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Gem shop locations involved in the scam
"I'll reopen again, just like I have
for 20 years!"
What do we mean by "Gem Shop Locations involved in
the scam?" We mean shops that have been known to use touts at tourist
attractions to lure shoppers to their stores with false claims of huge
discounts and promises that money can be made by reselling the gems
back home. The gems purchased are genuine, but overpriced--sometimes
many times their actual retail value.
2B has followed this scam online for
nearly five years and before that collected reports starting in 1991.
Up until 2003, the authorities did nothing to stop the scam. Officials
claimed that just changing the name of the shop prevented them
from doing anything. There were a small collection of locations where
stores merely reopened under different names to avoid legal repercussions.
In 2003, in the lead up to the APEC summit and reacting to negative
publicity, the Thaksin government suddenly announced there were no more
gem scam stores in Thailand. While there has been a noticeable drop
off in reports, many stores are still open (in fact, 2Bangkok.com later
received a scam report that occurred on the day of the government announcement).
Usually, when searching for a scam store for the first
time on an obscure street, it is easiest to look for the metal slats
that are almost always used to turn run-down shophouses into presentable
gem shops. This reinforces the idea that a single group uses the same
methods to run all the stores in the downtown area. Sources have also
confirmed that there are at least two territories for scam stores. One
cartel runs all scams shops in the downtown area (Rattanakosin, Dusit,
Chinatown/Chaeron Krung Road, Patapinklao) and circulates a common group
of workers among the locations. Other smaller concerns run shops in
the east side of town. The eastern scam stores usually do not use the
customary metal slats on their exteriors.
The shops also use a common pool of employees who are swapped
between stores so when the store opens under a new name the same people
are not working there. This page is an attempt to document the locations
regardless of what the store is called.
There are also 'permanent' shops like Oscar and Leela (shops
that do not regularly open under a new name). These shops have occasional
scam reports and lure tourists in by unethical means, but they differ
from other shops in that it is usually possible to obtain a refund.
Sources for this information: tourists who have been scammed,
sympathetic Thai police officers (it is surprising how many there are),
TAT staff who do not wished to be named, officials in Thai embassies
overseas who pass us reports they receive of scammed tourists, and some
other anonymous sources
Also: Individual
scam accounts
Bangkok Royal Gems & Jewelry
(last report December 21, 2001 - closed)
9-13 Chula Soi 14 Rantadtong Road, Phatumwan, 10330
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
Creative
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Blue Dragon becomes Golden Argosy
Above: July, 2007
Right: December, 2006
Blue Dragon has changed its name to Golden Argosy and continues to scam tourists.
Address: 436/9-12, Loog-Luang Road, Mahannak, Dusit (Google
Earth placemark)
This is one of the best-protected gem scam locations.
Tourists who complained
were interrogated by police and told they risked getting beaten
up by gem gangs if they pursued their cases further. |
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
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Right: The
shop when it was called 'Imperial.' In
the photo notice the little curtains to either side of the
name indicating it was recently officially opened. Within
a week of Imperial's opening (early January, 2003) we already
had a scam report.
This store was the first (that we know of)
to try to protect itself by making customers sign a declaration.
The customer must hand-write "Souvenir for family--not
for resale."
Names of the scam shop operating from this location in the past:
Last report December 2006 - Blue Dragon Factory Export Center Co. Ltd.
Last report mid-2003 - Imperial Jewelry Export Co. Ltd.
Last report December, 2000 - Ma Mere Gems
Collection Co. Ltd.
Last report October, 2000 - Blue Sapphire Gem Co. Ltd.
Last report July, 2000 - TGJ Thai Center Co. Ltd.
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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
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Burapa Lapidary (closed
mid-2002)
164 Damrong Rak Rd, Klong Maha Nak Sub PomPrab Dist, Bangkok 10100
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Chalermthai
(last report October 19, 2002 - closed December,
2002)
27-29 Soi Chalemket 2, U-kol 1 Street, Thepsirim, Pomprabsatrupai
This location is deep in Chinatown in a neighborhood that some might
consider atmospheric and lively, but it actually borders on being
a slum. Building after building is vacant, wrecked cars line the
narrow streets, and greasy mechanics wearing nothing but underwear
repair giant engines dripping oil right on the sidewalk. Why a tourist
would buy thousands of dollars worth of gems from such a shabby
store on such a shabby street is beyond us, but many, many people
did.
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
closed around September, 2002 - Mahachai
last report March 8, 2002 - Benjarong
open for just a few months after Chalerrmkht and before Benjarong
- U-Thong
closed early 2002 - Chalermkeht
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
Champion (last report June 7, 2002 -
closed)
25/11 Pisanulek Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 Thailand Tel: 0-2628-5391,
0-2628-5392 Fax: 0-2280-2644
This is another well-connected store... Those cheated here find it hard
to get any help from the authorities.
