Thai Netizens Call Out "Overcharging" in Korean YouTuber's Video
Controversy Erupts Online... Thai Authorities Impose Fine
A video showing a Korean YouTuber being asked to pay an unreasonable price for clothing at a market in Thailand has gone viral, sparking controversy and prompting local authorities to launch an investigation. Officials announced that they have fined the vendor for failing to display prices and will conduct further investigations into overcharging practices.
A Korean YouTuber in Thailand has sparked controversy after being overcharged at a market. Screenshot from Cullen HateBerry YouTube.
On November 12 (local time), Thai media outlet The Thaiger reported, "The Ratchaburi Provincial Office of Commerce has imposed a fine of 2,000 baht (approximately 90,000 won) on a vendor at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for failing to display prices."
According to the report, a recent video featuring Korean YouTuber Cullen at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Thailand showed him paying an excessive amount for clothing, which became the center of controversy. In the video, Cullen and his friend Jung are seen traveling along the Damnoen Saduak Canal in Ratchaburi Province on a long-tail boat, stopping at a riverside clothing store to shop.
They attempted to purchase a white shirt with a dragon embroidery and elephant-patterned pants. Jung repeatedly asked the vendor for the price, saying, "If it's too expensive, I won't buy it." The vendor initially quoted 600 baht (27,000 won) for the shirt and 400 baht (18,000 won) for the pants. When Jung tried to negotiate, saying the price was too high, the vendor reduced the price by 100 baht (4,500 won), ultimately selling both items for a total of 900 baht (about 41,000 won).
It is known that similar dragon-embroidered shirts are sold online for 200 to 400 baht (9,000 to 18,000 won), and the pants for 100 to 200 baht (4,500 to 9,000 won).
Many Thai netizens criticized the prices as "outrageous," fueling the overcharging controversy. Netizens also pointed out that the YouTubers appeared to have paid excessive amounts throughout their visit to the market. It was reported that the total amount spent by the YouTubers during their approximately one-hour stay at the market reached 3,340 baht (about 150,000 won).
As the controversy spread, the Ratchaburi Provincial Office of Commerce launched an investigation. Authorities summoned the shop owner on November 11 to verify the facts. The shop owner admitted to selling two clothing items for 900 baht but explained that, since the incident occurred in October, they could not recall the specific details.
The shop owner claimed that the dragon-embroidered shirt was hand-stitched and the pants were made of high-quality fabric, justifying the price as reasonable. However, the owner acknowledged failing to display price tags. The vendor also expressed willingness to issue a full refund to the YouTuber and, as an apology, offered the purchased clothes as a gift.
However, Jarukit Judy Sisawat, a Thai influencer and friend of the two YouTubers, stated on Facebook, "My Korean friends do not want a refund. Regardless of nationality, all tourists deserve fair and honest prices."
Authorities imposed a 2,000 baht fine for failing to display prices. Regarding the overcharging issue, they stated that additional review would be conducted if the shop owner submits relevant cost documentation.
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