Written on April 30, 2002

To the Editor:

Dear Sir:

While we appreciate the coverage given by your paper to our group’s actions, we are somewhat puzzled as to why we were never contacted for additional information. Nevertheless, we are happy to clarify some points of information in your April 24, 2002 article.

1) Our Group went to the TAT to enlist their help in fighting the gem scam, not just to seek compensation. Despite our offers to help, the TAT has since refused any further communication with our group. Having seen the palatial offices of the TAT in person, we have doubts about Ms. Pornthip’s plea of poverty.

2) The major cause of the scam is the Thai authorities indifference to active hijacking of tourists near major attractions. Not one member of our group ever came to the “Land of Smiles” with the intention of buying gems, we were diverted from our original tourist destinations with promises of helping the Thai tourism industry, Thai students, as well as personal gains for ourselves.

3) Not one member of our group purchased gems “from the street” as Ms. Pornthip would imply, but rather from well-staffed stores with impressive display cases and security systems, in line with the image of official government wholesalers that they try to portray.

4) The Tourist Police require tourists to sign a form in Thai that, we are told, outlines our complaint. What we are not told is that we are also signing away our right to pursue criminal action against the jewellery store. This would partially explain the lack of criminal complaints, the other reason being that tourists have obligations at home that don’t allow them to wait for justice.

While it is easy to blame foreigners for every problem that befalls them and for the problems of Thailand, the simple fact is no other country boasts such a long-running scam that operates in full view of the authorities. Given that some $US100 million per year is scammed from unsuspecting tourists, only Ms. Pornthip would fail to see why this scam is allowed to continue.

Contact: thaigemscamgroup@yahoo.com


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thaigemscamgroup@yahoo.com