Counterfeit 1,000-Baht Notes Flood Phukhaew Market
Counterfeit 1,000-baht notes have hit Phukhaew market in Chaiyaphum, with two vendors losing cash and goods in separate incidents within a week. Police are urging merchants to carefully inspect banknotes and report fakes immediately.
Chaiyaphum—Merchants at Phukhaew district's fresh market are on high alert after two separate incidents involving counterfeit 1,000-baht notes within a week, resulting in losses of both merchandise and cash. Police have been asked to urgently track down the culprit and take swift action amid growing concern among residents.
On August 10, Chai, a 59-year-old pork sausage vendor at Phukhaew district fresh market, reported being defrauded by a stocky man, approximately 170 centimeters tall with dark reddish skin. The suspect entered the stall to buy pork sausage for 100 baht, then handed over a 1,000-baht note. After Chai delivered the goods and returned 900 baht in change, he examined the banknote closely and discovered it was counterfeit, lacking the watermark of a genuine note. When he turned back to look for the customer, the man had vanished.
The incident left Chai upset and forced him to leave early, having lost both merchandise and 900 baht in change. He then warned other vendors in the market to be vigilant.
Meanwhile, reporter found Wal, a 62-year-old vegetable seller in Olo subdistrict, who revealed she had also fallen victim to a con artist in early August. A man used a fake 1,000-baht note to purchase fresh vegetables worth only 40 baht, and she gave him 960 baht in change. After Wal handed the note to her grandson to buy school supplies, the shop clerk discovered the banknote was abnormal and suspected it was counterfeit. Further verification confirmed it was fake.
Wal acknowledged that with many daily customers and busy cash handling, it is difficult to remember which customer gave each note, allowing scammers to exploit the rush and confusion. She urged all merchants and shops in the area to increase caution when accepting banknotes, especially 1,000-baht notes, and to verify each note before giving change. She also recommended using banknote checking equipment, which takes only seconds and could prevent losses. She called on police to act quickly and apprehend those using counterfeit notes before more residents are harmed.
Phukhaew police station has advised merchants and the public to exercise care when accepting payment, particularly with 1,000-baht notes. All notes should be inspected carefully before accepting and giving change. If a note is suspected of being counterfeit, it should not be spent further, as it may create legal problems. Instead, the note should be kept and reported to police for investigation and proper handling.
