A Thai man reported losing 58,000 baht to a group of foreign suspects near a bank in central Phuket on May 4. The incident occurred after the victim, having withdrawn cash, was approached by a foreign woman who appeared to express interest in exchanging currency.

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The man stated that he had withdrawn money from a local bank around 6pm and was leaving the premises by 10pm. In the process, a woman who seemed to be of Middle Eastern descent engaged him in conversation outside the bank where four foreigners were seen in a car. She requested to see Thai banknotes under the guise of a currency exchange.

During the interaction, the woman reportedly reached into the man’s bag and handled his cash while feigning excitement. The victim, unaware of her actions at the time, later discovered the discrepancy after returning home and realizing that 58,000 baht was missing.

He promptly returned to the location and informed local authorities. Phuket police responded by gathering evidence from the bank and plan to examine CCTV footage to identify those involved. As of now, there have been no further updates from police regarding the suspects.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 04 Mar 2026

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Phuket is in the news so much lately for crime and bad tourist behaviour. As a Pattaya resident I am wondering if my home is all 'robbed out' and criminals have moved down there for richer pickings.

Edited May 6May 6 by jacko45k

This type of theft at ATM's used to be largely spread all over Europe and mainly perpetrated by gangs from East Europe and Ukraine. As the public became more aware and wary in western Europe, the crooks are now expanding their ventures in other areas of the world.

A Thai person scammed by a foreigner.

That's unusual.

Ps, Hope the cops catch them.

Edited May 6May 6 by rocketboy2

Leaving the bank at 10pm, after 4 hours !! And he let some dodgy middle eastern woman hold his money !!

Just now, rocketboy2 said:

A Thai person scammed by a foreigner.

That's unusual.

Ps, Hope the cops catch them.

Not really in today's Thailand...devine scam and then you will see who does most of it

7 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

During the interaction, the woman reportedly reached into the man’s bag and handled his cash while feigning excitement. The victim, unaware of her actions at the time, later discovered the discrepancy after returning home and realizing that 58,000 baht was missing.

Was she naked that he didn't notice ! 🙄

8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

She requested to see Thai banknotes under the guise of a currency exchange.

Arab kid on Suk in Bkk, probably 20 years ago.

"Show me what is Thailand money, I don't know what it is."

I told him "1 US dollar is 1 Thai baht, how much US dollar you have?"

He was gone in a blink.

This seems more of a "pick pocket" (albeit in plain sight) than a scam.

Just now, henryford1958 said:

Leaving the bank at 10pm, after 4 hours !! And he let some dodgy middle eastern woman hold his money !!

Yes, Thai banks are open really late and are happy to hand out 58000 baht at 10 pm.

That story is quite unbelievable.

Well as the saying goes No fool like a old fool 😱

You could not make this story up

Unbelievable

I never talk to anyone in the street if I have a large amount of baht on my person, a large amount being more than 10,000 baht. I try to be as inconspicuous as possible and hurry home to put the cash in my safe. Actually, I become very suspicious of anyone who tries to talk to me in the street especially if I have just emerged from a currency exchange shop.

Edited May 6May 6 by Dexxter

8 minutes ago, Dexxter said:

I never talk to anyone in the street if I have a large amount of baht on my person, a large amount being more than 10,000 baht. I try to be as inconspicuous as possible and hurry home to put the cash in my safe. Actually, I become very suspicious of anyone who tries to talk to me in the street especially if I have just emerged from a currency exchange shop.

Why are you "exchanging" such sums of cash at such a shop?

Don't you use bank/internet transfers?

Edited May 6May 6 by scottiejohn

8 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Why are you "exchanging" such sums of cash?

Don't you use bank/internet transfers?

I usually have a 6-7 week holiday and bring 5-6 thousand Aussie dollars in cash. I also have my credit card which I use to pay for hotels and if my cash is running low then also some restaurants or bars. I don't use bank transfers because as a tourist I don't have a local Thai bank account. I prefer cash because of the good exchange rate with SuperRich and similar shops. Using an ATM means extra fees both in Thailand and with my Australian bank as well as a much worse exchange rate. I also like the idea of having a backup money supply with my cash and cards. I only convert as I need a topup in baht so often I end up taking a thousand or two back at the end of my holiday if I did not spend it all. Anyway, it works very well for me and has for many years.

Edited May 6May 6 by Dexxter

29 minutes ago, Dexxter said:

I never talk to anyone in the street if I have a large amount of baht on my person, a large amount being more than 10,000 baht. I try to be as inconspicuous as possible and hurry home to put the cash in my safe. Actually, I become very suspicious of anyone who tries to talk to me in the street especially if I have just emerged from a currency exchange shop.

10k is walk around money.

8 minutes ago, Dexxter said:

I usually have a 6-7 week holiday and bring 5-6 thousand Aussie dollars in cash. I also have my credit card which I use to pay for hotels and if my cash is running low then also some restaurants or bars. I don't use bank transfers because as a tourist I don't have a local Thai bank account. I prefer cash because of the good exchange rate with SuperRich and similar shops. Using an ATM means extra fees both in Thailand and with my Australian bank as well as a much worse exchange rate. I also like the idea of having a backup money supply with my cash and cards. I only convert as I need a topup in baht so often I end up taking a thousand or two back at the end of my holiday if I did not spend it all. Anyway, it works very well for me and has for many years.

I do similar. I wonder if at some stage it might be helpful to use one of these apps where you can link say Wise and be able to pay by QR code. Haven't so far but it is a decent option without a Thai bank account.

11 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

10k is walk around money.

This is true but I don't advertise the fact I am carrying it on me.

15 hours ago, rocketboy2 said:

A Thai person scammed by a foreigner.

That's unusual.

Ps, Hope the cops catch them.

Eastern European Gypsy style I would say, not middle eastern, just like the beggi

16 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

This type of theft at ATM's used to be largely spread all over Europe and mainly perpetrated by gangs from East Europe and Ukraine. As the public became more aware and wary in western Europe, the crooks are now expanding their ventures in other areas of the world.

Correct, EU Gypsys I would guess!