Russian in Thailand faces 10 years in prison for souvenir dollars

Yekaterinburger Vadim Vedenyapin with family and friends vacationed in Thailand. Their kids are "playing the store" with dollars from a "fun bank," and the adults took fake money on the trip.

According to Vadim’s wife, he jokingly gave the locals money from Russia with love. But the Thais did not understand the prank: Vadim was arrested and placed in jail.

Friends of the Urals say that he ordered alcohol in a bar that evening and paid in Thai baht. Thai workers saw his souvenir dollars, and decided that they were real: “They started to frown on him and offer something else.” The man gave the Thais as a souvenir dollars from the joke bank. When the locals realized that they were fakes, they offered to give them a thousand baht or call the police. The tourist refused to pay, explaining that it was just a game.

Three local residents testify against Vadim, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

The investigation into the case of Vadim Vedenyapin can last two years. His family is now raising money for a lawyer and asking for help in Thailand.

Ekaterina Vedenyapina, Vadim’s wife, expressed gratitude to all caring people “by common efforts it was possible to collect 150 thousand rubles.” But Vadim is still in prison.”

The case of Vadim is controlled by the Russian Embassy in Thailand, but so far diplomats can not help the tourist from the Urals.

Representatives of the diplomatic mission say that before the closure of the case, his departure from the country will be closed. Even release from prison on bail does not mean acquittal or dismissal of the case.

Source:ural.kp