PATTAYA — A 66-year-old American man was arrested on June 3, 2025, in Pattaya after attempting to exchange counterfeit U.S. banknotes at a currency exchange booth near Jomtien Beach. The arrest took place after alert staff at the “TT Currency Exchange” identified the suspicious bills and contacted local police.

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According to Pattaya authorities, the suspect, identified publicly only as Mr. S., presented ten $100 bills to exchange for Thai baht. Upon inspection, the bills were found to be fake and clearly marked with the phrase “For Motion Picture Use Only,” indicating they were intended as props and not legal tender.

American Man Arrested in Pattaya for Attempting to Exchange Counterfeit U.S. $

A US national has been arrested in Pattaya for allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit currency for Thai baht, despite clear indications that the banknotes were not legal tender.

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Despite being informed that the notes were counterfeit, Mr. S. allegedly insisted on completing the exchange and became agitated when denied. A subsequent search of his belongings uncovered an additional 11 fake $100 bills, bringing the total to 21 forged notes in his possession.

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Police have charged Mr. S. with possession and attempted use of counterfeit currency, citing evidence that he knowingly tried to pass off the prop money as real. Investigators confirmed that the suspect has been a regular visitor to Thailand.

-Thailand News (TN)