Papaya Salad Vendor Distressed After Gold Bracelet Switched for Fake
A Ratchaburi papaya salad vendor lost her 3-baht gold bracelet to a fake after pawning it with a friend in January; she recovered it in May only to discover the genuine bracelet had been switched for counterfeit gold.
A Ratchaburi papaya salad vendor has come forward claiming she was duped when her 3-baht gold bracelet was switched for fake gold after pawning it with a close friend. The vendor, Ms. Rattikar Yamwong (known as "Khun Khaning"), 28, posted a plea for help on Facebook, explaining that she had saved money from selling papaya salad to purchase the gold bracelet but was forced to pawn it for 15,000 baht in January 2025 due to financial hardship. Her friend agreed to lend the money without charging interest.
On May 14, Ms. Rattikar returned the remaining balance of 20,000 baht and sent her boyfriend to collect the bracelet. During the exchange, her friend mentioned that a phone Ms. Rattikar had lost earlier was actually in his bag but he was afraid to return it. This raised her suspicions.
When Ms. Rattikar took the bracelet to the original gold shop for verification, staff confirmed it was counterfeit, despite having the same pattern as the original. She immediately filed a police report, but her friend instructed police to communicate through his lawyer instead.
Ms. Rattikar, speaking tearfully, said she simply wants her gold back, as it took countless days of hard work selling papaya salad under the sun to save for it, all while caring for her young child. She suspects her genuine bracelet was swapped with counterfeit gold of similar design.
She is now warning the public to use reputable gold shops or established businesses when pawning valuables, rather than lending to acquaintances. Those wishing to support her papaya salad and grilled chicken business can contact her Facebook page "Rattikar Yamwong," which also offers online ordering.
