A 47-year-old Singaporean traveller has reported losing approximately S$253 after several high-value Thai banknotes in his wallet were allegedly swapped for lower denominations while he was in Bangkok.
The incident occurred during a recent solo trip to Thailand, where the man, identified as Bai, had travelled for a short holiday. What began as a routine exchange of currency quickly turned into a costly lesson in travel safety and personal finance vigilance.
According to Chinese-language daily Shin Min Daily News, Bai had exchanged Thai baht shortly after arriving in the Thai capital. However, by the end of the day, seven 1,000-baht notes in his possession had reportedly been replaced with 100-baht notes, resulting in a loss of 6,300 baht — around S$253 based on prevailing exchange rates.
Approached by Strangers in Bangkok Shopping Mall
Bai shared that the encounter unfolded at a shopping mall in Bangkok, not long after he landed. While browsing through merchandise in a store, he was approached by two individuals holding what appeared to be medicine. They reportedly asked him about the product and sought his opinion.
Uncertain about the item, Bai advised them to consult a doctor. The pair then struck up a conversation and asked where he was from. Upon learning that he was Singaporean, they allegedly expressed excitement and mentioned plans to visit Singapore in the coming months.
The conversation then turned to currency. Curious about Singapore notes, the duo asked Bai what they looked like. Without suspecting foul play, he retrieved his wallet and opened it to show them. During that moment, one individual reportedly reached out to grab the wallet, but Bai instinctively pulled it back.
Third Person Appears, Suspicion Arises
After the brief interaction, the pair left abruptly. Bai initially brushed off the episode. However, shortly after, an elderly woman approached him, holding Thai currency and asking if it could be used locally.
Looking back, Bai now suspects the three individuals may have been working together in a coordinated distraction technique — a tactic commonly associated with travel scams in busy tourist areas.
It was only later that evening, upon returning to his hotel, that he discovered something was amiss. Of the nine 1,000-baht notes he had earlier exchanged, only two remained. The other seven had allegedly been replaced with 100-baht notes.
Shocked by the discovery, Bai lodged a police report in Bangkok that same night. He admitted he could not understand how the switch had taken place, especially since he had not handed over his wallet willingly.
Despite the setback, Bai continued his four-day stay in Thailand, relying primarily on credit card payments and digital payment solutions when cash ran short. The incident serves as a timely reminder for travellers to remain cautious when handling foreign currency, especially in crowded public spaces.
With overseas travel resuming strongly among Singaporeans, experts advise tourists to avoid displaying large amounts of cash openly and to consider secure travel insurance coverage alongside safe currency exchange practices to minimise financial risk abroad.