What should I do if I feel deceived after purchasing property in Phuket?

Mar 14, 2024
8 months ago
Sadat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
good day...a little unusual post, but I want others to know about our problem in Phuket and what you may encounter... Namely, me and my friend bought an apartment in the "Patog Sea View" project. primarily as an investment as the offer was 7% annual cashback plus use of 2+2 weeks per year as soon as you paid the full amount, which we did. when the corona and lockdown started, everything stopped, nothing was done for two years, BUT even later... for two years, the project did not start from a standstill, except that before the season they clear some bushes and build something like a driveway for the works, and the same story - we can't to work in the season, and when it ends then we can't work because it's the rainy season... as far as payment is concerned, it's obviously a fraud, there's no payment, it's extended from month to month and the responsibility is shifted... they sent almost hundreds of emails, they would respond to every 10 or 15 emails... and the latest situation is that the management of the project has now been taken over by a PR&T agency that no longer wants to talk about cash back (which they say does not apply, even though it is stated in the Contract) and offered options that are each worse than the above... imagine buying an apartment as an investment and now they offer you money for 5 years minus the 20% you paid?! Wait for own money and don't back you all...crazy...obviously they are not a clean business, even though they are still offering and selling this project and lying that they have started work...my colleague and I have already hired lawyers and found other people who bought units there, so we can sue them together and ask for money and compensation... we see that their and other projects do not start like the one on Paradise Beach... this write that others now what is going on...if there are any more deceived customers or people who think they can help us, please contact me by private message...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user describes a troubling experience as an investor in a Phuket property project that has stalled for years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite promises of a 7% annual cashback and holiday stays, no significant progress has been made on the project, leading to suspicions of fraud. The management has changed, and the user claims they were offered inadequate compensation while receiving minimal communication from the developers. Many commenters suggest legal action, cautioning about the potential difficulties of recovering funds in Thailand. The community is encouraged to share experiences and band together against fraudulent practices.
Robert *******
How much money did you invest?
Sadat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
about 175.000eur
Bruce *********
I understand this is a frustrating situation. It sounds like you and your friend may be victims of a real estate scam. Here are some suggestions:

Continue with Legal Action:

You're on the right track by hiring lawyers. Having a team with experience in real estate fraud will be crucial.

Since you found others affected, a class-action lawsuit might be an option. This can strengthen your case and share legal costs.

Gather Evidence:

Your contract is key evidence. Highlight the promised cashback clause and any missed deadlines.

Keep all communication (emails, letters) with the developer, especially those where they shifted responsibility or denied cashback.

If there's proof of the project's inactivity (photos, news articles), include them.

Report the Developer:

Consider filing a complaint with Thailand's Consumer Protection Board (
*******************************
This can put pressure on the developer.

Spreading Awareness:

Your post serves as a warning to others. Consider sharing it on social media platforms relevant to Phuket real estate.

There might be online forums or communities for Phuket property investors. Share your experience there as well.

Additional Tips:

Document any further communication with the developer (PR&T agency).

Keep detailed records of your legal expenses.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This information is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

It's important to consult with your lawyers regarding the specifics of your situation and the best course of action.
Brian *****
Once all the lawsuits start the business will simply go bankrupt and it’ll be a rotten deserted shell like every other project this has happened to.

Pretty sure you won’t get any money back so I think I’d just cut my losses but good luck, I’ve seen this happen too many times in Thailand. However I’m pretty sure lawyers will be falling over themselves to help, with guarantees you’ll win your case- which you will, but there will be no money left to pay you anyway.
Us *****
People always call me an idiot when I tell them not to buy in Asia. They always give me the say of, oh you're flushing money down the toilet every month. Well, I'd rather flush money down the toilet every month than to flush the entire amount from the start. Thailand doesn't have a scarcity problem. Values only go up when there is a lack of supply.
Rob *******
You bought a property that wasn’t built, in Thailand ?
Sadat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob ******
yess :(
Jan **********
"name and shame" is a slippery slope in Thailand.
Christopher *************
A Lawyer will skin you. Better to cut your losses or move in yourself.
Steve *******
That's terrible. I hope your lawyer is good as to often these people get away it by claiming they are insolvent
Jeffrey ************
Sue the scammers...
Christopher *************
Let the buyer beware.
Peter *******
For something like that a Lawyer is best
Sadat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ******
yes, that's what we're working on now, but we're trying to find a lawyer we can trust
Steve *******
@Sadat ******
use a big international one, probably in BKK. I used a small one in Hua Hin, fronted by a British non practicing lawyer, total waste of time and money, I could say more but well let's just say it's a lawyer so better be careful
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