Sawadee Eco Tour - Meelarp Tour - Union Express Tour - Sawadee Group Thailand Tour Ri-off in Royal Flora Event Bangkok Thailand

On May 18-21, 2006, I had visited the exhibition named "Thailand Travel and Dive Expo and Thailand Outdoor Adventure 2006" organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.

I had bought a tour program from the exhibitior using company name as "Meelarp Tour" with TAT License No. 23-0762 with Mr.Nopporn Chaivong - Owner and Manager. The tour program was suppose to take place in Chiangmai, Thailand. It included the accomodation (hotel) for 2 nights, 1-day tour to Royal Flora Event including local guide, and 1-day tour to Chiangmai Nigh Safari including local guide.

He told me that I could pick any date and any listed hotel and let him know by email after the exhbition over. I had follow his instruction and started sending him email since June 20, 2006 stated the trip date on December 5, 2006. During June 20, 2006 - November 22, 2006, he sent me just 3 emails not stating any confirmation on my trip date but rather attached information on the Chaingmai Tour Program instead. I also had phoned him many times during June 20, 2006 - November 22, 2006, and informed that everything was ready "Just Come on the Picked Date (December 5, 2006)".

On November 22, 2006, I felt not certain about his answer on the phone, so I called the hotel to check on my confirmation. Now, I found out from the hotel's Sales Manager (Nantawan Lodge) that his company didn't arrange the tour but rather his friend company named "Sawadee Eco Tour". In addition, his friend company already closed down the business on November 6, 2006 because he did not pay the tour expenses that he had contacted with the real official Royal Flora Event. Then, I called Mr.Nopporn Chaivong again, and asked "Why didn't you tell me about this issue". He said that he was not responsible for this , if I wanted to file a complain or get the refund called Tourism Authority of Thailand and reported this rip-off at the police station in Chiangmai area. Furthermore, the money would not be refund from him. That was his answer.

I could not believe that Tourism Authority of Thailand allows these people to stay in the business. They are spam. They are even listed as the registered company, have the TAT License No., and being an exhibitor in the exhibition organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. They do not even care about the look of the country and the Royal Flora Event that specially arranged for their King.

Full info are listed below. Avoid these companies.
1. Meelarp Tour - TAT License No. 23-0762 - by Mr.Nopporn Chaivong, Owner and Manager
2. Sawadee Eco Tour - TAT License No. 23/0505 - by Mr.Kunchit Changsuwan, Owner and Director (Also use the name of Sawadee Group, Union Express Tour)
Website: www.birdthai.com

However, after knowing all this, I started contacting other travel agencies. Guess what? Most responsed emails telling me to forget it and submit the booking with them, except the company named silkzpider.com with TAT License No. 11/4434. They got me the room at different hotel with the rate closed to my original (Nantawan Lodge). They also gave me discount coupons to visit Royal Flora Event and Chiangmai Night Safari since I had to pay the entrance fees by myself. Anyway, I saved some money.

Paul
Brookville, Florida
U.S.A.