Turks Ramazan Tekelioglu and
Hamit Ayaz have been arrested for running quick-change scams on a number of
currency-exchange booths in Pattaya.
Boonlua Chatree
Two Turkish men were arrested for running quick-change scams on a
number of currency-exchange booths in Pattaya.
Ramazan Tekelioglu, 47, and Hamit Ayaz, 45, were arrested following theft
complaints from several foreign-exchange booths. Police used security-camera
photos of the men and their cars to track down the suspects.
Tekelioglu were arrested with 4,00 baht, $100 and 12 foreign-currency
banknotes. A subsequent search of the suspects’ cars and hotel room
uncovered another 70,000 baht.
Maj. Gen. Khatcha Thatsart, commander of the Chonburi police station,
alleged the two Turks would attempt to exchange currency, but ask to see the
Thai baht notes. Puzzled bank clerks asked why they were taking so long to
look at the notes and ask for them back. The men then quickly returned the
cash, keeping some bills and leaving before the clerk could discover the
theft.
