and in front of one shopping centre there were like to praying statues where u r to make a wish light up a candle.One thai man approached me and asked few normal questions.appearantly he was waiting for his wife.He asked me if I have been to see 'lucky budha'.I had no intentions of going anywhere else as i have been shopping all day and i had no more money anyway.then I dont even know how but he got a tuk tuk driver for me and off I was to see the lucky budha. I was feeling excited as that temple was opened only once a week.
While in there i made a wish and then there was another man who told me his story.How he bought his wife diamond and blue safire earings.He suggested that I shud go to this expo as it is only opened for public today and that I can find my lucky stone, which will bring me lots of luck.Wow it was like a trail of goos luck for me.I had to go and see it even though I wasnt planing to buy anything, because it was my last day in Thailand and i had no more money left.But I went enyway.
once in the store everything looked decent and I didnt suspect anything.I liked one diamond gold ring witha red ruby, but I honestly didnt have money to buy it.She was giving it to me for about $350 which as ok, but i didnt want max out my credit card completely because all had left on my credit card was $300 which I was saving aside if i need to pay for excess laguage at the airport.I explainedto the lady that i just couldnt afford to buy it, so then she showed me some silver jewelry and i bought a silver ring with a black stone (lucky stone). I paid $130 which wasnt too bad, but Once i came back to sydney i was curious about this company so i looked it up on the nest annd this is what i found! I cant beleive i was such a full.U cant trust anyone.Its such a shame people r sooo cruel.Shame on that guy to scam people in a temple!!1

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written by Caroline, Wed 09 Jul 2008 10:15:58 CDT

Hey guys

Just to share my hb and I were victims as well in feb 08, we have managed to get a full refund in Mar 08 with the help of another fellow victim. He has a blog online. Serach "Yindee Lapidiary"

Basic steps:
U need to report to TAT first.
Need to schedule another visit back to bangkok with your jewels to get the refund.
Get the jewels checked at a reputable gemologist before making your way back.

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written by Harry Black, Thu 10 Jul 2008 08:54:02 CDT

Just cannot understand why the Thai government close one eye on this shop-Yindee Lapidiary? Is it that they are getting good revenue for the country? Does the tourist department want more people to visit Thailand or allow the con business to carry on -business as usual? Do something and help to protect the tourists interest, they are the REAL people who will bring revenue to your country!

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written by Linda, Thu 10 Jul 2008 09:10:08 CDT

I was also one of the victim in this kinda scam but not in this yindee. I was scammed in another shop named SNP Jewelry. The exact tactics they used on me: the lucky buddha, the tourism week, cheap tuktuk ride etc etc.... I bought a ring priced 30,000Bht which in fact doesnt even valued for 8000Bht. But now i have my problem solved. I reported my problem to the Department of Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce in Bangkok. Someone by the name of Mr Suchat helped me and got me a refund of 90%. He is really a very kind, helpful and yet a very powerful man. The whole process only took less than 3 hours and there is no need to go back to the shop and argue with the sales manager for the refund. Mr Suchat will do it all for you. He can be contacted at this email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Good luck to all of you who are in the process of getting the refund.. :)

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written by Ben (Bernard), Thu 10 Jul 2008 21:44:41 CDT

Go to this link if you want to know how to obtain a refund.

http://www.bangkokscams.com/scams-in-bangkok/the-golden-argosy-gem-scam.html

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written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Sun 13 Jul 2008 06:27:48 CDT

I have been scammed in this same 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. 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 written e-mail to Mr Suchat just now and will wait for response. I am at angkok and will be here for next 15 days(around July 27, 08) and wish I get my money back. Any help and guidance to what I can do would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Sud

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written by Jacinth, Thu 24 Jul 2008 14:08:01 CDT

Looks like I am one of the victims too. I just got back from Bangkok and needless to say, the storyline is the same, met some lady at Pratunam Centre, went to Lucky Buddha, then to the Yindee company. Now, me and my friend have sent the gems to a jeweller for valuation. Pending their reply, I have to say that I might be returning to Bangkok pretty soon.

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written by Mike, Tue 09 Sep 2008 11:49:00 CDT

Im going to get my Gem evaluated soon, I be able to know if I got ripped off or not!

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written by JJ, Thu 18 Sep 2008 13:17:37 CDT

I got scammed just 2 days ago. Fortunately, I checked the internet on the same night. I immediately reported this to the Pretchburi Tourist police the following morning who called the merchant to give me 100% refund. I then called my bank to stop the funds from being released after I got a credit voucher from the shop. I had expected the shop to make a claim quickly for this amount so I faxed the credit voucher with my instructions as soon as I got back to the hotel, which was about 11am Bangkokg time. At that time, the funds are floating (meaning that it is not available for me to use but the funds have not been claimed yet). I then called again to ensure that the money has not yet been released and that they will tag this transaction as dispute and not release the money.

Sad to say, the bank's attitude was lackadasical at best. They called me this morning to tell me that the money has been released and that I had to liase with the merchant for the refund. I went into a tirade, accusing them of being unprofessional, that in spite of my many phone calls warning them about this, they still could not get their act right. What more do they expect from their customer except to call and write to them (through fax) to instruct them what to do?

The bank called back 30 mins later to apologise, that they will take up the case and that my account will not reflect this charge. I guess they eventually realised that it was their tidapathy that has caused this transaction to go through.

If you want your money back, you have to act fast. Once the money is transferred, you will have to liase with the merchant directly to get your refund. I was fortunate that I decided to check on the internet the same day I made the purchase and went back and claim the refund immediately. Then I called the bank, faxed the document and got all my base covered before I left Bangkok yesterday afternoon.

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written by Catherine, Sat 20 Sep 2008 23:13:13 CDT

i've bought some gem from this shop too, pls share with me how to get this things done, thanks

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written by ice2, Sun 26 Oct 2008 01:14:51 CDT

i think i have just got scammed 2 days ago as well.the same stories go on me too.however, 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?

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written by Zeus, Wed 31 Dec 2008 05:28:34 CST

We were in Bangkok yesterday, same type of scam, different jeweller. Cheap TukTuk same Lucky Buddah, which we never saw, but there was an "Australian guy" to help push the bullshit. This kinda eases tourists into the scam. They also pushed that the "Thai Export" was closing soon, so we went to the jeweller. Same crap there, but when they saw we were not interested, some local Thai was "buying" a set and flashing his cash right next to us, encuraging us to do the same. This just made is cheasier. We stayed polite and told them we did not want to buy, and left. I wish I had told them that their tactics were a load of crap. Anyways, TukTuk driver then had to send us to another cheaper jeweller, then a tailor before we finally saw the end of this. I'm sorry for those who got scammed, we saw it, but it was still close.

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written by sammie, Wed 31 Dec 2008 14:33:08 CST

Zeus, thats insult to injury when "one of us" are aiding and abetting the scammers!.

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written by Brian, Wed 21 Jan 2009 06:21:47 CST

I have recently (Dec 26th) been scammed by SNP Jewelry in Bangkok and would like to hear from people that got scammed from this store and how/ if they got their money back. I have sent and e-mail to Mr. Suchat as suggested from Linda (Thanks) and am waiting a reply. I will also try to call him directly. I have also contacted Mastercard and cancelled the card, but I still need to contact the store directly to ask them for a refund before Mastercard can proceed. Does anyone have a contact number for this store or any way to contact them via e-mail or otherwise. I would like to "team up" with anyone who has had the same problem and work together in getting our money back. Please contact me ASAP at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by pighoglet, Wed 21 Jan 2009 07:25:47 CST

Thailand is full of foreign people who to enable them to 'live the dream' and stay in Thailand for as long as possible will take any means to get the money to do so.

Please be careful with new found friends and keep them at arms length because they could be anything but and involved with scams to fund their stay in the country at your expense.

This can be done politely without any demands for money or entry into any scam. My girlfriend and I have played pool, eaten, drunk with couples, strangers from my own country, spent a whole evening doing so without it being any more than what it was. Good times shared between people in another country.

The gem scam has run as long as the now infamous drug smuggling ones of the 70s when new found acquaintances would get their new found companions to carry an extra suitcase through customs for them. Its a shame its not as cinematic as the drug scam because someone would have made a movie about it by now!

Lets hope people do get the message offered on this site and throw this 70s era scam into the dustbin.

If these scammers could make more money legitimately selling their wares to Tiffany and Cartier they would have already done it and you would'nt get to hear about it. They, not you would have made the profits from such deals.

Thailand is developed in certain areas to international levels and is a major asian hub for trade, this is not an environment for unbelievable bargains regarding gemstones or jewellery. Bargains, maybe but not amazingly so. People know the worth of the items they are selling.

The asian model for trade and discounting is available in legitamate places in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore, you will save 20 or so percent on the deal but remember if you dont pay the import duty in your own country, you are smuggling. Its a gamble if you decide to do this, the products could be seized and this is why you should be careful of major purchases in Thailand or whilst abroad full stop.

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written by pighoglet, Wed 21 Jan 2009 07:34:28 CST

.....and with the exchange rates being so bad against the baht could cost you more than your own country. If you walked into your local jewellery store with cash you could hammer out a better deal than in Thailand and get after sales service, a warranty and a certain amount of peace of mind about your large purchase.

Get that calculator out!

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written by Brian, Wed 21 Jan 2009 10:03:42 CST

Great guys and I appreciate the comments, but that doesn't offer any insight as to how I should go about getting my money back

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written by Brian, Wed 21 Jan 2009 10:28:02 CST

And to my Canadian brethren you can contact me anytime at my above e-mail address...we can work together. Cheers

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written by ao nang, Wed 21 Jan 2009 10:31:15 CST

Its worth the previous comments being pro-active to help people avoid the scam in the first place, to get all your money back will be hard work. You are not alone and its worth contacting others who have been scammed by Yindee and other companies so you can complain as a team hopefully with a representative at their premises.

Good legal representation in Thailand is expensive and may not achieve your goals regarding refund on purchase. Its really has to be negotiated between you and the jewellery company to be cost effective and thats not a good start but dont give up unless you reach a point where you feel it becomes futile.