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
formerly Majestic
Christie's Lapidary (attempted
scam report October, 2002 - closed)
We do not have the address of this shop.
D.S.R. Manufactory
We have received no scam reports about this
store yet (we are not even sure what it sells as it always seems to
be closed), but since it is operating from the same address as several
former scam shops, customers should exercise caution.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
849/59-61 Chula Soi 6, Bantadtong Road., Phatumwan
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the
past:
last report July 30, 2002 - Siam
last report June 6, 2002 - Theppanom (Tel: 02-6123107 - "It
cheated a Malaysian from Penang of 29,600 baht on June 6, 2002"
- thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand Kuala Lumpur Office
for this report)
last report January 29, 2002 - Komkien Gems and Jewelry (Police
supposedly closed Komkien in July, 2001, but it was operating again
in 2002.)
last report 2001 - Sincere
Gems Palace (last report May,
2003 - closed December 2003 - now the location is some kind of generalized
export shop)
115/1-3 Prachathipatai Road, Bangkhunprom, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200
This is a shop we have been watching for some time. The shop employs a
French man who meets tourists near the Grand Palace with friendly advice
about how much money can be made at the store. The shop is just a few
units away from the notorious 121-123/125 Prachatipatai Road scam location
which is presently called Kawin Gems (see below).
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(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Above -January 11, 2003 - 121-123/125
Prachatipatai Road scam shop immediately after being closed. |
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Above - January 25, 2003 - After only
2 weeks of closure, the shop is open again using the name Kawin
Gems Co., Ltd. |
Kawin Gem Company, Ltd.
(no reports yet, but as this is a long time scamming location, you
would be crazy to trust them - closed December 2003 - now the location
is a tailor shop)
121-123/125 Prachatipatai Rd., Bangkhunprom Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Thailand, Tel: 0-2629-3516-17, Fax: 0-2629-3519
See the map above for location.
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
closed January, 2003 - Dheves Gems
closed about March 14, 2002 - Marin Gems |
Leela Lapidary Co.,
Ltd.
589 Prasumen Rd, Wat Borwornives, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 Tel : 629-4513-16
Fax : 629-4517
See the map above for location.
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
The shop looks very elaborate--not like most of the cheaply converted
shophouses that are used for the scams. While we have received scam
reports about it, we have also received complimentary reports
about this shop (below) and those who go back to the shop (with
TAT help, not the police) have been given refunds.
This shop is observed to maintain their own fleet of tuktuks (which
are parked in the shop courtyard at night). These are the tuk-tuks
that run along Phra Ahatit Road stopping to ask tourists "sightseeing
10 baht all day." Some of these also sit near the Defense Ministry. |
Update (June 2004): ...I
am writing to tell my experience in dealing with Leela Lapidary on 3
May 2004 during our short holiday in Bangkok. We purchased 2 pieces
of Ruby rings there at their shop at 589 Prasumeru Road, Pranakorn,
Bangkok 10200, at a total price of Thai Baht 276,000. On returning to
Malaysia, we checked the stones at a Kuala Lumpur Consultant Gemologist
for verification and found that the rubies were of good quality and
were good buys. The Manager, Mr. Paul was very kind to call us from
Thailand to check if we were satisfied with our purchases. And we are
very pleased with our purchases. Therefore, after reading all the negative
reports about Leela Lapidary, in our good experiences with them, I and
my wife wish to express our point of view.
Update (November 2003): Another positive
report about Leela: Your latest update about Leela, we have noticed
that Leela is not like the other stores. For one, it has been open for
almost two years (probably more). Secondly, people seem to have a better
success rate at getting a refund. Finally, we had once case of a fellow
from England who would have made a *profit* selling his gems purchased
at Leela, but for the import duties charged by the UK. This
store does not appear to be quite like the others and I'm not sure why.
Update (January 2003): We have received a positive report about
Leela: A very well presented shop, many staff and a huge selection
of jewelry. We picked out a Thai style ring for my wife which cost 15,500
baht - a reasonable price I thought - I conducted all the business side
of things (haggling) in Thai. My wife was most impressed with the business
dealing and with the ring. A lovely sapphire On return to Australia
we had it valued at a reputable Australian jeweler - It was valued at
about 18,000 baht, so in effect we made 10% on our deal. I was thinking
of going back there and doing some more shopping in the future. My experience
there was pleasant and as it turns out my purchase was a quality item
at a price that turned out to be reasonable.
Monpere Gem Company
(last report 2001)
We do not have the address of this shop.
