Warning Issued Over Fake Banknotes in Saraburi: Street Vendors Duped by Loan Shark

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Authorities and local market vendors in Saraburi have been alerted to the circulation of counterfeit 100-baht banknotes, allegedly distributed by a loan shark known only as “Bang.” The notes, discovered by market traders, have identical serial numbers and are visibly smaller than genuine banknotes.

The issue came to light after a post in the local Facebook group Nong Khae Mee Dee (Love Nong Khae) on 15 July at 18:50. The user shared images of seven fake 100-baht notes, warning others of their poor quality and lack of key security features. The post noted three telltale signs: the notes resemble photocopy paper, are smaller with uneven edges and lack the watermark image of His Majesty the King.

A team of reporters subsequently visited Nong Phak Chi market in Moo 6, Khok Yae subdistrict, Nong Khae district, to investigate further. There, they met 68-year-old market operator Mr. Saman Chawan, who confirmed knowledge of the incident.

“I didn’t realise someone was giving out fake banknotes in loans,” he said. “Now that I know, I won’t allow this loan shark into the market again. It damages the reputation of the market and causes hardship for low-income vendors.”

Mr. Saman urged traders, particularly those borrowing from strangers, to inspect money carefully. “Better yet, don’t borrow at all,” he added.

One affected vendor, 60-year-old Ms. Namfon Phansri, who sells cooked food at the market, spoke about her experience. “I’ve been borrowing from this Bang for a while,” she said. “The first loan was 5,000 baht, with 20 baht daily interest over 24 days. I don’t know his full name, we all just call him Bang.”

After repaying part of the first loan, Ms. Namfon borrowed a second amount of 3,250 baht, which she received entirely in 100-baht notes. She realised something was wrong when she attempted to use the notes to purchase supplies. “They felt odd. My children and fellow vendors looked at them and confirmed they were fake,” she said.

Upon inspection, seven banknotes were counterfeit, sharing the same serial number. Ms. Namfon confronted Bang, who denied knowing they were fake, claiming they had come from another borrower. He replaced the notes and took the counterfeits back.

Another vendor, Ms. Thonglang Silalaek, aged 54, who works with Ms. Namfon, noted the fakes were easy to spot. “The size was off, the texture felt wrong and they all had identical serial numbers. When held to the light, there was no watermark of the King at all,” she explained.

Local authorities are now urging vendors and the public to be vigilant and report any further incidents. The spread of counterfeit money in low-income areas not only hurts individual livelihoods but also undermines trust within the community.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-17