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written by Brian, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:03:54 CST

I have just gotten off the phone with mastercard, and the gentleman was very helpful. I told him the WHOLE story and how many of us are scammed by the same stores. He advised me to send the goods back immediately and fill out a fraud form ASAP and send it back to them. Apparently this is still classified under Fraud because there is a certificate stating the amount of value that is of course WRONG, and the goods are not technically as described. He stated that the shop then had 30 days to give me a full refund (which of course I know they won't). If after that time I have not received a refund or the just send the gem back to me, it is then taken to be Fraud on the sellers part and they will refund my money. Granted this whole process may take 3 months but it will be worth it. I also planned to have it appraised here in Australia as proof of the scam which I will also send the report to the CC company as extra proof. I still think this is my best bet.

I called mr Sinrat's office and talked to his assistance. He was very polite and helpful but said that I should be there in person to file the complaint. Since I have Canadian friends living in Bangkok, I asked if they could obtain the refund on my behalf. He said they could as long as I provide a letter stating that I give them that right to do so.

So my options are to send the gem back to the store at this address

SNP Jewelry Limited Partnership
386 Visuttikasat road, Banpantom, Pranakorn, Bangkok
10200
(PLEASE CORRECT ME IF THIS ADDRESS IS WRONG, OR HAVE ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE ADDRESS)

and fill out the Fraud form from the CC company

or

Mail the Gems to my friend in Bangkok and have him deal directly with Mr Sinrat on my Behalf.

Given the Success rate of 80-90% return I have chosen to send the Gem back to the store after apraisal, Fill out the Fraud report and wait 30 days for the store to respond. The guy at Mastercard assured me that if they send it back to me or refuse a refund, then they will refund my money based on Seller fraud.

On a side note: I still love Thailand and plan to travel back...If not only to warn other travellers and take pictures of the people responsible. Ya know for a Buddhist country, and Karma being a part of Buddhism...I take comfort in the fact that these people will someday get their just desserts.

I welcome any comments, warnings or suggestions. Cheers my fellow travellers

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written by Khun Issan, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:07:55 CST

to Brian..... I came across this and cut and pasted it from another site, dont know whether it is uptodate

The current shop runs by the name SNP jewelery Limited Partnership at 386 Visuttikasat Road, Banpantom, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200. Tel 026295767, 026285768. Interestingly, the credit card recipt is issued by Bangkok bank. Hope this is of some help.

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written by Khun Issan, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:13:53 CST

I am delighted you are pressing on with this Brian, whilst you were writing your last blog I was looking for a phone number for you.... see above. We also hold an ANZ card and they are terrific about Fraud and fraudulent items as well, keep us posted it might help some of these victims which is what this site is all about!!!!

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written by Sammie, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:26:36 CST

Naive, if your hanging around , Brian's statement is very helpful, I woiuld gather as much information as possile regarding your credit card company and really see WHO is liable.... different countries=different rules=different companies.! If I buy an item and I was told that the refund would only be 80 per cent, I wouldnt buy it, WHY! you are paying 100% so why the 10% surcharge. Mr Suchat must be an extremely busy man with all these refunds from around the world!... Brian, I would NEVER send anything back to this store EVER, your evidence is leaving your hands... they will chop and change for real items, deny knowledge, the scam will continue. I would obtain a valuation certificate in Ozzieland which will be worthless , keep a photocopy, and then courier the fake gems back to your friend here. Just a thought, and good luck

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written by Brian, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:31:50 CST

Sammie I thought the same thing about not sending them back to the store. BUT after speaking with Mastercard it sounds like a win win... ie, they either refund the money or send them back to me...in which case I mark return to sender on the package. When either happens the credit card company will do a chargeback against them and basically go after them.

The credit card company required that I send the gems back to the store and list the date of sending on the Fraud form in order to launch an investigation. The store then has 30 days to comply (which I know they won't). Hence the same outcome.

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written by Sammie, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:55:30 CST

Brian.... I am delighted, and you obvously know what you are doing.....if the gems were genuine (hahaha) then the company will be charged duty on these wonderful gems arriving back from our land hahaha.... so basically they scammed themselves.... On a serious note this was what I was gunning for, for Naive, and I hope Naive is taking note, copying and pasting etc etc....If it was a jacket or a pair of shoes In would say forget it, but this is a Scam on a massive scale, and I am not concerned with the moralities of The Thai, (as they say up to them!!) they know the difference between right and wrong, having a site like this is hopefully making people aware NOT to buy gems now in Thailand, you dont know what your buyer unless you are a Jeweller. It not always the greed that bloggers mention, its tourists wanting something different, an exotic design, a reminder of their vacation, yes slightly cheaper and paying by your Credit Card sould be a sign of payment in good faith between the two parties. G'day mate and much success

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written by Sammie, Wed 21 Jan 2009 12:56:56 CST

* Buying

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written by Oscar, Thu 05 Feb 2009 02:34:18 CST

I have also been scammed of SNP Jewelry. Went to a temple, met a guy. went to another temple. Met a really nice English man (don't know if he also was working with them or if he also got fraud), then a woman who sad that she was a school teacher and gave me the adders to SNP. Bought a ring and sent it home to my mother (the ring was 22.600 bath). Have sent a mail to Mr. Santichai and I are going to the Swedish embassy tomorrow, gonna go to the police and call my bank in a couple of minutes. Hopefully a get my money back directly.
It's really sad that this happened course I really like Thailand. Well it's just money as my mother told me and i could have bought something much more expensive. Thanks for all the tips that you guys have given me.

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written by EW, Sun 15 Mar 2009 21:41:20 CDT

Me and my wife are Malaysian and had landed in KL today afternoon, back from Bangkok for holiday. I just want to share my experience about this whole scam. We were about to enter The Central World, Pratunam area about 2 pm. There are some Buddha statue outside the mall and we pray a while before making our move to the mall. Then, We were approached by a Thai local guy just outside the mall. He appears friendly and helpful and suggested that we go pray at a local temple which is about 5 minutes away by tuk tuk if we really wanted to pray and ask for blessing. He told us that this temple is very special and only open once a month, and of course he said that day is our lucky day because the temple is open. He told us that the lucky buddha inside the temple is made of gold and that is why it is only open once a month during "Buddhist Day". Being helpful, he help us get a tuk tuk for 30 Bath. The tuk tuk is suppose to send us to the temple and then send us back to The Central World.

And off we go to the temple. There is nothing really special about this temple. and in the temple, we met a Thai who claimed to be on holiday there. He said he is a PR in Singapore and is waiting for his wife and daughter. He told us that he just bought a full set of jewelry from Yindee for just USD2,500 for his wife. He told us that it is a good deal because the market price for the jewelry is about USD10,000. He said Poh Hing (Singapore) and Poh Kong (Malaysia) also buy from Yindee. He said Yindee is celebrating its 30th anniversary, that is why it is selling cheap. He also told us a lot of convincing stories i.e. a pair of malaysian also buy from yindee when he is buying his jewelry.

Me and my wife also think that it is a good bargain but in the end decided not to go to Yindee because both of us is not really into jewelry. So we hop into our tuk tuk, which is still waiting outside the temple. However, to our horror, on the way back to the mall, this tuk tuk driver stop in front of the Yindee jewelry shop! We never told the tuk tuk driver about this yindee story and suspected that this could be a scam. We refused to get off the tuk tuk and told the driver to send us back to the mall as promised earlier. We told him that we will pay him extra if he send us back. And fortunately he did sent us back. while in the tuk tuk, i pretend to make some phone calls just to scare the tuk tuk so that he will not do anything to us. I paid him 30 bath upon reaching the mall.

And to my surprise now, after doing some google, a lot of people actually fall for this Yindee scam!

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written by Bangkokshortbus, Sat 28 Mar 2009 03:07:09 CDT

Its my first time in Bangkok and i got duped by this same scam the same way. The whole lucky buddha and how the Tuktuk appeared right on time and how cheap it was [40baht[, to think I even tipped him, gave him 60BAHT. I bought a ruby ring for 12000BAHT and its not even worth more than 3000BAHT.

Will calling my ambassy help/ Its not much money but I cant stand the fact that I was ripped off like that! I feel so disgusted by looking at the ring now!

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written by sad, Sun 29 Mar 2009 20:27:15 CDT

i just got back from bangkok few hours ago. And sad to say, we were scammed by them too. Same situation as what was written by EW. I think we met the same guy at the lucky buddha. I feel really disgusted now lookin at the rings we bought. My bf & I bought a pair and two of my frens bought too. Total of 4 rings. We tot we had a good trip but now, im speechless now..really very sad...

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written by Chuck, Mon 30 Mar 2009 07:06:51 CDT

Scamming tourists at a Thai Temple.
Where is the head Monk?
Is he in on it too?

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written by karen, Mon 30 Mar 2009 10:49:41 CDT

I share the same experience with you, bangkokshortbus...the tuk-tuk driver seemed so nice my husband decided to give him some tips. little did we know he was part of this scam. now, all that is left is a bad memory of bangkok and it seems like i can only get a refund by going back to bangkok. the banks, credit card companies and TAT are hopeless. Could anyone please let me know how do i get a refund even if i were to go back to bangkok?

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written by Sammie, Mon 30 Mar 2009 13:46:30 CDT

Karen, there are posters on here that have received a proportion (and I believe even 100%) of their hard earned money back from a Mr. S. Travel back through Jewllery Scams and you will find the contact details. Best of luck, it does leave a nasty taste in your mouth, you have learnt a bitter lesson

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written by Jass, Mon 25 May 2009 21:33:37 CDT

we got scammed in the same manner too. Buddha day outside pratunam mall, cheap tuk tuk and all. how can singaporean claim justice and full refund!!!

