Cops step up zero-dollar probes after court loss

29 firms in sights for tourism scams

The Tourism Police Bureau (TPB) has filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) asking it to investigate 29 business operators suspected of being involved in zero-dollar tourism scams.

Deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said he instructed the TPB to lodge the complaint with the CSD against the businesses for violations of laws governing tourist businesses and fair competition.

He said the TPB has not considered charges of criminal assembly and money laundering at this point.

Pol Gen Srivara said the fresh probe was sought following a police review of a recent court case against 13 people who were prosecuted for alleged involvement in zero-dollar scams.

The scam targets mainly Chinese tourists who are lured into buying cheap tour packages in Thailand where they are forced to spend money on unusually expensive souvenirs and services.

However, the defendants including including OA Transport executives were acquitted by the Criminal Court after it was found there was not enough evidence to secure a conviction.

According to Pol Gen Srivara, the probe targets a group of business operators who were not prosecuted in the previous investigation. He declined to discuss the details of the case.

A police source said there are 29 business operators facing the investigation. Most of them are involved in car rental services while others are engaged in tourism-related businesses such as jewellery and souvenir shops.

The legal action is being sought after the TPB reviewed the court’s ruling which said police investigators never inspected the businesses tied to those operated by the defendants, the source said. Despite the acquittal, Pol Gen Srivara expressed confidence there was sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against the suspects.

He added the move is in line with the Royal Thai Police’s policy to crack down on zero-dollar scams which damage the economy. Asked if those allegedly involved in the scams had evaded tax, Pol Gen Srivara said the CSD will also look into that aspect and take action if there is enough evidence.

Earlier, the Revenue Department said it was investigating tax evasion from more than 10 zero-dollar tour companies with a combined amount of tax evasion estimated at 10 billion baht.

According to the department, OA Transport Co Ltd was among those facing the probe. It was accused of dodging 7 billion baht worth of taxes in connection with zerodollar tour scams.

The deputy police chief also played down a complaint filed by an OA Transport executive against two police for alleged abuse of authority in connection with the zero-dollar scams.

Following the acquittal, Wasurat Rojrungrangsi, 27, accused police officers Surasak Surinkaew and Thammarak Ruangdit of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code over their handling of the case against OA Transport.

Pol Col Surasak is attached to the Tourist Police Bureau while Pol Lt Col Thammarak is deputy superintendent at Phaya Thai police station in Bangkok. Both policemen are accused of making bogus complaints and giving false statements.