Thai man warns public of 'tourist' asking for money to go to Singapore Embassy

True sob story or scam?

A Thai man has put up a video warning people to be careful of a mysterious man who claims he's a tourist who needs money because he was robbed in Bangkok.

Although the video doesn't identify the man's nationality, he would stop pedestrians and Starbucks customers in the touristy Huai Khwang area in Rachada district and ask them for directions to the Singapore Embassy, according to Facebook user Patto who uploaded the video.

Said Patto in the video: "He will act like he's in big trouble because he got robbed. Then he'll ask where the Singaporean Embassy is, and since it's far from the Ratchada area, will say that it's too far and hint that he needs money for a taxi."

He decided to warn others after the man approached him twice within a month while he was sitting in Starbucks cafe in Unilever Tower.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/queentogetherisone/videos/vb.871684976268005/1056473461122488[/embed]

Since it was put up on September 5, the clip has been viewed more than 221,000 times. with comments from some people claiming that they too have been approached by people begging them for money in various places in Bangkok, reported Khaosod news site.

Another Facebook user, Prapapan Bualek, who claimed that he had encountered the man too, revealed how he got rid of him in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

"I met him too. I told him, 'That is too bad! You should report the passport loss immediately. Come with me to the police station. My brother is on duty right now. He can help.'," he wrote.

"I guarantee that would make him disappear immediately," he added half in jest.

But the police last Wednesday (Sep 6) said they have not received any reports on a scammer operating in Huai Khwang, an area which is well known for its night market, adult clubs and Ganesha shrine.

chenj@sph.com.sg
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