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written by James Davis, Tue 26 May 2009 06:44:29 CDT

Call the Police! Ha Ha Ha

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written by My_self, Sun 31 May 2009 22:50:18 CDT

I tend to keep with my Thai Family Members
I for no reason other than amusement have any sort of interest in a tuk tuk ride

We use pre~ pay credit cards with low limits which these are disputable when you get home.
Never would we pay for any thing in any foreign country with a card that has large limits..

People use your heads.. Common sense this clean cut perfect English speaking Thai just walks up to you and starts offering help and or suggestions ..this should of
brought caution before even getting on this self invited tuk tuk ride....................................

Note have your hotel aid in arrangement's of Taxis also can help..Many hotels call for you and also document which Taxi number cab has picked you up.
As others stated let the Taxi see you taking a photo of his tags also.

So sad these few are giving good Thais a bad name..

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written by ...., Sun 31 May 2009 23:53:08 CDT

IS A DISGRACE TO YOUR COUNTRY AND PEOPLE.

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written by ken, Mon 01 Jun 2009 05:55:15 CDT

Thailand will pay the price for neglecting tourist scams.
Just look at the reports all over the www.

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written by Theo, Mon 01 Jun 2009 05:59:09 CDT

Fact is indeed: Most used cars here are sold far above their real value by dealers. Still its a real car. These kind of scams are of all cultures and all times

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written by Theo, Mon 01 Jun 2009 06:43:39 CDT

The buyer should not only accuse the scammer but also him or herself. Simply: Why did I believe all that crap they told me. Why didnt I buy just one small stone. Why did I believe all that crap about hugh profits to be made. Am I really that dumm? Or am is my personality not strong enough what makes it easy for smooth talkers to convice me?

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written by Kathy, Mon 01 Jun 2009 07:27:36 CDT

Scammers are running Thailand's main tourist sights.
Just go to the Grand Palace and watch scammers at the main gate approaching tourists if view of the Grand Palace Security and Management.

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written by Baron Von Munchken, Mon 01 Jun 2009 09:21:03 CDT

@Theo, in the post you have written some things that I have found offensive, but what you soy above I agree with you 100%, I salute you.

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written by Theo, Mon 01 Jun 2009 10:32:25 CDT

Offensive! You mean what I wrote in German? Anyway let me be clear I dont want to defend the scammers.

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written by Baron Von Munchken, Mon 01 Jun 2009 11:40:26 CDT

Theo, we are both singing from the same hyym seat!

I'm sorry about writing, its dyslexia.

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written by Theo, Mon 01 Jun 2009 13:59:07 CDT

I was joking. I was scammed once replacing broken camara stuff in Singapore. I needed it. Payed to much The difference with the gem scams is that people buy something they never intended to buy. They didnt come to Bangkok to make a big gem deal. They were just talked into it by smooth talking scammers. Its like me leaving home to buy a bicycle and come back with a jaguar because somebody smoothtalked me to buy it!! Ha Ha.

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written by fezbot, Tue 02 Jun 2009 01:00:24 CDT

Bottom line is, it is evil to scam or train someone's thoughts into something which is not real.

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written by Sammie, Tue 02 Jun 2009 01:13:49 CDT

Fezbot, exactly! its unkind, evil and immoral

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written by pighoglet, Tue 02 Jun 2009 08:38:03 CDT

Thankfully it all backfires when most people say no to the scammers.

Cheating never works in the long run, only for short gains that are just as easily lost.

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written by Buster Gonad, Tue 02 Jun 2009 09:40:27 CDT

"Cheating never works in the long run, only for short gains that are just as easily lost. "

I think the Madoff losers would disagree!

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written by Jac, Tue 02 Jun 2009 19:29:57 CDT

just came back from Bangkok and noted that being cheated. help me!!!

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written by mmm, Sun 21 Jun 2009 16:19:36 CDT

Here's a weird thing... I actually got my jewelry valued at twice as mush as I paid for it. Thing is now I dont want it anymore and who the hell is going to buy it in this time of recession????????

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written by S.U, Thu 25 Jun 2009 22:39:02 CDT

I just got back from Thailand last week and got conned too.. i paid 880 sing dollars for a orange sappihre stone! How do i report this scam?

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written by Lilly Banks, Tue 14 Jul 2009 20:07:37 CDT

I just recently visited Thailand, was touring the temples in Bangkok when a lady said she was on Holiday before heading back to Sydney. She said she was from the Philipes, but worked in Australia to earn better money to send back to her kids. She seemed very friendly and helpful, and through out the conversation she asked where I was headed. I gave her the map and explained where I had been. She suggested I go to SNP jewelry shop ( 386 Visutthikasat Rd, Prankakorn Bangok) and think about purchasing a white gold saphire ring and selling it when returning back home. I explained I wouldn't know how to do this, but she gave me her email address and said she would help me since I was going back to Sydney before heading home. She said her first time she was hesitant, but had some friends that helped her sell the ring back, which she received double the price. She said she only purchases the gems to pay for holidays, paid for her to and from Australia before heading home to see her family. At the end she gave me her email and told me a few stories before heading off to her Tuk Tuk.

I fell into the trap, being a traveler that wanted to pay for the flights I believed her and bought a gem, mailing it back home. I am not usually one to buy things, but trusted her for some reason. Looking back, I should have noticed a few clues that were suspicious .... Her running from behind just to talk with a stranger, showing me her recieved, and then waiting for me to get into my tuk tuk before taking off in hers.

I definitely feel quite stupid and ignorant for falling into the gem scams. I unfortunetly had not been aware of the scams before arriving in Bangkok and wish someone would have told me before hand, maybe on the flight to Thailand.

Don't fall for the trap like me!

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written by sadtraveler, Tue 14 Jul 2009 20:09:57 CDT

I just come back from Asia two days ago wiht my boyfriend, I was in Bngkok around Aprl 19-25, I love Bangkok (used to) but after this trip, it totally turn me off, let s get in to the story, the day of 20, we decided to go to MBK, to visit that four faith buddah next to the mall, right after we get off the BTS Station, we were looking at the map and certaintly a man came to us and trying help us were we want to go, said that he is a teaher and he is willing to help us and get us a tuk tuk and have him to send us to 3 different place for 40bth/person, well, we were not aware of it, because we came with tour it was wonderful(everything),and we though Thai people are very nice and friendly(first trap), we get on the tuk tuk,firt place he send us to was the 30tons real gold buddha, after we finish visiting , the tuk tuk driver went to wash room, while we were smoking ,ther was a Thai guy next to us,starting to talk to us,told us he is a lawyer in Manhattan,come back to vist his ill father and tell us that today is the last day of the Thai expose would let tourist to go in to buy jewelly for no tax,and we were very lucky today because this is the last chance, and he buy it everytime he come back to Thailand and bringit back to US and made 200% profit by selling it to Tiffiny in NY, we really though we were very lucky that day, firt the very generoud teacher and now this gentlement,since we were looking for our wedding ring,we may as well just get a ring her e,what a wonderful day....... as you know we bought the ring and was very happy about it, next day, we decided go to the grand palace,you know what, while we were at the door, same thing happened,we got send to the tuk tuk, ...then I started to realize something is not right,we got hotel and I went to the internet and check the name jewelly shop,(THE GOLDEN ARGOCY FACTORY COMPANY), I almost pass out!!, then I read some of the article and tell us to call Ministry of internal trade,call Mr Suchat, he will be able to help us, we didn't all of that the second day after another blow with the blood sucker taxi driver...we manage to talk to the shop representative and she willing to give us 90% refund,we will get our money back in three weeks( I really hope this one is real, cause we were dealing in the in Gov office) .... I'm devasdating and loosing all this money if i don't get the refund,I have to work for two years to pay this off. you know Now I only have one thing to said is,It ws my own faud and nobody deserve this,from now on I really think this is a trip from hell and the land of scam,by the way this experience cause our relatioship breaking apart,Bangkok win it all......

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written by JL, Wed 15 Jul 2009 11:12:21 CDT

Hi,
i was duped by yindee with the same story where it starts off from Prutunam and luky buddha.
Is there anyone from singapore who are willing to go back thailand for refund?
Tentative date is 24th to 26th July. Please email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for those who are interested.
The more people going the more strength we will have.

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written by Pretz B., Wed 22 Jul 2009 21:03:13 CDT

To Lilly Banks. I too got scammed with the same tactics and the name of the lady from Philppines is EMMA REYES contact number 66846968574, i buy all her shits about SNP jewlery worth 22,000B cause i trusted my co-fellow. I left Bangkok last july 21 and i just found out about the jewelry just now.

I contacted her and confronted over the phone about the jewelry and told me that she doesn't know anything about it. BIG FAT LIE.

LADY: 5'3-5'4 tall
claimed she's a teacher in Thailand and a FILIPINA
medium-brown skin
acne spots/ scars all over her face.

anyone ? PLEASE HELP

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written by D_furious_one, Wed 22 Jul 2009 22:06:00 CDT

Me too have the same encounter as you guys. reali wonder if there's real kind & helpful thai citizens in this universe..seemingly helpful souls but all linked within their scammed corrupted organizations to cheat tourists. 90% are conmen 'earning' $$ thru despicable means. In order to save other vulnerable victims & also to stop these scams around, PUBLICITY IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!! seems like there are only forums about sharing experiences however there're still tourists being cheated everyday, such scams should be broadcasted just like the "sanlu milk scandal"!

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written by CVB, Tue 28 Jul 2009 11:47:07 CDT

Hi all

I stay in bangkok from 18 to 25 of july , the 1st day i was cheated by kind man and like this story atop. I don't mind abt this but in 21st of july i search this Gem by google then i found this site. (I buy a white gold necklace about 600$ )

And in morning of 22nd I come back this shop, A suck man ask "i was come already?" and tell me the woman (name Jane) who buy it for me not come and come back in the afternoon. My wife see her sit inside the show-case.

