Phuket police praised by US Secret Service over fake dollars

US Secret Service representatives have thanked Phuket Provincial Police for cooperation in tackling cross-border crime, including counterfeit US dollar cases, economic offences and international cyber fraud.

Senior Special Agent and Assistant Attache Samuel Cloud met Major General Sinlert Sukhum, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, at the provincial police headquarters reception room on 22 September 2026.

Cloud, representing the United States Secret Service (USSS), attended with a delegation to strengthen bilateral coordination between Thai law-enforcement agencies and US counterparts in the region. He thanked Phuket police for their continued cooperation and information-sharing.

Recognition for Phuket investigations

The USSS presented Maj Gen Sinlert with a certificate recognising his work in suppressing and making arrests in important Phuket cases over the past three years.

Certificates were also presented to officers involved in major investigations in Wichit, in Phuket's Muang district, and Kamala, in Kathu district. The recognised officers were:

Police Colonel Somsak Thongklieng, superintendent of Wichit Police Station

Police Lieutenant Colonel Rattanawut Nukaew, deputy superintendent for investigations at Sakhu Police Station

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wutthiwat Liangboonchinda, deputy superintendent for prevention and suppression at Wichit Police Station

Police Major Withaya Kulnoi, investigation inspector at Wichit Police Station

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sawai Chankaew, investigation inspector at Kamala Police Station

Police Lieutenant Colonel Noppadol Thonmanee, investigation inspector at Patong Police Station

Police Major Nakorn Chatipai, inquiry inspector at Cherng Talay Police Station

Police Captain Rachat Promkhun, deputy inquiry inspector at Wichit Police Station

Their investigations led to follow-up work and law-enforcement action against connected criminal networks across Southeast Asia, police said.

Counterfeit dollar arrests led to US cooperation

The main purpose of the visit was to thank Pol Col Somsak, who was Kamala Police Station superintendent in 2024, and officers at the station for arresting a foreign national linked to the use of counterfeit US dollar banknotes.

The suspect had been staying in Kamala, Kathu district, Phuket. Police subsequently expanded their investigation and provided important information to the United States, helping efforts to dismantle a counterfeit-dollar trafficking gang.

After Pol Col Somsak moved to lead Wichit Police Station, officers made another arrest involving the use of counterfeit US dollar notes. The USSS delegation also used the meeting to exchange information with Phuket police.

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

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24 September 2026