Counterfeit 1,000-Baht Bills Circulate at Phayao Market

Phayao warns of counterfeit 1,000-baht bills spreading after Phu Sang market vendors were tricked by customers using fake notes to buy goods from grocery and pork shops, eating into their thin profits. The Bank of Thailand has been contacted to collect and destroy the counterfeit bills.

October 28, 2026 — Reporters visited a fresh market in Phu Sang district, Phayao, after vendors complained that customers had used counterfeit 1,000-baht bills to make purchases at a grocery store and a pork stall. After inspecting both shops, one vendor handed a suspicious 1,000-baht note to the media for verification. It was confirmed as counterfeit: genuine notes reflect light when tilted, while the fake did not, and the paper texture was different.

Ms. Warinika Chaisri, a pork vendor, said she received the bill during the pre-Lent shopping rush one day before the end of Buddhist Lent. Business was brisk that day and she had no suspicions. After sales ended, she deposited all proceeds at a local bank ATM. Every other bill was accepted, but this 1,000-baht note was rejected repeatedly. She tested it with a counterfeit-detection pen; the ink did not fade on this note, while it disappeared on genuine ones. She concluded it was fake, costing her a portion of that day's profits.

Another vendor, Mrs. Wiew Wichaiwut, also received a counterfeit 1,000-baht bill at the same time. After finishing sales, she went to pay suppliers but noticed the bill's color was darker than usual. She tested it with a detection pen — the ink remained visible. She also dipped it in water; the fake bill disintegrated like ordinary paper, while a genuine 1,000-baht note remained intact. She was certain it was counterfeit.

The bank has since coordinated to send the counterfeit notes for destruction, forwarding them via the Chiang Kham branch to the Bank of Thailand.