Warning over fake 500-baht notes

PHUKET: The Bank of Thailand has issued a statement advising banks and the public on how to identify forged 500-baht notes currently circulating in Thailand. “The counterfeit notes are printed on thinner paper [than the real ones] and the surface of the paper is more slippery than genuine notes,” explained Boonserm Jitsamreang, the marketing officer of Bank of Asia, Phuket branch. “Also, the ‘500’ on the forgeries is not embossed, as it is on the real notes. “Forgery is not a major problem in Phuket,” he added. “However, bank officers and the public need to be aware of it and to be informed of the differences between forged and genuine currency.” Queries concerning counterfeit notes may be directed to the Bank of Asia, Phuket branch, Phuket Rd, Phuket Town, Tel: 211566.