Phuket Police Probe Fake Currency Scare as Foreign Women Detained

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Scot Scoop News

 

Phuket police are on high alert following an incident involving two foreign women allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange. Staff at the exchange, located near a major Cape Panwa hotel, became suspicious of six $50 notes amounting to 9,750 baht. Upon notifying the police, officers raided the women's hotel rooms, uncovering more notes, which were sent for verification.

 

Bank staff at a Central Phuket shopping mall branch found some of the notes dubious, as the 2017 series often presents verification challenges. Consequently, the notes have been forwarded to Siam Commercial Bank's head office for further analysis. Meanwhile, the Wichit police have placed the women on an immigration watchlist pending forensic results. Should the notes prove counterfeit, legal actions will swiftly follow.

 

 

 

Police are cautioning local businesses to be vigilant when handling foreign currency, especially US dollars from the 2017 series. This warning comes hot on the heels of an ATM skimming bust, exposing ongoing financial crimes on the island. Authorities suspect these counterfeit activities may be tied to a larger criminal network targeting tourists and businesses.

 

Phuket's law enforcement, in coordination with the US Embassy, are determined to ascertain whether the women were unaware accomplices in a broader counterfeiting ring or victims themselves. As tourist numbers rise, police are intensifying their crackdown on financial fraud, striving to safeguard the local economy from international crime syndicates, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-24

 

 

[watchcat]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

two foreign women allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange.

 

They thought it would be easy in a banana republic, but we alla make mistakes enjoy the prisontime.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Phuket police are on high alert following an incident involving two foreign women allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a local currency exchange. Staff at the exchange, located near a major Cape Panwa hotel, became suspicious of six $50 notes amounting to 9,750 baht. Upon notifying the police, officers raided the women's hotel rooms, uncovering more notes, which were sent for verification.

That's shortened their stay in Thailand

[klauskunkel]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Should the notes prove counterfeit, legal actions will swiftly follow.

Should the notes prove genuine, they will be lost in transit.

[Kinok Farang]

Thought the wife and her sister were late bringing the shopping back.

[PETERTHEEATER]

One dollar bills? To get a decent return on the the skills and costs of their skills and material, convincing couterfeiters would produce higher denomination bills. The paper on which the bills are printed is the most difficult to replicate. If the bills are found to be genuine will that, and the release of the women be announced to the press?

[tomazbodner]

6 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

One dollar bills? To get a decent return on the the skills and costs of their skills and material, convincing couterfeiters would produce higher denomination bills. The paper on which the bills are printed is the most difficult to replicate. If the bills are found to be genuine will that, and the release of the women be announced to the press?

Yes, and United States of Origami might be a give-away...

 

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

It was actually about 50$ notes.

 

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

... became suspicious of six $50 notes amounting to 9,750 baht.

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

3 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

Yes, and United States of Origami might be a give-away...

 

 

It was actually about 50$ notes.

 

 

THanks. There'snone so blind as the blind.🙄