A foreign man described by shopkeepers as appearing to be Indian is alleged to have targeted multiple stores in Phuket using a change-exchange deception. The suspect reportedly purchased a bottle of water priced at 10 baht and paid with a 1,000-baht banknote, before creating confusion during the transaction. According to accounts from affected vendors, he then manipulated the situation to retrieve or conceal the note, leading to unnecessary extra change being handed over.
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He is said to have moved between different shops, repeating a similar pattern of behaviour involving distraction, requests to change items and verbal confusion. In one case, CCTV footage reportedly showed him engaging staff while attempting to hide the banknote and then acting as if payment had already been completed. Several shop owners later discovered discrepancies in their cash drawers and missing 1,000-baht notes after his visits. Posts shared among local businesses suggest multiple establishments may have been affected, indicating a repeated method rather than an isolated incident.
Shopkeepers have warned others in the area to be vigilant when handling large cash note transactions involving small purchases. They have also urged anyone affected to report incidents to the police, noting that individual losses may appear minor but could accumulate significantly across multiple cases. The alleged pattern has prompted concern among small business owners who rely on daily cash turnover.
Authorities are expected to review CCTV footage and any related complaints to determine the suspect’s movements and whether further action can be taken. Businesses are being encouraged to strengthen cash-handling procedures to reduce the risk of similar scams. Investigations remain ongoing as more potential victims come forward.
Video courtesy of Phuketinsta
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Phuketinsta 5 May 2026