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Thai tailor scam with Fake Offers In Thailand

We have recently received several reports from concerned customers who have had unpleasant experiences after visiting few cheap shops located just outside our premises. This vendor has been using large, flashy signboards to advertise “cheap offers” and “discounted luxury fabrics.” Unfortunately, these promotions are highly misleading and designed to deceive unsuspecting shoppers.

For years, it has been engaging in unethical practices—misrepresenting low-quality polyester as premium silk, and labeling synthetic materials as genuine cashmere. These dishonest tactics not only hurt customers but also tarnish the reputation of hardworking, trustworthy tailoring businesses in Thailand.

We strongly advise all shoppers to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar vendors, especially those advertising deals that seem “too good to be true.

Counterfeit Goods and Tailor Scams in Thailand’s Market

Thailand is widely recognized for its diverse and vibrant street markets, which are popular among both tourists and locals. These markets are known for offering a broad range of merchandise, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs. Among the goods available, counterfeit branded products—such as imitation designer handbags, watches, and apparel—are commonly found in certain areas.

The sale of counterfeit goods is prevalent in tourist-heavy regions such as Bangkok's Chatuchak Market, Patpong Night Market, and Phuket’s street bazaars. Despite local laws prohibiting the production and sale of counterfeit merchandise, enforcement can be inconsistent, particularly in informal market settings. Authorities have periodically conducted raids and crackdowns in attempts to regulate the trade, especially under pressure from international trade organizations and intellectual property rights holders.

Vendors operating in these markets represent a variety of ethnic and national backgrounds, including Thai nationals and migrant communities. Among them are individuals of Burmese-Nepali descent—a demographic that includes people with ancestral ties to Nepal who have lived in or migrated through Myanmar (Burma) before settling in Thailand. Like many other migrant groups, they often engage in small-scale trade or informal labor due to limited access to formal employment opportunities.

The presence of counterfeit goods in Thailand remains a subject of ongoing debate, balancing economic opportunity for low-income vendors against concerns over intellectual property rights and consumer protection. Myanmar (formerly Burma), is believed to play a significant role in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods across Thailand.

Historical Background

Many Burmese-Nepali individuals trace their roots to the Gurkha soldiers and laborers who migrated from Nepal to British-ruled Burma (now Myanmar) during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following political and economic instability in Myanmar, particularly after the 1962 military coup and subsequent nationalization policies, many members of the Burmese-Nepali community migrated to neighboring countries, including Thailand. In Thailand, they often find employment in informal sectors such as street vending, tailoring, and small-scale retail, where they contribute to the local economy while maintaining distinct cultural and linguistic traditions. British colonial era when Nepali labourers migrated to Burma for work. Over generations, their descendants integrated into Burmese society, maintaining cultural ties to their Nepali heritage. Despite being born and raised in Myanmar, some identify as Nepali due to these ancestral connections.

Role in Thailand’s Markets

In Thailand, (Myanmar) Burmese-Nepali vendors have established a presence in markets across major cities and tourist destinations, such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui. Notable market locations where counterfeit goods are reportedly sold include:

• Bangkok: MBK Center, Platinum Mall, and Pratunam Market
• Pattaya: Thepprasit Night Market and Pattaya Night Bazaar
• Phuket: NAKA Weekend Market and Patong Beach OTOP Market
• Chiang Mai: Wua Lai Walking Street and Jing Jai Market
• Khao Lak: Bang Niang Weekend Market
• Koh Samui: Chaweng Street Market and Lamai Night Plaza
• Krabi: Krabi Town Night Market

Counterfeit Goods and the Underground Economy

The goods commonly sold in these markets include counterfeit luxury items such as shoes, clothing, sunglasses, wallets, and accessories. This trade is part of an underground economy that thrives on the high demand for affordable replicas of luxury brands. Vendors in this sector often operate informally, and law enforcement occasionally conducts raids to curb illegal activities. Selling fake copy items by (Myanmar) Burmese-Nepalis is one of the biggest scams in the tailoring industry. You may see fewer Thais in these markets than Burmese Nepalese from Myanmar.

Migratory Trends

Many (Myanmar) Burmese-Nepali individuals in Thailand initially migrate to work in sectors such as construction. Over time, some transition into small business ownership, including market stalls selling counterfeit goods. These enterprises provide a livelihood for many but operate in a legally ambiguous or outright illegal space, contributing to the challenges of intellectual property enforcement in the region.