PHUKET – Multiple currency exchange outlets across Phuket have fallen victim to a scam involving counterfeit British pound banknotes, resulting in combined losses estimated at nearly 40,000 baht. The Phuket Times Facebook page issued a public alert on October 6 after receiving several reports from affected booths, alongside a photograph of the unidentified foreign suspect.

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According to the reports, the man targeted exchange shops in the popular Patong area, presenting fake pound sterling notes that were accepted as genuine by some staff. The scam was uncovered when several shop operators compared experiences online and realized they had encountered the same individual. In comments beneath the Phuket Times post, staff from shops in the Chalong and Saiyuan areas confirmed that the suspect had also attempted to exchange notes at their locations, though they identified the currency as counterfeit and refused the transactions.

The online post quickly drew strong reactions from the local community, with many users calling on police to launch an immediate investigation and apprehend the suspect before he leaves the country. Some commentators expressed frustration over Thailand’s visa-free entry policy, suggesting it has enabled foreign criminals to easily enter the country and target tourist areas like Phuket.

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As of Monday, no arrests have been made and authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incidents. Exchange operators have been advised to exercise increased vigilance and carefully inspect all foreign banknotes to prevent further losses.

-Thailand News (TN)