A suck man tell me go to the 2nd floor and manager will come to solve this for me. (because some customers were seeing in this shop and I say quite aloud and I want to stay in this shop to tell all customers come) . about 30 mins later, a suck woman come and we discuss, I said : " we were cheated by your shop, you bought it to expensive and I checked with my friend in yesterday, it only have price about 250$ (calculated by weight of gold). She said : another shop Speak ill of them, they must fight with enemy, they are a big store ( paranoid )

After discuss she say will pay back for me 6500bath (we said 7500bath) and go down to discuss with Director. Later she come and said director only pay 5000bath for us. And she will pay more 500bath from her pocket for us. My wise discuss and she agree with 5800bath.

I don't care after she said they will pay 5000bath because I really want to sit in this shop and speak aloud about them and go to police, I defined will lost my money but I live in Bangkok 2 days, I'll do something suitable with my money lost.

My wife tell me after they paid money back, this necklace has same price from our country (expensive a bit) and afraid about stranger country.
I think we still cheated to now maybe this shop think we are foreigner and tourist, we are don't know about law and afraid of them.
If discuss please discuss much more price because she will discuss with invisible Director (haha)

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written by Eddie, Fri 31 Jul 2009 13:56:09 CDT

I was in Thailand 27-30 July 2009 and same story happened on me. Conned THB23,800 for three so call orange sapphire. Haha... It's the greed and weakness of human nature that let them succeed the trick. I did get back 80% of the money in cash and consider that the 20% for the lesson.

What I suggest that is, once you all been conned. Please straight away go to the tourist police and the tourist police will discuss with the shop and get the refund back. ( I think there must be some kind of arrangement behind it!!! Maybe the police will get commission from the 20%) I think you just take what ever amount they give and since you are in their country and consider yourself stupid then enjoy your holiday.............

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written by Tourist Police Division, Royal Thai Police, Fri 31 Jul 2009 15:42:00 CDT

For the cases of Tourists purchasing Jewelry from the shop
Tourist Police Division express our hearted sympathy for the events of tourists who have purchased jewelry from the shop and receiving the unsatisfaction on the products. Tourist Police Division has not ignored with these situations, we provide the assistances and conveniences to tourists until the tourists receiving the satisfactions and fairness on transactions they made with the merchants. This make tourist get impressed with Thailand. For example there were 2 France tourists purchased the goods from S N P Jewelry Limited Partnership on 22 July 2009 then they felt not confident on the product quality, the tourist police helped to corporate with the shop and made the shop accepted the purchased jewelry back and refunded the amount to the tourist 90 % of the amount paid, the tourists were very impressed with our friendly assistance.
In such case, Tourist police Division straits and supervises for tourists to not get rid off or taken advantage from the entertainment places or shops and in case the shop sells the fake products and misleads the customers as the original the shop will be proceeded with the law case, however in case the selling jewelry even it is overprice but it is agreed by both parties, the police is not able to proceed the law case against the shop, however the tourist police helps to negotiate and being a mediator for the shop to accept the purchased product back and agrees to refund the amount to tourists.
For the picture on the website indicated that a France man is a person who persuades tourists to buy jewelries from shops, Tourist Police Division has an order to officers for monitoring the movement of the said man and if he is found anytime commits the criminal offense under the law of Thailand, we will proceed him with the law case forthwith.

Thai Tourist Police “ Your First Friend ” Call 1155

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written by Dean, Thu 06 Aug 2009 20:01:18 CDT

Well, welcome to the club, as they say. I have traveled extensively in south east asia but I fell for the same scam at SNP.
Thanks so much for the tips. I will contact Mr Suchat as soon as I arrive in Bangkok for a refund.
Thank god for the net and the information we can access!

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written by Mimi, Thu 24 Sep 2009 20:35:17 CDT

I curse bad luck to the entire Yindee Lapidary Co., Ltd, Bangkok including the Tuk Tuk driver, the guy near the shopping centre & the guy in the temple who joined the scam. They can do such a thing in front of the Buddha statue which they will not be forgiven including the next generation. May all those who had being conned will have good luck going into their lives and bad lucks running into Yindee.

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written by Kev, Sat 26 Sep 2009 22:06:16 CDT

I got conned the same way too... Pratunam Centre, Lucky Buddha, then Yindee... The Thai Authorities must really do something about this before the country ends up in HELL... These people are scamming people in front of the Buddha...

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written by Glenda, Tue 29 Sep 2009 11:34:50 CDT

Mimi & Kev, do you HONESTLY believe cursing someone, wishing them bad luck and hoping these people get there comeuppance will ever happen?

By the way, on matters concerning scams, how about this one, I'm going to be applying for a Thai driving licence soon, so I call up my consulate and ask how much for a proof of address (Just confirmation of my address) costs? Guess how much I have to pay 2088bt WTF!

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written by Fanny, Tue 27 Oct 2009 20:27:42 CDT

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written by William, Wed 28 Oct 2009 13:53:22 CDT

For those already "taken" this will be of no use, however for those of you who haven't please take this advise. Thailand is "infamous" for gem scams and I am convinced that unless you are a skilled gemologist or metalurgist, do NOT buy any expensive jewelry while in the LOS. I have never met anyone who was satisfied with price and quality of the jewlery, gems or precious metals that they purchased will visiting Thailand. It is true that the Kingdom is rich in gems such as rubies and other such stones and that they do beautiful work in gold and silver, however the problem lies in the quality sold. The sad but true facts are that they will always sell you a product claiming it to A quality when it is in fact C quality and you will have NO way of proving to any legal authority otherwise, the deck is stacked against a Farang. The jewelry scams are too numerous to mention, but often they will involve a well dressed "shill" you will solict a Farang, it may be even be more complex involving you and he (or she) buying jewelry together to get a "better price". You will agree then find out that the shill works for the seller and you may be shown product A and pay for that but then a funny thing will happen when they wrap up your purchase and you not leave with the same item you purchased. It is also instructive to understand that many of the jewelry stores are owned in full or in part by the governement or government officials. Good luck getting anyone to investgate and give you justice let alone a refund.

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written by Fanny, Mon 16 Nov 2009 14:00:46 CST

Hi all friends, i just came back from bangkok on 25 oct 09. I was con by Yindee Lapidary Co. LTD the same way central world,lucky buddha,yindee. I managed to get a refund (bangkok bank credit vocher from yindee) through tourist police. I was inform by the Tourist police that yindee would credit the money back into my account within 3 weeks. HAVE ANY FRIENDS HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE OF REFUND THROUGH BANK CREDIT VOUCHER FROM YINDEE??? PLS HELP THANKS ALL FRIENDS!!!

Today (16-Nov-2009, Monday), I got my money back! Yindee honoured the credit voucher and said the money will be credited back to me within 21 days.

To those who got cheated, don't delay! Do it fast! Report to the authority & confront Yindee!

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written by Winthur, Tue 29 Dec 2009 23:45:12 CST

Oh my god, I was a victim as all frm the whole yin Dee scam. I bought the ring over 1.9k of Sgd. Will any kind Singaporean please advise me on how do I get back a refund on this ruby I had bought? I have called my credit card company but they say the amount had already credited over. Please help me as I feel so supid. Please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it I really appreciate your act of kindness.

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written by Winthur, Tue 29 Dec 2009 23:47:11 CST

Fanny, which tourist police did you contact? I am so lost now. Please mail me how to go about doing it. :(

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written by philip, Sun 10 Jan 2010 12:33:50 CST

Hi Guys,

I was scammed on 21st december and realized it the same night while chatting to a friend. Did everything I could to stop the parcel (as it was posted with ems) but no luck. Had a word with mr.suchat and was advised to return to sydney and get the gems and receipts and to make a complaint at his office. I am planning to fly sometime next week and i have the gems in the parcel. I am still not sure if I should open the parcel or no. Im worried if I open it they may say no its not ours or probably the guy who issued the receipt changed their descriptoion on paper so that when i claim they 'll say the gems dont match description...on the other hand if I keep it closed, they gonna ask how u know they are not genuine or not worth the price as u didnt open the seal hence they were not valued elsewhere...what do u think guys?

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written by Just Back from Bangkok, Sun 10 Jan 2010 22:37:52 CST

oh my gosh! This is all so true! We just got home and had to check out 'lucky Buddha'. Our tuk-tuk told us that it was a Buddhist special day and the government subsidized their fares today. (yesterday) He also told us that there was no tax on Thai rubies and emeralds today - last day of government promotion.
The kicker was that the driver was super nice and brought us to the temples, but we got sucked into a story of a Thai guy that we met at 'The Lucky Buddha' - the one day out of the year that this temple was open... how lucky we were to be there!! He proceeded to tell us that yesterday; a tuk-tuk took his whole family for a tour for 15 bht ... etc. He said they came in from the South of Thailand - a pilgrimage of sorts to see this Buddha as it's special and they were asking for good luck for his family's furniture business. The story follows much the same as the rest, Jem Shop for a look. The whole thing started to seem sketchy. We didn't not buy anything and were returned to the point of pickup with incident. The Tuk-Tuk driver even asked for our city tourist map while we went in a temple and covered the warning label on the map of these scamming Tuk-Tuk / Jem Shops.

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written by Me Too, Tue 19 Jan 2010 13:13:52 CST

My husband and I went to Bangkok in December and I cannot believe what I am reading. It happend exactly the same way to us. At the Lucky Buddha with 2 "tourists"/ They even showed us a receipt to prove it just "purchased" jewlery. He went on to mention a jewlery in our area to would accept the jewels and make us our profit. I took the ring and necklace we bought to our local jeweler here in the Bay Area. She said the sapphires are real just not worth the price I paid. The Thailand sapphire is much darker than the desirable sky blue sapphire popular in the US. I of course did not know that then. After reading these comments, I think I will call our credit card company tomorrow and pursue getting a refund. Please let me know if you have any advice.

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written by Delia, Wed 20 Jan 2010 11:43:14 CST

@Delia, best to read all the comments on this thread to get a better picture of your position, your credit card company will NOT give you a refund, thats for sure.

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written by Delia, Wed 20 Jan 2010 11:44:43 CST

Sorry "Me Too" I was typing too fast, the comment above is for you.

