CHON BURI: A Russian man was arrested yesterday for allegedly exchanging eight fake 100 US dollar banknotes into Thai baht at a local money exchange outlet in Pattaya, according to local police.
Under questioning, Sergey Nikiforov, 53, reportedly denied the allegation, saying he had no knowledge the banknotes were counterfeit.
His arrest has been a part of crackdown by Chon Buri Provincial Police to suppress illegal activities ahead of the upcoming New Year.
Since Monday, local police say they also have arrested four Thais allegedly embroiled in criminal activities in Pattaya.
The four Thai suspects were identified as Saichon Sriarun; Rattanaphol Sae-aui, both 35; Surasak Intharachot, 40 and Suphakphol Phimchan, 21.
Mr Saichon was detained in connection with drug trafficking along with around 203 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, or ya ice, and 9,400 methamphetamine pills. Apart from drugs, police also seized several firearms and ammunition from him.
Earlier, officials were tipped off that he sold drugs to clients in the province. An officer then posed as a customer which finally led to his being arrested.
As for Mr Rattanaphol, he was detained on a theft charge after allegedly stealing a mobile phone, a necklace with a jade pendant and a diamond ring worth over two million baht from Jaing Zhu, a 30-year-old Chinese tourist, at Ta Waen beach on Koh Lan.
Police say they later expanded a probe and apprehended Mr Surasak who had the ring in his possession. The duo have been charged with colluding in theft and receiving stolen property.
For Mr Suphakphol, he was held yesterday after he allegedly used a modified .38 pistol to kill Anurak Yodsing, 19, at a Dusit Thani housing estate in Bamg Lamung district earlier that day.
The teen suspect allegedly told police he had an argument with the victim, who was also his close friend. Both were later involved in a fight.
Fearing he was about to lose, Mr Suphakphol told police that he pulled out his gun and shot Anurak in the head, killing him.
Mr Suphakphol was detained by a passersby and has been charged with murder, and using firearms and ammunition in a public place.
