BANGKOK, Thailand – A shop owner in Bang Bua Thong district successfully detained a suspected conman inside her grocery store after he allegedly attempted to use a repeated “fake change” scam involving a 1,000-baht banknote. The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on June 11, when a man, later identified as 33-year-old Pakistani national Irfan Muhammad, arrived at a local convenience shop riding pillion on a motorcycle. The driver reportedly parked about 10 metres away from the store, while the suspect walked in alone to make a purchase.
CCTV footage shows the man selecting small items such as toiletries before paying with a 1,000-baht note. He then allegedly tried to confuse the shop staff by repeatedly changing the transaction—returning goods, asking for refunds, and engaging in conversation in both Thai and English.
Police say this method is designed to create confusion so staff hand over extra change before the suspect leaves the shop. However, the shop owner, 34-year-old Ms. Suchawadee, recognized the pattern from similar cases reported in the media. Acting quickly, she pulled down the metal shutter door and locked the suspect inside before calling police. The second suspect, who was waiting on a motorcycle outside, managed to escape after realizing what had happened.
After the incident, Ms. Suchawadee and several other victims later arrived at Bang Bua Thong Police Station to identify the suspect and give statements. Authorities said the same group is believed to have used the same tactic in multiple provinces, targeting small community shops with low-value purchases paid using 1,000-baht notes. Police also noted that suspects often change their appearance, including clothing and hairstyles, to avoid detection. A victim from Nakhon Pathom also came forward, confirming a similar experience. Investigators are now coordinating with police in other areas to expand the case and consider additional charges across multiple incidents. Authorities are urging any other affected shop owners to come forward. (TNA)