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written by Vanessa, Wed 20 Jan 2010 16:31:56 CST

WE WERE SCAMMED TOO!!!! but were lucky enough to get the refund from yindee representative as my bf and I went straight to the tourist police and presented the print-out of their scam from the internet posted by different victims of this central world, old "seems decent" guy with a sweet talk, lucky buddha, tuktuk to temple and to yindee!!! i was sooo mad but was cool when talking to the tourist police, and after 45 mins, the guy on a blue jacket from yindee appeared with our money - full refund back!!!! we were there on Oct 7, 09!! just go directly to the tourist police and do what we did... you'll get your refund back!!!

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written by NN, Sat 23 Jan 2010 23:23:19 CST

Oh no,,,same thing happened to me 2days ago at SNP and now I m at BKK Airport waiting for my flight back to NY....The found this website....Oh no...
I also asked to mail my item to the US. I actually went to bak to the store but they said that they already shiped and I could return once I receive it. But they said the Iwill be charged big custom fee.
SO i dont know what to do.
I will come back to check this websit when I get back home..I need my money back.

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written by Todd, Sat 23 Jan 2010 23:55:43 CST

Oh wow! NN, how much are we talking about? Sometimes its best just to let sleeping dogs lie?

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written by dth, Tue 02 Feb 2010 18:21:53 CST

Oh CRAP!! I was just back from my trip yesterday and i JUST found this website. Exact same story, we were walking along Central and this rather decent guy came up to us once he finished praying. Talked quite a bit, showed us a few places of interest on the map, showed us his picture in a uniform(saying he's a lawyer in Thailand), and made it look like he was doing very well. After all the talk, he convinced us to go to Lucky Buddha by a tuk tuk that was there on 'standby', where another guy was there with another convincing story, talking about his family and a miracle his family had, about his mother being able to walk after praying with the 'buddha heart'. I thought there was 2 things ppl don't joke about in Thailand, one is their King and another is religion. Boy, were we soooooooo wrong. I can't believe people have the guts of cheating tourist in a temple. It's just not right. While in the tuk tuk, we were still discussing whether it was a scam, but it seemed a bit too real to be a scam. we went into the nice decent looking shop, where we were greeted by one of the sales lady who could speak fluent english. she used a gem tester to prove to us that the sapphire was real. she showed us a few till we chose the cheapest orange sapphire(cheapest being about 4900baht). now to think about the whole story, i really feel very stupid, persuading my husband to buy the gem for his grandmother's birthday. don't these ppl believe in retribution?!?!

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written by Mick Hucknell, Tue 02 Feb 2010 21:52:59 CST

" don't these ppl believe in retribution?!?! "

Do you think anything will happen to George and his bum chum Tony after the WMD palaver?

Sorry to burst your bubble dth, the God in this world is money, and people will by hook or by crook try to relieve you of it anyway they can.

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written by NN, Sat 06 Feb 2010 12:04:16 CST

I just want to say thank you to this website.

As my previous post on Jan.23rd, , I've been scammed by SNP.
My story is same as others - Lucky Buddha story.

I have contacted DIT, also Mastercard on the 24th (next day).
Same as the post by Brian on Wed 21 Jan 2009, I've got 100% refund on my mastercard today.
The amount was about 1800USD plus Foreign transaction fee.

So, In my case, CC company worked faster. - Even though I was told that it's too late to stop the transaction when I called them on Jan.24th. (FYI - Email response from DIT was pretty quick as well)

I had such a great time in Thailand until this happened and I am really sad that this fraud thing ruined everything.
But, I am lucky that I've found this website before I left Thailand - So, Thank you very much to everyone who have posted their experience. It really saved me. Thank you.

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written by Phil, Sat 06 Feb 2010 18:47:39 CST

@NN Congrats on getting ur full refund. I read brian's post and it seems that u have to send the gem back to the store wait for one month and then if no refund from the shop then cc company will refund you. If Im not mistaken u bought the gems on 23rd Jan and sat 6th feb u got ur refund...can you please guide us with little bit more information how cc company paid you in two weeks? did u post the gems back to the store?

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written by Dang, Fri 12 Feb 2010 10:02:36 CST

Hi NN, im the victim of the Yindee scam happen to me and wife last friday. But we r bk in singapore n realise we been conned about S$3000! I have call up credit card company and waiting for them to send me the disqute form. Can you pls share with me how you able to get CC company to refund 100%?
Did u sent or mail bk the gems?

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written by Phil, Sun 14 Feb 2010 10:22:54 CST

@Dang

I am really not sure how she managed to get 100 percent back in just 2 weeks after she bought the gems! I asked her the same question on 6th and no reply so far. According to all the reports I have read so far, this one seems very confusing. I suggest you to read other ppl's reports as NN's report looks little bit far from reality.

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written by Phil, Tue 16 Feb 2010 10:18:08 CST

To anyone who has been successful in the refund..I need to know

- when the refund is scheduled on Credit Voucher, does it mean they are using an eftpos machine and then u can get a receipt of the transaction?

- If you cancel your old credit card (the one you bought the gems) and now approaching them with New Credit card...do you think still the transaction can take place?

- When you travek to thailand, carrying the 'gems' with you...do you need to take some precautions while they are xraying your luggage? Any chances a custom officer asks you to pau custom fees?

I highly appreciate if you could answer any of these questions. I am flying back this sunday.

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written by Dang, Fri 19 Feb 2010 10:54:36 CST

Hi Phil, Im just got advice from my CC company. Many cardholders are victims too as mentioned by the CS officer. She advise me to get in touch with Department of Internal Trade and Tourism Police in BBK. CC company will NOT refund bk the amount.
Phil, hope U can get back the refund soon and update us your trip when U bk. Tks in advance.
I planning to go bk too in march.

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written by benedict, Sun 21 Feb 2010 12:32:05 CST

hi dang we have a lot of people been scam and going to DIT mr. Suchat you can e-mail me and talk we can re-group to give yindee a lesson i am going to bangkok on march 2010
e-mail me This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if some one wanna join e-mail me and we talk

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written by singh, Sun 21 Feb 2010 12:38:09 CST

you are right benidect 100 % refund is right they must do it if not we go and protest At the ( Department of Internal Trade) Mr. Suchat Yindee do illegal practice on businees this is in Thai Law .We can show them that we need only refund even we already loose money for ticket and travel .But we can also charge them and can cuase them closed the yindee shop if we want scam is crime.

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written by Howard, Sun 21 Feb 2010 15:11:44 CST

Yindee is run by the Police. Good luck.

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written by boy, Sun 21 Feb 2010 16:42:05 CST

i do not care if they are Mafia or police Thailand is a memeber Of United Nations or ASEAN they must stop this god sake

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written by Reginald Periwinkle, Sun 21 Feb 2010 22:47:40 CST

@boy, did you know that the President (via a coup) of a country in West Africa, which by the way is a member of the U.N. stated, " that he would "cut off the head" of any gay or lesbian person discovered in the country " does the U.N. have my respect?

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written by len, Mon 01 Mar 2010 09:31:39 CST

hey there.. same story as above.. about the lucky buddha etc.. i got my full refund back.. and yes.. thai police gang up with yindee.. so be careful when u are there.. good luck to you guys...

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written by dan, Mon 01 Mar 2010 09:45:48 CST

ARE THESE PEOPLE for real thats why its called a scam never heard of a scammer that gives refunds please do ur backround checks when buying jewellery in any country no just here my friend has a pawn shop in ireland and he says that the amount of men that bought stuff for there wifes during the goodtimes onlyto find that it is not worth a tenth of the value in the first place so it happens ever where

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written by denise cheong, Wed 31 Mar 2010 11:27:48 CDT

i just got cheated on february 2009! i bought a ring for 3500 baht and i know the amount is little compare to you guys....i am going back on June and i will be visiting that shop to get my money back!

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written by fred, Wed 31 Mar 2010 20:41:10 CDT

hi does anyone know how to get a refund without travelling back to Bangkok. Got email back from Mr Suchat indicating i have to go to his office personally.

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written by mr mike, Thu 27 May 2010 15:32:34 CDT

losers.if it seems too good to be true it always is.

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written by thepinkmaria, Mon 05 Jul 2010 21:47:53 CDT

just today, July 5, 2010 i experienced this horrible thing, but luckily it only THB1500 because I knew from the start that there is something fishy going on. I just had to buy it because we were kinda afraid of these peoples because I knew that they are connected with each other even tourist police who show his ID to us.

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written by Mich Me, Tue 06 Jul 2010 17:54:40 CDT

I am a new victim from China. It was happened in June 24th. Almost the same story. I paid 60,000bahts by Master card for a set of sapphrie ring, earring and pendant in white gold setting in Erawan Lapidary.

I am now back China, have already had the post package with me and still keep everything sealed, and other documents. Seems that I have to arrange another trip to deal with all these messed up things. Since i am alone, I prefer to go to DIT Mr. Suchat for help. It will be better if there is someone here joins me, I can be contacted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by brian, Sat 31 Jul 2010 09:23:16 CDT

i just got my money back.mr suchat is very helpful.I manage to get back 90%of the amount.dont wait too long to go back thailand.i got my money back in just 5 days.i didnt pay my credit card off

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written by Wanda, Sat 31 Jul 2010 16:55:59 CDT

If Mr Suchart was truly helpful he would do something about these scammers and stop collecting 10% from the victims.

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written by mikey, Sat 31 Jul 2010 22:42:43 CDT

10% is a good profit for no investment by the scammers

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written by manuel, Mon 02 Aug 2010 08:48:25 CDT

im a victim im in bkk if i can do something for you i gonna try This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
for mi the random thing is i wanted to spend 200000 and they just let me spend 70000 crazy no somebody can gimme some info about that thanks in advance

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written by Calvin, Fri 20 Aug 2010 13:40:15 CDT

Could anyone pass me Mr. Sunchat's email address? Thank you in advance.

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written by manuel, Thu 26 Aug 2010 07:19:00 CDT

YEAH!!!!!! TODAY I GOT MY MONEY BACK THANKS MR SUCHAT!!!!