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Orchid (last report November,
2002 - closed December, 2002 - January 2003: this site is for
rent)
318 Krungkasem Rd., Bangkhunprom, Sub-District, Pranakorn, Bangkok
10200 Tel: 02-282 4381
We called the landlord (0-2962-0169). The four-storey
shophouse is for rent for 45,000 baht per month. The landlord
(who did not wish to be identified) said she did not know the
previous tenant was doing an illegal business. She said she had
thought Orchid was an import business.
See the map above for location.
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
last report July, 2002 - Phanfa
last report 2001 - Thai Mining
The Oscar (last report October,
2006)
76/3-4 Ratchadumnurnnok Road, Watsommanaswiharn,
Pomprab, Bangkok 10100
Tel. 6298510-1
This shop is around the corner from the boxing stadium
and within a line of sight from a police box. Like Leela, this
is a 'permanent' shop (not one that regularly opens under a new
name). |
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Orchid |
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Piyamanee (last
report January, 2006)
468-470 Bamroonmuang Rd, Thapsirin, Pompapsattupai,
Bangkok, 10100 Thailand
Google Earth placemark
R.S. Siam Jewelry
Rama 6 Road
No reports yet, but tourists are being approached by touts from this
shop.
...One other point, yesterday, I was on the Silom road looking in jewelry
shops just to get estimates on similar gems, just to check how much I'd
been over charged. Me and my girlfriend posed as customers in several
shops and once we left one shop we were approached by a Thai woman who
told us that the shop we'd just been in was very expensive and she knew
of another shop which was trade prices. Now I knew of this scam I listened
to her and asked her to write the name of shop which she did (R S Siam
Jewelry, Rama 6 Rd). Within a minute a tuk pulled up. She turned over
the slip of paper she had written on, only to see a warning about the
scam! (I got the paper from previous jewel shop). From reading this she
seemed quite embarrassed and told me that be careful as 2 French, 2 Muslim
and an American guy are involved in this scam, picking up tourist on the
street. We made our excuses and left the woman and the tuk driver alone!
Sapphire Gallery (last report
January 14, 2002)
165-167 Tanao Road, Bowonniwet, Bangkok 10200 (near Khao Sarn Road)
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
Thai Manee
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
SNP Jewelry
(last report December, 2006)
SNP Jewelry Limited Partnership at 386 Visuttikasat Road, Banpantom,
Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 is using touts (both Thai and foreigners)
at Wat Pho and the Grand Palace to lure tourists in with the same
old promises of 100% profit when gems are resold outside of Thailand.
Sources at TAT informed us in the past how they felt humiliated
to have such activities so damaging to tourism just a few blocks
from their offices and be unable to do anything about it.
Photo of the SNP jewelry
shop manager on the Thai
gem scam group website.
Google Earth placemark
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
S.S.S. Jewelry Limited Partnership (right) |
(Photo: Anthony Mak) |
Thaevej Gems / Thewet Gems Shop
(last report November, 2002)
Banglamphu
This is a shop renowned for openly beating up foreigners who complain
against it. From a Nation article:
Some shops have remained open despite pending legal cases. Thaevej Gems,
for example, continues to do business even though a dozen fraud and
physical-assault charges have been filed against it.
Universal (last report May 13, 2002
- closed May , 2002)
68 Teethong Road, Wat-Rachapit, Pranakorn
This is a prolific cheater and a well-connected shop. Tourists were
advised by the police that they could be in danger from the scammers
and their powerful backers if they pursued legal action.
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
closed February 19, 2002 - Thai Mikimoto
Vandee
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
222 Jakkapatdipong (Lan Luang) Pom Prab, Bangkok 11100
The Vandee location is not far from a local police station.
The station was the site of a famous incident witnessed by several scammed
tourists and reported in the International Herald Tribune: A
member of the TAT [Tourism Authority of Thailand] staff walked out of
the police station and kicked a cabinet and said that the whole place
was so dirty he would have to leave.
In early 2002, Vandee was investigated by the Thai Gem Scam Group (a
group of cheated tourists not associated with 2Bangkok.com) and embarrassed
police made a big event in front of TV cameras of shutting down the
shop. The next day it was open as usual. Also in 2002, police were reluctantly
transporting cheated tourists back to the store and one of the policemen
(not realizing one of the tourists spoke Thai) called ahead to warn
the shop owner. When they arrived, a gang of thugs surrounded the tourists
and threatened them as the police stood by and did nothing.
This shop was just a few blocks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT) headquarters. TAT officials privately informed 2B that they considered
the presence of such a shop openly operating so close to them to be
especially humiliating. Others at TAT have told 2B that there is nothing
they could do about Vandee since it was a "sensitive matter."
For Thais this means the shop is protected by extremely powerful and
well-connected Thai institutions.
However, in October, 2002, Vandee was finally closed and all signage
was removed from the building. As of January, 2003, amazingly enough,
no "new" scam shop had opened in its place.
