A 59-year-old man arrested with counterfeit US$100 banknotes worth 1.7 million baht has confessed that the fake bills were destined for small tourism businesses in Bangkok, according to police.
Jingkhung Sae Tiew, of Nakhon Ratchasima, was apprehended at a hotel on Krung Kasem Road in Pomprap Sattruphai district of Bangkok on Friday afternoon. Seized from him were 483 fake $100 banknotes.
The arrest followed information that fake US banknotes were being sold to tour agencies in several areas in the capital, putting tourists at risk, said Pol Maj Gen Panurat Lakboon, chief of the Patrol and Special Operation Division, also known as the 191 unit.
Police said Mr Jingkhung told them that a Laotian friend had delivered the fake banknotes to him in Mukdahan. He then delivered them to Thai clients in Bangkok who would sell the notes to small operators of tourism-related businesses, mostly tour firms and entertainment venues, in Huai Khwang, Lumphini, Bang Rak and Yaowarat districts.
The suspect claimed he was paid 100 baht per banknote for his role, police said.
Police have charged him with possessing counterfeit banknotes. He is now in custody pending further legal action.
A 191 Unit officer displays a set of guidelines on how to check for counterfeit US banknotes. (Photo from Patrol and Special Operation Division (PSOD) Facebook page)