I can walk in to any K-bank today with just my passport and Elite Visa and open an account. It's one of the few decent perks they offer for their overpriced visa.
Wait it out, it will most likely be taken back eventually, let the bank handle it. Like you said, you might not have even noticed. It's only illegal if you spend it all and/or refuse to return it when the bank orders you to.
A suspended sentence means as long as they don't break the law again during that year, it's considered served. But yes, surely they'll be long gone either way.
I guess you are sending to a Kasikorn bank account. For me and other users who have commented here, anything over $1000 to Bangkok Bangkok, takes 24-48 hours.
Anything over 1000 USD has never been instant for me to Bangkok Bank, next day usually as the other user said. If your friend needs more instantly, they can send it in multiple transfers of 1000 or equivalent and the fees are only a few dollars more that way.
Yes it has happened to me a few times at 7-11s that are almost always busy with many tourists. Now I stare at the screen as they are scanning and if paying in cash, check my change before leaving and also the receipt. Never happened at a 7-11 outside tourist areas though and they are always very friendly and helpful there.
After looking at her social media accounts and seeing some dodgy stuff, this is highly likely. She has also already made 3 tiktoks on what she says happened, clearly trying to capitalize on the publicity she and her story is getting. Phuket Airport also posted a copy of the internal receipt for her order and I'm not sure what the Subway employees would gain from inflating her order cost.