The government is assisting about 150 Muslim pilgrims from Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat who were duped into buying Umrah tour packages, with losses estimated at 3.7 million baht.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi said she had assigned her secretary, Patcharin Samsiripong, to receive complaints from the group and coordinate assistance with state agencies.
Each pilgrim paid 25,000 baht for a package priced at 45,000 baht after the organiser claimed it would cover the remaining cost through its own fund. However, the pilgrims were unable to travel as scheduled.
Checks by the Department of Tourism found the organisation did not hold a licence to operate a tour business. The victims filed complaints with police at Suvarnabhumi Airport police station and suspects were detained.
Ms Supamas said the Office of the Consumer Protection Board was investigating possible consumer protection violations and mediating disputes to help victims obtain compensation.
She said the agency was collecting complaints, payment records and contracts while working with police and the Department of Tourism to trace assets and expedite compensation.
Ms Patcharin also urged people planning Umrah pilgrimages to verify tour operators' licences with the Department of Tourism before making payments, be wary of unusually cheap packages and keep all payment records and contracts.