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written by la, Thu 02 Sep 2010 08:18:42 CDT

what is the email of mr suchat? i am going back this saturday to get a refund as well. thanks for your help in advance

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written by kurt, Tue 21 Sep 2010 22:28:52 CDT

I'm a victim also. Could anyone pass me Mr. Sunchat's email address or contact number? Thank you in advance. i can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by Malaysia - PETER, Fri 08 Oct 2010 17:01:26 CDT

I'm a Victim also. I'm Malaysian. I managed to get 100% Refund from the shop that i purchased from. Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

Scam date : 18 September 2010
Location : Yindee Lapidary

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written by Iongcookie, Sat 09 Oct 2010 14:59:58 CDT

I am a victim too.. Any kind soul please advise the email of Mr Sunchat. Thank you in advance. Kindly forward the address to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Appreciate

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written by Kelvin Lim, Sun 10 Oct 2010 12:10:55 CDT

I'm a Malaysian and I am a victim too.. same story with other victims, Met A guy, tuk tuk driver 30 bath , then a monk waiting inside the lucky buddha.....I;m really need to to get the refund so. Any kind soul please advise the email of Mr Sunchat. Thank you in advance. Kindly forward the address to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by Sintourist, Sun 10 Oct 2010 20:45:13 CDT

i was a victim Jan 2010 while on hols in bkk. anyone can give me mr. suchart email will be deeply appreciated. Thank u in advance. My email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by liz, Tue 30 Nov 2010 19:10:18 CST

i just came back from bkk yesterday. as what you all said, me and my bf also face this scam when we were in bkk. that morning we were walking towards to erawan (4 face buddha), suddently 1 aunty from no where pop up and ask few question to know us more then she told us bout this lucky buddha and mentioned that we must go bla bla bla.. then we decided to go, after praying another guy said he is a security guard (told us the king is coming to pray on that day) *we do believe at that moment* then we met a man who said himself a judiciary and started telling his story.. then follow by the orange sapphire *buddha heart* story, for him this is like a miracle stone... sounds like we must buy this stone to protect ourself. he gave us the address bla bla bla... but luckily me and my bf did not plan to spent that much to buy all this stone therefore we didnt fall into their trap... phewww~

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written by ivan, Fri 03 Dec 2010 23:20:04 CST

My wife and I fell into the same scam,a postman direct us to lucky budhha, said is buddha day, a nice guy in the temple said he is a Thai Airways staff and direct the tuk-tuk driver to take us to yindee. He even said that yindee open 7 days tru out the year in conjunction to the King's Birthday on 5th Dec. Shame of the Thai to this group of scammers, u tarnished the image of the rest of the kindness peoples of Thai, the Buddhisme and disrespectful to the King. These scammers dare to lie in front of buddha statue and in the temple, they will get it later.....Long Live to the King! Get rid of the bad apples...

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written by Somchai, Sat 04 Dec 2010 01:02:58 CST

" they will get it later "

At above, they sure will, Id say about 1500Baht for a days work!

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written by heaven knows, Wed 08 Dec 2010 14:07:00 CST

just finish reading above , have a feeling it might be another scam in there. anyway ,i do believe that we all want a peaceful mind that can sleep and live like a human. not like those scammer live in a beasting life , waiting to accept their karma........... and to see what those scammer wrong did have done to their own son and daughther.......we lose money but they lose everything ...

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written by Pruitt21Fern, Wed 08 Dec 2010 14:07:27 CST

Make your life easier take the personal loans and everything you want.

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written by sunny, Thu 09 Dec 2010 09:11:57 CST

can anyone advise me that should i go to deparment of internal trade or th tourist police.... i was scammed at yindee lapidary also. pls , pls pls, we should help each other. thank you in advance.

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written by Mr Hin, Fri 10 Dec 2010 18:24:00 CST

We were scammed to buy the Rings from the Gems Shop, Yindee on 7 Dec 2010 when we were in Bangkok as well. Please advise how should i go to deparment of internal trade or th tourist police.

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written by Mr Hin, Sat 11 Dec 2010 13:02:20 CST

I would like to go back to bangkok to get the refund. Anyone know whether the Yindee Lapidary open on the weekend?

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written by sunny, Mon 13 Dec 2010 08:06:15 CST

hi,mr hin, i'm also scammed by yindee ... are u malaysian... maybe we can arranged bck to bangkok for refund.

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written by unknown, Mon 13 Dec 2010 15:24:41 CST

me also scammed by Yindee for the same story on 7 December 2010 afternoon, Yindee is open on Saturday from 10-5pm, Sunday i not sure, i trying to get back my refund!

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written by ivan, Tue 14 Dec 2010 22:08:04 CST

To all victims,
I just came back from there. For my case, I went to the tourist Police office at National Stadium near MBK. If anyone wish to go back can contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it I'm waiting for the said refund promise by Yindee that said to b abt 20days. Still waiting.......

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written by Kavin, Wed 15 Dec 2010 08:48:23 CST

I'm one of the victim by Yindee on 08 Dec 2010 and back to Malaysia. Spent 20000 over Baht on 1 stone, quick check with local jewelery shop, it worth around RM200. Not able to go back in near future, but send an email to the Tourism Ministry, Ms. Anchalee as recommended by one of the blogger.

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written by Mr Hin, Thu 16 Dec 2010 23:49:13 CST

Hi All,

Able you able to get back 100% refund?

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written by Mr Hin, Fri 17 Dec 2010 00:00:33 CST

I have asked Tourist Authority of Thailand Singapore to report my case to Tourist Police of Bangkok. So far, there is no reply at all. Tourist police number is 662 308 0898 not reachable at all, nobody pick up the call.

Hi Ivan,

Are you able to get 100% refund for the Gem that you bought?
How long you take to settle with them? within 1 day or just few hours?
Did you go through any parties to contact the tourist police or straight away seek the help from Tourist Police?

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written by go go go, Sat 18 Dec 2010 17:36:32 CST

anyone get any reply from Ms. Anchalee? I have emailed her about 1 week and still watiing for reply...

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written by go go go, Sat 18 Dec 2010 17:39:09 CST

can anyone describe how does Mr Suchat look like?

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written by go go go, Sat 18 Dec 2010 17:44:30 CST

Hi Mr. Hin,

Who is the person that you have contacted from TAT Singapore? Are you planning to go back to get back the refund?

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written by Mr Hin, Sun 19 Dec 2010 19:10:16 CST

Hi Gogogo,

Are u from Singapore? What is ur email? I did send email to Ms Anchales as well but there is no reply. Since tourist police number is not reachable from Singapore, TAT will settle the case for me. Their number is 65 6235 7901. Now, I am waiting for their further confirmation whether need to go back to Bangkok. For some cases, i understand that the victims straight away fly back to bangkok to seek the help from tourist police without the help from 3rd party. They are still able to get back the 100% refund.

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written by go go go, Mon 20 Dec 2010 05:31:15 CST

Hi Mr. Hin,

Could you email me at sadaideedokchampa @ gmail dot com. Thanks.

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written by Kavin, Mon 20 Dec 2010 20:01:10 CST

Hi all,

I emailed Ms Anchales and Mr Suchat and the director general of Dept of Internal Trade. Up to now, there is no reply.

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written by go go go, Wed 22 Dec 2010 05:29:21 CST

hi mr. hin,

my correct email should be sabaideedokchampa @ gmail[dot]com

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written by go go go, Wed 22 Dec 2010 10:36:00 CST

where are you from kavin? do you plan to go back to get back the refund?

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written by Kavin, Fri 24 Dec 2010 14:55:54 CST

Go,

From Malaysia. Not planning to go back in near future. U?

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written by go go go, Mon 27 Dec 2010 15:34:49 CST

Kavin,

how do you plan to get back the refund?

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written by go go go, Mon 27 Dec 2010 15:35:40 CST

sunny,

do u plan to go back to get back the refund?

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written by Jeff, Thu 30 Dec 2010 20:36:43 CST

Hi, i was scammed on January of this year, lucky me I manage to obtain a 100% refund.
Here are some advice you should do:

1 - Report this to the bank immediately and fill up necessary documents to inform them it was a fraud case, the bank will not reverse the transaction without the merchants instruction, therefore the report is for you to avoid any interest charge shall the case is prolong. Do not waste time with the bank explaining how you get fraud, they are still not going to refund you. Take note.

2 - Domestic Internal Trade, Mr. Suchat is helpful or over helpful for the past years, he will give u an option to courier the gems to him or return to Thailand. Forget about courier the items as you want to avoid any surprises, its either you return it to Bangkok or get assistance from a trustable friend at Bangkok.

3 - Tourism Ministry, Ms. Anchalee is sincere and helpful you can try email her the case 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
She will then escalate the case to her boss and they will give the scammers a ring and negotiate on your behalf. I've tried this method and I've got a 100% refund. You may request for their assistance to accompany you to the shop if necessary.

God speed.

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written by Ruby, Wed 05 Jan 2011 18:24:57 CST

I can't believe that I'm so stupid to fall for this scam on December 30th 2010. Special offer with the Tuk-Tuk I already felt that it was my lucky day. Very glad that they didn't have a special offer on plastic surgery too else I probably have got the lot done.
I bought a ring and pendent from SNP Jewelry, who kindly offered to deliver them to my hotel the following evening before I flew home. After the purchase I was chauffeured around the greater temples of Bangkok by a lovely lady who reassured me on my great investment. When I returned to my hotel and spoke to my friend it became apparent I'd been snared. I immediately called my bank who stopped my card, but could do nothing to stop the money being deducted from my account (if only I had thought to take all my money out of that account, so it would bounce). I filed a report with the Thai police and even drove to the shop with a very nice highway policeman, unfortunately the shop was closed for the four day New Year holiday. I have e-mailed Mr Suchat who has not replied to my e-mail yet. I spoke to somebody who claimed to be SNP on the telephone who have offered me 70% refund.
I'd like to get more, has anyone been ripped off by SNP too recently.
Also as my card has been stopped how will they refund on to it?

