Counterfeit money is circulating around town, and people should be on the lookout for bogus baht in their wallets. Monday afternoon, 24-year-old shopkeeper Mattana Wongwart reported to the police that she received counterfeit banknotes of 4,700 baht from a Thai man who bought a welding machine from her shop located on Soi Chaiyapruek.

He was about 30 years old with short hair, spoke Esarn dialect and was wearing a technician’s uniform. She noted that he did not bother to bargain, which in itself would raise eyebrows, paid the full amount and rode away on his motorbike with the machine. Khun Mattana found out later the money was fake.
The Pattaya Police department has issued a warning to all individuals, shopowners and shopping malls that there is likely to be more dubious dosh circulating during an economic downturn. Be especially wary of 500 baht notes, as these seem to be the most common denomination copied.  

News stories placed on this website are short versions. If you would like the full story, please read the Pattaya People Weekly newspaper.