Navigating the intricacies of consumer rights can be challenging, especially for tourists. This was exemplified by the unfortunate experience of Miss Deng, a 27-year-old Chinese national living in Singapore, who found herself tricked into buying a fake Hermes crocodile leather bag in Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, according to Khaosod English.
Miss Deng’s Experience
Miss Deng, residing in Thailand due to her husband’s business, came across a tempting offer for a Hermes crocodile leather bag on Instagram. Unaware of the impending deceit, she directly contacted the seller and arranged the purchase for 1.4 million baht at a well-known shopping mall in Ratchaprasong.
To ensure the authenticity of her purchase, Miss Deng sent the bag to the Catch Fake Brandname (TCF), a Thai luxury goods institute. The institute confirmed her fears – the bag was a counterfeit. This revelation marked the beginning of Miss Deng’s ordeal.
Upon discovering the fraud, Miss Deng contacted the seller, requesting a return. Shockingly, the seller refused, citing the disappearance of the bag and its subsequent loss of value.
Legal Actions Taken
Frustrated and determined to seek justice, Miss Deng instructed her law firm to lodge a complaint at the Lumpini Police Station on October 6, 2023. Even after returning to Singapore, she continued her pursuit of justice by authorizing another complaint on November 1, 2023.
The legal representative, accompanied by the police, engaged with the store for the bag’s return. However, the store proposed a return with a deduction of 420,000 baht for depreciation, leading to a deadlock in negotiations.
In a bid to draw attention to the seller’s uncooperative behavior, Miss Deng took her grievance to the media. This step was driven by the inability to find a resolution through legal channels.
Miss Deng’s Plea
Expressing her frustration, Miss Deng highlighted the difficulty she faced in finding a government agency responsible for protecting tourists’ rights. Her plea to the country’s leaders was clear – to address the challenges tourists encounter when seeking justice.
Concerns for Tourists
Miss Deng voiced concerns that tourists facing similar situations might be deterred from visiting Thailand for travel and shopping. The impact on Thailand’s tourism reputation is a significant consideration.
Images sources: Saichon Chounchou on Facebook