Phuket, Thailand – A Russian woman is under investigation for allegedly exchanging counterfeit U.S. Dollar banknotes at local currency exchange outlets and businesses in Phuket.

Phuket Police Investigate Foreign Tourists Over Fake $50 Bills at Currency Exchange

The case came to light on the evening of March 23rd, when Ms. R., a 53-year-old Russian tourist, attempted to exchange 38 counterfeit $50 bills $1,650 or approximately 56,000 baht, at a currency exchange service. Staff became suspicious and alerted authorities after detecting irregularities in the banknotes.

Officers from the Wichit Police Station seized the cash for further examination. Initial tests using automated money-counting machines produced inconsistent results—some bills were accepted, while others were flagged as fake, deepening suspicions.

Further investigations revealed that a shopkeeper had unknowingly accepted six fake $50 bills (worth 9,750 baht) from the same tourist. When the shopkeeper tried to exchange them, the notes were identified as counterfeit. The vendor then notified police, who intervened when the Russian woman returned to exchange more money.

Authorities later seized additional banknotes from the suspect’s hotel room in the Cape Panwa area. The total amount of suspected counterfeit money involved has not yet been disclosed.

Due to conflicting initial test results, the confiscated bills will undergo expert forensic analysis with support from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand and the U.S. Secret Service (which handles counterfeit currency cases).

Banking officials in Phuket have also noted repeated issues with the 2017 series of $50 bills, prompting heightened vigilance among exchange services.

Russian Tourist Arrested in Phuket for Exchanging Counterfeit Currency

If convicted, the suspect could face serious legal penalties under Thai anti-counterfeiting laws, which include hefty fines and imprisonment. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether she acted alone or as part of a larger counterfeit operation.

Updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

-Thailand News (TN)