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written by go go go, Wed 05 Jan 2011 18:43:44 CST

Hi ruby,

Are you still in bangkok? I'm going to ask for a refund on the 8th Jan with the help of tourist police...

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

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written by ADA, Sun 23 Jan 2011 12:50:39 CST

I was scammed too ,I am willing to share my experience

I bought yesterday afternoon 22/01 2011, at same evering be chance I found this is a scam, I almost find all the solutions what I can find in web,so I decide to goto the police office follow moring ,because MR suchat's office is too far ,if I take taxi maybe take me more than 600bt.

only tourist police office can take the case ,is near MRK shoppingcenter, tel:02 2141956,you can call them ,or get there by train,they open all week,and the officer can help you contant shop ,talk to them to find a way to finish it ,at finaly I took 90% money back ,I really want take all money back ,but is diffcult,anthoer 10% money I pay for this lesson, I will never fotget this.

I also has MR shchat,I'd love to share it, I hope all you guys can take your own money back.

MR Suchat sinrat

TEL 02-5475356
02-5475358

ADD:44/100 Nonthaburi 1 RD muang district Nonthaburi 11000

you can go to Victory monument first ,and then by bus 69,near the final station get off ,this way can save money than by taxi.

the shop return my money by credit card ,I can't check now because today they close(sunday),I will be following this. GOOD LUCK TO ME!

if someone has problem you can ask me ,I will tell you all I know to help you ,don't give up ,we must take back our money.

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written by Mr hin, Mon 24 Jan 2011 20:41:20 CST

I just get the money　（１００％　ｒｅｆｕｎｄ） back by seeking the help from TAT Singapore.

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written by 450, Sun 30 Jan 2011 20:58:29 CST

Hi Mr hin

may i know how u got ur 100% refund back frm TAT singapore?? Anyone one in particular that you may intro to us. Me and my cousins were also being cheated last week ard 21th Jan and nw we are wondering if we need to fly back to Bangkok for the refund... Pls assist!! Your prompt reply is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

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written by 00, Mon 31 Jan 2011 17:02:56 CST

this is very terrible, according to TAT, they received complaints on yindee every mth without fail!! N yet the authorities in Bkk are sitting ard washing their hands off this series of scams and allowing This bunch of Thai IDIOTS who can simply lie Right in front of the Buddha to go ard cheating foreigners!!

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written by Tuom, Tue 01 Feb 2011 14:15:46 CST

Thais think foreigners deserve to be ripped off.

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written by VISA owner (but not for long after this), Wed 02 Feb 2011 08:42:32 CST

Anyone now how to contact VISA? got a credit voucher 2 months from now but still no money on my account. Im from scandinavia and the info i found is just "talk with your bank about every questions about VISA" well ive tried but they couldnt say much about anything and im still on holiday. Need to talk to someone that can answers about what the rules are about returning the money(in a decent time) and also someone where i can make a complaint about them "working" with criminals, im almost more angry at VISA then the shop because they know whats going on and still let them use their services!

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written by Madmoz, Wed 02 Feb 2011 16:28:59 CST

I can report that the scam is still operating. Same old lucky Buddha and Singaporean PR story. Was suspicious so did not get anything, was kinda worried on the way back. I was picked up and approached outside Isetan.

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written by Ruby, Thu 03 Feb 2011 18:42:55 CST

Dear Visa owner.
My grief was with SNP Jewelry on the 30st December 2010. I didn't arrange to have my jewellery sent home and became suspicious of the deal before SNP was to deliver the jewellery to the hotel. With the polices help SNP offered to refund 70% which of course is less than 100% I really want, so I declined. I paid on Visa debit and am currently evoking a process called 'chargeback' for failing to receive the goods. As it stands in the UK if you paid with a real credit card you are even better protected, below is a link to an article on 'section 75'. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases
I don't know how it is in your country, but it would be wise to see to this matter sooner rather then later.
good luck.

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written by VISA owner (but not for long after this), Thu 03 Feb 2011 19:18:03 CST

Thank you for your answer Ruby i will look it up. Thing is i already accepted 80% refund and they have the merchandise now (accepted with the idea of try to get the remaining 20% back from VISA)
And now its frustrating since i still not recieved the agreed 80%, i even been to the bank in thailand and they said normally it will take 5 days with credit voucher!

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written by Tan, Thu 03 Feb 2011 22:40:13 CST

I from Malaysia anyone can teach me how to get the refund?please.

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written by Some Tourist, Sat 05 Feb 2011 04:42:38 CST

Call Mr Suchart.
He is the guy that works in the Thai Government that assists the scammers.
He will take ten percent to help you with a refund.
Why doesn't he do something to stop the scammers?

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written by Ruby, Sat 05 Feb 2011 06:03:21 CST

You still don't have your refund, so I believe that under the rules as I see them, your credit card company should help you. They can arrange for the money to be recovered directly from the merchants bank account.
As for Mr Sinchat when I called in January I was told that he had changed jobs. Probably just another tale of Bulls**t?

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written by chocolate, Sat 12 Feb 2011 16:30:39 CST

I just came back from bkk last night, got all the damn shit story like you all.. me and my friends spent over RM7k... and we really need to get back the $..
really thanks a lot for you all sharing information..
can anyone share what should i do right now as Mr. Ruby(above comment) saying that Mr Sinchat is no longer working there...
i have alr called to bank, n now hv to wait till monday to go to bank fill up the dispute form..yet i understand that there is no way for bank to return $ back..
pls... share with me.. what should we do now to get back $..

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written by Dwayne, Sat 12 Feb 2011 18:33:15 CST

At above, any chance you can re-write in an easier to read format, peace?

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written by Ruby, Sun 13 Feb 2011 07:46:04 CST

How did you pay?
Did you make a police statement?
Did you try get a refund while you were in Bangkok?
Where is your jewellery now?
Where did you buy from?

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written by chocolate, Sun 13 Feb 2011 14:41:53 CST

Thanks Ruby for ur kind attention,

we pay by creditcard.
no i didnt make any police report as we found we got cheated after back to malaysia the 2nd day.
therefore i didnt manage to get any refund. the rings are with us.
we bought from Yindee Lapidary.

we have alr called to bank and bank said the the transaction has gone through. what else can i do? do i hv to go back bangkok?

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written by Ruby, Sun 13 Feb 2011 17:44:28 CST

I am fairly well read on the "gem scam" now. Some of my suggestions from the reports I have read would be;
Cancel you credit card (just to be safe).
Talk to your credit card company.
Contact your embassy.
Try to find other people who are in the same position as you.

Find out if there is any customer protection available for goods purchased with your credit card. If there is take the rings to a jeweller to see if there is anything not declared on the certificate you received from Yindee Lapidary, i.e some kind of treatment. If there is something which is not declared perhaps you have a case that your credit card company can take up with Yindee.

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written by Ray, Mon 14 Feb 2011 04:36:02 CST

Just so ypou know, the police are running this scam.
The loudest, most persistent victims can talk with a Mr Suchart. He works for the scammers(and the Thai Gov) and will get you a partial refund.

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written by chocolate, Mon 14 Feb 2011 22:31:12 CST

thank ruby and ray..
ray, so do u hv any way that can help me to reach to Mr Suchart?

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written by hh, Thu 17 Feb 2011 07:27:18 CST

Hi Chocolate,

Below are the document that you need to prepare in order to get your bank (credit card) to help you fight against the merchant (Yindee) due to a fraud case...
1. Get a gemologist letter on the fake/defect gems that you have bought
2. Write a letter to Yindee (attention to your credit card's bank) stating that you do not want to pay for any fake/defects gems. You must state this in your letter to have warn the bank that you are not going to pay anything as those items are fake/defects and it is the bank responsible to protect you as their customer and not merchant

Then, this is what you should do:
1. Ship back the gems and attached the letter & photocopied of the gemologist report (use pos laju and declare the items as gift/souvenir)
2. Then, photocopied the letter, credit card dispute form, gemologist report and the pos laju receipt. Also print out anything related to Yindee gem scam from internet. Send all this document to your credit card's bank. Liaise with your bank customer service officer..
3. Ask you bank to cancel this transaction as you have dispute it and have send the items back to the merchant. Your bank will contact the merchant telling them that you have dispute it.

I am telling you this as I have experienced it before and have successfully not paying any single cent to the merchant due to fake/defect goods...Trust me..

It looks like a long procedure but it is worth to try...Don't trust Mr. Suchart and never send your gems to him as you have never met him before.

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written by Unexpected, Sat 12 Mar 2011 20:35:42 CST

1) The gems purchased at the Scam Gem Shop are genuine, but overpriced..
2) Hence, will be useless for Gemologists to identify and evaluate these gems.
3) Contact Tourist Police Service Centre for immediate assistance at 1155.
As for tourists who have already bought items, the TAT has requested cooperation from the Tourist Police Division to liaise with shops. In practice, the negotiations for returning purchased items and refunding the money are troublesome since there is no law controlling gem prices. The shops argue that the sale has been finalised already. Therefore, it is difficult to take legal action against these shops. Gem products and gold ornaments are not under the control of the Consumer's Rights Protection Act BE 2541 (1998).
However, if tourists discover later that purchased items are fake, this is illegal. Tourists must press charges against the shop within three months after the shop is made aware of the wrongdoing. In cases when the products are real, but the cost is unusually high, the civil law does not apply as there is no standard price for gems, unlike other consumer products. Still, negotiations to return the products to the shops can be conducted. A refund, on the other hand, is denied. A customer can resort to civil law to have the matter resolved. (Read More at http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Scams/Sapp02.shtml)
4a) Do not attempt to make further overseas call to your bank revised the transaction.. Only to request them to Block your credit card to prevent further usage by the merchant. As for your purchases, transactions had been approved at the point of sales. Though payment in-process ( as claimed by your bank (which means, on an average depending on your bank (it's will take between 4 to 10 working days) to allow merchant bank to claim for it's payment.
4b) Importantly, U must only accept VOID Charge Slip.. Where you could dispute on these transactions once you are back in your country.. No immediate urgency, Your bank will only look into this dispute of your transactions upon completion of the payment to your merchant bank.. The Bank will not entertain you if the tranctions have not been posted, however, it will always be good if you could lodge a report with your bank.
5) U can tried contacting your Country Ambassy for assistance.. For my case.. My country ambassy denied any assistance.. claiming it a civil case.
6) Be Cool and Stay Calm while you retreive back your $$$.

