KOH SAMUI, Surat Thani — Thai authorities arrested two Israeli nationals accused of exchanging counterfeit US dollars, resulting in a loss of 21,840 baht. Police and immigration officials continue investigating to prevent further economic disruption.
On October 11, officers from Bo Phut Police Station, alongside the Surat Thani Immigration Office, detained Matan (25) and Omer (27) following an arrest warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court. Both face charges related to counterfeiting foreign currency and possessing it with intent to distribute.
The suspects tried exchanging fake US$50 notes at a Government Savings Bank booth at Samui Airport. The fraudulent transaction was discovered after a report on October 9 by the bank manager at the Central Samui branch, who found that fifteen US$50 notes exchanged by foreign customers on October 6 were counterfeit.
Matan exchanged five counterfeit notes for 7,280 baht, while Omer exchanged ten notes for 14,560 baht, totaling 21,840 baht. The bank noted the fake notes initially passed the currency verification machine because its software had not been updated. A thorough inspection by the Government Savings Bank headquarters later confirmed the notes were counterfeit.
After collecting evidence including CCTV footage and transaction records, the police moved swiftly to apprehend the suspects and initiate legal proceedings.
In a related matter, the Israeli Embassy in Thailand earlier this year reminded its citizens to respect Thai culture and laws following complaints about disruptive behavior by some Israeli tourists in northern Thailand.
Authorities continue investigating the case to determine the full extent of the counterfeit currency operation, reported by KhaoSod.
