Bangkok—
On June 4th, 2024, Thai immigration officers received an anonymous report regarding an immigrant allegedly overcharging guests at a two-star hotel in Phra Khanong, Bangkok, for personal gain.
According to the officers, the suspect, an African national whose identity remains undisclosed, was accused of demanding 500 baht per night for a room, whereas the advertised price on the hotel’s website was 300 baht.
The suspect specifically targeted foreign guests with this inflated rate.
To investigate, the officers posed as foreign tourists and booked a room. As anticipated, the suspect demanded 500 baht in cash upon their arrival. After the payment was made, the officers revealed their identities and requested the suspect’s identification.
The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended on the spot by the officers. A thorough inspection of the biometric system revealed no records of the suspect. It was discovered that he had entered Thailand via Malaysia in 2021 and had been working at the hotel for almost two years, earning a monthly salary of 3,000 to 4,000 baht along with free accommodation and anything he skimmed from unsuspecting guests.
The police have charged the suspect with illegal immigration and unauthorized employment in Thailand. Efforts to locate the Thai owner of the hotel, who also faces legal action, are ongoing.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
