After the shady business practices of the Mobile Air Store in Sim Lim Square were exposed, a group of Singaporean internet users set up a campaign to raise USD1,350 for Pham Van Thoai. As of November 6, the campaign had raised over USD10,741, with the deadline not over until November 12.
Thoai is a factory worker with monthly salary equal to SGD200, so he asked for a refund. The shop refused but then offered to pay back SGD600. However, his girlfriend refused and called the police. The Consumers Association of Singapore were called in and he received a refund of SGD400.
During the interview with Lianhe Zaobao News, Thoai said he already received SGD550 from a Singaporean businessman for a new phone. He expressed gratitude to all of the kind people, but refused any more help. He said, "I lost SGD550. So I will accept only the same in return, nothing more. I'm grateful for all your kindness but I do not want to take more than what I've lost."
Many Singaporean citizens who learned of the incident said that such practices reflect poorly on Singapore. The Mobile Air has been temporarily closed.
