Over 600,000 Baht Stolen from Currency Exchange at Central Phuket Mall

Police in Phuket are investigating the theft of more than 627,000 baht in cash from a currency exchange booth inside Central Phuket shopping mall. Investigators believe the suspect may have had inside assistance after CCTV footage showed him opening the safe using the correct access code.

According to Wichit Police, the theft occurred at around 9:13pm on July 19 at an exchange counter located in the Central Festival Phuket section of the mall.

Security footage captured a man wearing a dark blue baseball cap, glasses, a black sports jacket with white stripes, black shorts and gloves entering the booth. He opened the safe, removed the cash and left the premises without attracting attention. Although his movements appeared unremarkable, officers believe he knew exactly how to access the money.

The theft was discovered on the morning of July 20, when employees arrived to open the exchange booth. A formal complaint was filed with Wichit Police the following day, July 21, at around 11am.

Authorities said the stolen cash included:

• 175,000 Thai baht

• 50 euros

• 50,000 Russian rubles

• 11,700 US dollars

• 1,000 Swiss francs

Police noted that an error in the official report mistakenly identified the US dollars as Swiss francs for a second time. However, the listed currency values and the total estimated loss confirm that the amount was 11,700 US dollars.

The combined value of the stolen cash is estimated at 627,000 baht.

Investigators have already questioned employees and other individuals connected to the exchange business and are expanding the investigation. The leading theory is that the suspect received assistance from someone with access to internal information or knowledge of the security system.

Initial reports on social media described the suspect as a foreign national. However, Wichit Police Chief Colonel Somsak Thongklieng said investigators have not yet confirmed his nationality.

Police also believe the suspect may have deliberately disguised his appearance by wearing glasses, a fake moustache, a beard and distinctive clothing, suggesting he was aware that surveillance cameras were operating throughout the premises.