An Indian tourist visiting Thailand was allegedly charged more than ₹75,000 on his credit card after agreeing to purchase a herbal product offered for approximately ₹1,000, triggering a police complaint in the popular resort city of Pattaya.

The 28-year-old tourist discovered that his card had been debited 27,600 Thai baht, although the seller had initially quoted just 380 baht. The charge was more than 72 times the advertised price.

The incident reportedly occurred late on October 28, 2026, along Pattaya’s Second Road. The tourist subsequently approached Pattaya City Police, seeking action against those responsible.

The case has renewed concerns about alleged overcharging involving herbal-product sellers targeting foreign visitors in Thailand’s tourist districts.

How did the Indian tourist end up paying ₹75,000?

According to The Pattaya News, the tourist was walking along Pattaya Second Road at approximately 11.30 pm when a man approached him and offered a herbal product for 380 baht.

The tourist agreed to buy the product, believing that the quoted amount was the final price. However, he later discovered that his credit card had been charged 27,600 baht, equivalent to more than ₹75,000.

The tourist reportedly believed the seller was Pakistani, although the man’s nationality has not been independently established in the available reporting. After discovering the discrepancy, the Indian visitor went to Pattaya City Police and lodged a formal complaint.

Sellers offer refund after police complaint

The situation reportedly took another turn after the tourist approached the police.

An individual associated with the sellers contacted him and offered to refund the amount charged to his credit card. The tourist was also asked to return the herbal product.

However, it remains unclear whether the refund was completed or whether police have taken further action against the people involved.

The incident has also raised questions about whether businesses selling herbal products in Pattaya’s tourist areas have the necessary business licences and work permits.

Similar herbal-product complaints in Thailand

The latest complaint follows several other reported incidents involving herbal-product sellers and foreign tourists in Pattaya.

In January 2026, a 45-year-old Indian tourist alleged that he had spent 43,400 baht on herbal products after being approached by foreign men near Soi Marine Plaza.

In September, a Sri Lankan tourist reportedly complained about being charged 3,300 baht for coconut oil marketed as a remedy for baldness.

Earlier, in June, Thai immigration officials arrested a Pakistani man suspected of acting as an intermediary in a similar herbal-product operation.

The repeated complaints have brought scrutiny to sales practices in tourist-heavy areas, particularly offers involving products promoted for hair loss, weight reduction and other health-related benefits.

What should Indian tourists watch out for?

Tourists visiting Thailand should be cautious about unsolicited sales approaches, particularly from strangers offering herbal remedies or products claiming health benefits.

Travellers using credit cards should:

• Confirm the final price in Thai baht before agreeing to purchase.
• Check the amount displayed on the payment terminal before entering a PIN or authorising a transaction.
• Avoid signing blank or incomplete payment slips.
• Retain receipts and transaction notifications.
• Contact their card issuer immediately if an unauthorised or incorrect amount appears.
• Report suspected fraud to local police.

The Pattaya incident highlights how a seemingly inexpensive tourist purchase can turn into a substantial financial dispute when the amount charged differs dramatically from the quoted price.