Names of scam shops operating from this location in the past:
closed February 5, 2002 - SukoThai
some staff formerly worked at Marin Gems (closed about March
14, 2002 at 121-123/125 Prachatipatai Rd, Bangkhunprom, (Sub-District)
Pranakorn Bangkok 10200)
Yindee
Lapidary Co. Ltd.
(first scam report June, 2002 - last report September,
2004)
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
1091/75-77 Petchburi Rd, Soi 33 (near D'Ma Pavilion
Hotel), Makasan, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 253-1540-1, Fax: 651-6784
Yindee is a prolific scammer. We photographed the beautiful
looking store at 7:45 am, December 22, 2002 (a Sunday morning), and
it was already open and filled with tourists. The concierge at the D'Ma
Pavilion Hotel (just steps away from Yindee) commented that the shop
was "no good," the police "couldn't do anything to catch
them" and they were always trying to cheat hotel guests. Tourist
after tourist has been cheated (We went to Thailand in the hopes
of having a wonderful honeymoon and now the whole experience has been
overshadowed by this incident. We were very disappointed
that such things happened to us and the local authorities did not inform
us of such scams.). The police and the Tourism Authority of Thailand
can't help...
Google Earth placemark
More shop names from the local press
"Help sought to combat gem scams," Bangkok Post, November
23, 2001 : The complainants identified the shops as Nopakao, Imperial
Tailors, Sukhothai Gems, and Tanakorn Gems...
"27 Gem Shops Closed--19 Reopen Under New Names,"
Bangkok Post, July 19, 2001 - Some 27 jewellery shops had
been ordered closed for their failure to comply, although 19 had since
resumed trading under new names, he said. They are Khung Thep Gems Building
Co, Ma Mare Gems Collection Co, T.G.J. Thai Centre Co, Bangkok Gems
Export Centre, Bangkok Royal Gems & Jewelry, Yod Yiem, Maneeintr,
Royal, Siam Jewelry Trading, Jewelry Centre 1986, Victoria Gems Centre
Co, Regency Gems, Komkien Gems & Jewelry, Tourist Award Co, Blue
Sapphire Gems Collection Co, Monpere Gems Export Co, Gorgeous Gems Export
Co, Yindee Lapidary Co and Sapphire Centre.
Individual scam accounts
Gold Shops and the Gem Scam
Below are gold shops that are part of the scam by
allowing people to buy gold with their credit card and swap the value
of the gold for the gems (these shops are collected from our own reports
and the Thai
Gem Scam Group).
Bang
(or Hang) Thong Thong Bai/Ranghang Thong Thong Bai
used by Chalermthai (formerly called Mahachai,
Benjarong, U-Thong, and Chalermkeht)
This gold store is directly across from Pata Pinklao Department Store.
It is one of linchpins of the gem scam and police tremble in fear at
the mention of its name. It is used to cover the money trail by giving
cash advances on credit cards and selling gold to tourists which is
exchanged for overpriced jewels. What this means is that all the money
from many gem scam shops is flowing back into this gold shop, but why
isn't it ever mentioned in any "official" discussions of the
scam? With perseverance, cheated tourists can demand police file reports
on the gem shops and eventually the gem shop will have to change its
name, but this gold shop is protected--police will outright refuse to
mention it in reports
UPDATE: Gold stores were finally mentioned in a Tourist Police
brochure circa January, 2004.
Also, this shop has multiple credit card machines under different names
so when they swipe a credit card, the company name will be different
from the name of the shop.
And there are also some more details and graphics in this in-depth
scam report.
Please be careful about confronting this shop. It seems to be one of
the key protected players in this decades-old scam and since such shops
are maintained by the local mafia and "influential people in uniform,"
you will be on your own in fighting them. Also, all the younger, Western-educated
translators who work for the Tourist Police will openly admit that the
local police will never help in prosecuting the gold shops.
Below: photos of the shop
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com) |
Buan Hau Long
new Rd. Surawong, used by Creative Gems, 849/59-61 Chula Soi 6,
Bantadtong Road, Phatumwan, Bangkok 10330
Hangthong Maesomboon
Central Rama 3, Room 311, Yannawa, Bangkok
, used by Marin Gems, Vandee and Thai Mining
Jarukorn Goldsmith
2103 Phaholyothin Road, Samsennai Phayatha
Nguan Seng Heng Yaovarat Gyannawa (Gold
Shop) & Nana Tai Exchange Booth
used by Burapa Lapidary, Thai Manee, Marin Gems
and Sukothai
Sin Suwan Gold Store
Prasuman Road, Tel: 02-6292224-5, Tax ID: 3030323408
Sirada Diamond
used by Thai Mikimoto
Yongsengheng
used by Marin and Vandee (also spelt Yong
Seng Heng)
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