More than 1,000 Thai holidaymakers left stranded by scam

The traditional Thai New Year's holiday has turned out to be anything but fun for more than 1,000 would-be travelers who were stranded at Bangkok's international airport after their cut-rate tour packages to Japan turned out to be an apparent scam.
Police said hundreds of people lodged complaints after finding themselves at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday with no flight to board. They said they had booked six-day tour packages with WealthEver, better known as a multi-level marketing company.
Victims told Thai television interviewers that they paid 9,730 baht (USD 280) for a package including airfare and accommodation. One way-fare from Bangkok to Tokyo alone typically costs more than USD 400.

Thai media reported that WealthEver boss Pasit Arinchalapit was detained by police late today in Ranong, a border province.