An investigation has been launched after a growing number of Thai consumers claimed they were cheated by a travel agency that sold airline tickets but failed to provide them.
The case involves a so-called “ghost ticket” scheme, in which customers were allegedly offered flights to Japan, South Korea and Europe under the promise of special airline promotions, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) said on Saturday.
According to the OCPB, eight complaints have been submitted so far, with reported damages totalling more than 10 million baht.
The agency allegedly began by issuing real tickets to some customers, a tactic believed to have helped it gain trust and attract further referrals.
However, from April onwards, complainants said the company stopped issuing tickets and instead asked customers to make extra payments, citing fuel surcharges and airport taxes.
Customers who made the additional transfers still did not receive their tickets, while requests for refunds were allegedly postponed without a clear deadline, the OCPB said.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Prime Minister’s Office minister overseeing the OCPB, said a special task force has been formed to manage the case and assist other victims seeking consumer protection support.
Officials have also asked affected customers to come forward and have summoned the business operator and relevant airlines to meet investigators on Thursday to provide more details.
Ms Supamas said authorities would initially push the operator to refund affected consumers.
However, if no settlement can be reached, officials will immediately pursue legal action on behalf of the victims, she said.