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written by Visa Owner, Wed 06 Apr 2011 11:05:22 CDT

how did it end up with your chargeback claim ruby?
havent done it yet since im not home yet (just got the papers sent to me after a lot of trouble)

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written by Unexpected, Wed 06 Apr 2011 19:40:35 CDT

I dont quite understand your Qns.. Perhaps u wan to elaborate more.. What do u meant by Charge back claim Ruby??

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written by Unexpected, Wed 06 Apr 2011 19:45:20 CDT

if the paper u are referring is the VOID Charge back slip..Most pro .. U don hv to worry must..U can always dispute it with ur bank if the amount is charge to your statement.

To be safe.. U can always fax your void charge slip to your bank for their reference.

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written by Maurice, Mon 25 Apr 2011 16:19:32 CDT

1) go the the ministry of tourism and sports and do a complaint. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Closed during week-end
2)they Will bring you see Tourist police. Do a deposit.
3)make an arrangement with the shop in front if the police.

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written by Cindy, Tue 26 Apr 2011 19:03:13 CDT

The scammer have a partner in the Government.
If the victims complain long enough or loud enough, they will send you to Mr Suchart at the Ministry of Commerce. He assists hundreds of visitors in 'partial' refunds. This usually shuts up the victim and the scams continue.
Mr Suchart knows who these scammers are and where they work but does not do a thing to stop them. He enjoys working with the gem scammers. Best thing that ever happened to him.

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written by charlie, Fri 20 May 2011 18:11:26 CDT

surprising these scams still continue in the same fashion and the Thai Government is silent on these issues and allowing the fraud to continue using a temple which is sacred place. Have fallen a prey to the same this month and allowing Yindee Lapidary to still operate. How does one get help for a refund ?

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written by ruby, Sun 22 May 2011 21:38:33 CDT

Dear Visa owner!!
I'm still waiting on my case, as my reply to my bank's query about the case, which was sent registered delivery went missing in the post. I was trying to stay patient t now I wished I hadn't as I think it has put me bad at least 2.5 months. My advice is to contact your bank ASAP and if you haven't heard from them for a while be sure to give them a call.

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written by Visa Owner, Mon 23 May 2011 08:31:21 CDT

Hi ruby, i actually got my money back (the 80%) just before i was gonna send the papers to the bank, it means it took around 130 days and not 30 as it was said lol. Almost got annoyed i got them back, have been sitting in phone in hours with my bank and have been taking copies of the document etc. also have been thinking alot of this when i was supposed to enjoy my holliday.
Now i dont know how to do, maybe send a complain anyway cause im still angry that they use their services (VISA)
i wish u all luck with your case and i hope u will get your money back

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written by Mastercard, Mon 23 May 2011 13:03:18 CDT

Hi, Visa Owner,

Can you advise step by step, how you approach and get your money back pls?

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written by judobill, Fri 08 Jul 2011 15:13:28 CDT

You guys are a riot !! "We take you there short time, short time, then we rip you off big time" !

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written by judobill, Sat 09 Jul 2011 05:00:46 CDT

You guys are a riot !! "We take you there short time, short time, then we rip you off big time" !

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written by Ricardo, Sat 09 Jul 2011 13:17:24 CDT

FOUR THOUSAND (owners removed 2000) COMPLAINTS in several years.

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written by Ricardo, Sat 09 Jul 2011 13:19:40 CDT

The comments below belong on Holiday Club Scams in Phuket thread, apologies.

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written by chellai-Philippines, Tue 16 Aug 2011 01:13:32 CDT

we have experienced the same case!we just got back this mid morning from bangkok. my dady bought this ring with 3 gems on it.. it was like channel looking style..its very pleasing and beautiful he have it gift for my mom.. Same tactics and agendas they rode tuktuk while they were riding on it going to thaispot shopping center the driver insist that he have to drop by in this jewerly shop so called GEMSTONE FACTORY AND MINING EXPORT CENTER CO.LTD-90/70/76 RAJCHA PRAROP RD. PHAYA THAI RAJCHATAVEE DIST. BANGKOK THAILAND(0-2642-7637 FAX:0-2642-7638) he said because of the of the queen's bday all jewerlies well have a big discounts up to 60% off! so my parents have it look..and they also noticed that all of the people inside wer women in mid 50's and up..fine looking jewerlies, very good looking shop. and they were introduced to this women and start offering this ring..she has this small,like pencil instrument that can detect the good quality of the stones. End of story my daddy bought it using his mastercard to purchased it. it has also guarantee receipt for the ring and then when we got home this morning and my mom have it appraised to a pawnshop and shocked that she found out that the ring has no value at all!! she cried and worry what if thats not just the amount that they swiped. because they did not see how many times they swiped the credit card! and luckly we purchased it weekend(sunday) so it was not yet processed by the bank till this morning after finding it out we hurriedly called the bank to block the card. and happily the operator said the transaction weve made was still in floating! so now they granted to block the card and the transaction is cancelled. so now what i advise is have a research first on what place your going most specially on warning sites and dont trust anyone whos just approach u from nowhere! and if u purchased using card,you still 24hours to void it! and ofcourse have an eye on any transactions you made using it..

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written by mia, Mon 26 Sep 2011 20:59:28 CDT

hi all, yeah i gues i'm a new victim.. it's true that it's not worth losing sleep..
I finally contacted the dit and set a date to meet them in early october. I waited for their reply via e-mail, and guesss what? they are too busy to entertain everyone cos there are so many scam going on...
calvin and tina, when are you planning to back? I got scammed by Erawan Lapidary and I haven't even pay off my credict card bills..
if anyone of you would like to go to BKK, let see if we can meet or go together. I'm from malaysia. my e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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written by mia, Tue 27 Sep 2011 06:32:06 CDT

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written by Patrick, Wed 05 Oct 2011 23:36:57 CDT

Hi, all I guess I'm new victim..any one can help how to do next just came back from bangkok...???

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written by Patrick, Wed 05 Oct 2011 23:45:22 CDT

Hi all I'm new victim on this case pls tell us to to get refund back the money

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written by SUSANNERomero30, Sat 08 Oct 2011 14:52:12 CDT

I took 1 st credit loans when I was 32 and this aided my relatives a lot. Nevertheless, I require the short term loan once more time.

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written by DANIELSDELORIS, Sat 08 Oct 2011 14:53:24 CDT

Do you acknowledge that it is the best time to get the personal loans, which would help you.

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written by satish, Sat 15 Oct 2011 14:29:40 CDT

new victim for this scam.. recently visited this yindee store and we are cheated... is there any body who can help us to get back the money.. this is an high time... to stop the scam and make comfortable to tourist....

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written by jones, Tue 18 Oct 2011 16:36:13 CDT

have you ever bought jewelry from KARMA SILVER on line before?

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written by AntiScam, Wed 26 Oct 2011 15:30:06 CDT

I would like to report my case as I am a scam victim of Yindee Lapidary Co. Ltd., (1091/75-77 Petchburi Road, Soi 33, Makasan Bangkok, 10400 Thailand)

When I tried to call to 025475358, Mr. Suchat Sinrat is no longer working under Department of Internal Trade.
Please advise who is as powerful and friendly as Mr.Suchat Sinrat that can help to get the refund. :(

We are really disappointed and sad.

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written by AntiScam, Wed 26 Oct 2011 15:31:59 CDT

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written by Jake, Fri 28 Oct 2011 14:09:20 CDT

Latest victim... 17k bhat... same story... guy in lucky budha... how lucky we are... how good is the people in thailand... same all, as what i read on the post above... How can we refund it???/ :((

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written by Jake, Fri 28 Oct 2011 16:07:37 CDT

Oct 26, 2011... same case... somebody approach to go to lucky budha... somebody there wait and tell you how lucky you are... then tuktuk bring you to yindee... then there goes the shit... curse you yindee.. hope you will be drowned...

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written by joyce, Sun 06 Nov 2011 22:52:06 CST

I with my friend just back from Bangkok by end of Oct 2011, and notice ''chellai-Philippines''also purchase gemstones from ''GEMSTONE FACTORY AND MINING EXPORT CENTER CO.LTD.'' Can you assist me how do we claim back the money? I will report to Bangkok tourist department... pls helps...

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written by susan liew-malaysia, Sun 06 Nov 2011 22:56:53 CST

I with my friend also purchase gemstones from ''GEMSTONE FACTORY AND MINING EXPORT CENTER CO.LTD.'' Can you assist me how do we claim back the money? I will report to Bangkok tourist department... it not worth loose those money in the trips...pls helps...

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written by frankie foo - malaysia, Tue 10 Jan 2012 15:55:10 CST

can thailand tourist department do anything to stop this?

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written by KCBC, Fri 27 Jan 2012 20:33:35 CST

Regarding "our local jeweler here in the Bay Area. She said the sapphires are real just not worth the price I paid."

Well, of course. If the jewellery shop sells you a synthetic stone or piece of glass: that is illegal in Thailand. But if they sell you a $10 Sapphire for $1000 they have done nothing illegal. There is no law against it.

The Jewellery Scam is so old and well known it's hard to believe people still fall for it.

Even if the authorities did crack down ( very doubtful ) the scammers would just re-open under a different name.

Hope this helps.

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written by Sarah Kent, Sat 04 Feb 2012 09:47:44 CST

We are new victims - and cannot believe we have been so stupid , even after reading about this before we came here. they are so good at conning people.

We are currently in Bangkok waiting for the tourist police to take us to get a refund - we have our fingers crossed and are hoping we will get this sorted before we leave tonight.

I just wanted to let everyone know that its Feb 2012 and this is still happnening

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