https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-malaysian-police-bust-iptv-group-r2061/Thai economic crime police, working with Interpol and Warner Bros., have arrested a suspect linked to the cross-border pirate streaming network MyIPTV4K during raids in Chiang Mai. Authorities said the operation targeted alleged copyright infringement involving films and entertainment content distributed without permission, while related raids in Malaysia led to the arrest of a husband-and-wife team connected to the network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai and led by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), alongside Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property and representatives from Warner Bros. Entertainment. Officers arrested Akkharawat, at a house in Mae Hia, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, before searching a company office in Suthep, Mueang district. Police seized 19 accounting documents, four records linked to payments for cloud computing platforms, 22 email-related documents, one credit card copy, three mobile phones, one notebook computer and one desktop computer. The suspect was charged with jointly infringing copyright for commercial purposes through reproducing, adapting and publicly distributing films without authorisation. Investigators said the case followed Thailand’s participation in “Operation Awan Merah” at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The operation focused on the MyIPTV4K platform and formed part of the Interpol Stop Online Piracy programme, known as I-SOP. The international effort involved the Royal Malaysia Police, South Korea’s National Police Agency, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the United States Homeland Security Investigations agency. Authorities said they jointly analysed digital and financial evidence before obtaining a warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court and launching simultaneous raids in Thailand and Malaysia. Police said Akkharawat denied all charges. Officers also stated that background checks showed he had previously faced a copyright infringement case in 2018. In Malaysia, officers searched three locations in Selangor and seized digital devices including computers, laptops and mobile phones allegedly used to manage the application. Authorities there charged Long Chin Hwang and his wife, Hu Siew Liew, directors of Alula Marketing Sdn Bhd, which provides web design, graphics, automation systems and electronic products. The Malaysian suspects denied accusations linked to operating and selling access to the MyIPTV4K application through the “Unimax Pro” e-commerce account. Thai police said websites offering pirated films can also expose users to online fraud, with customers paying membership fees but receiving limited access. The Daily News reported that Lt Gen Nattasak said such piracy operations damage copyright owners, the entertainment industry and the country’s investment image by reducing incentives for creators and artists to produce new work. Authorities in both countries are continuing legal proceedings and examining seized digital evidence for further links to international cybercrime networks. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:08:11 +0000Thai economic crime police, working with Interpol and Warner Bros., have arrested a suspect linked to the cross-border pirate streaming network MyIPTV4K during raids in Chiang Mai. Authorities said the operation targeted alleged copyright infringement involving films and entertainment content distributed without permission, while related raids in Malaysia led to the arrest of a husband-and-wife team connected to the network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai and led by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), alongside Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property and representatives from Warner Bros. Entertainment. Officers arrested Akkharawat, at a house in Mae Hia, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, before searching a company office in Suthep, Mueang district. Police seized 19 accounting documents, four records linked to payments for cloud computing platforms, 22 email-related documents, one credit card copy, three mobile phones, one notebook computer and one desktop computer. The suspect was charged with jointly infringing copyright for commercial purposes through reproducing, adapting and publicly distributing films without authorisation. Investigators said the case followed Thailand’s participation in “Operation Awan Merah” at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The operation focused on the MyIPTV4K platform and formed part of the Interpol Stop Online Piracy programme, known as I-SOP. The international effort involved the Royal Malaysia Police, South Korea’s National Police Agency, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the United States Homeland Security Investigations agency. Authorities said they jointly analysed digital and financial evidence before obtaining a warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court and launching simultaneous raids in Thailand and Malaysia. Police said Akkharawat denied all charges. Officers also stated that background checks showed he had previously faced a copyright infringement case in 2018. In Malaysia, officers searched three locations in Selangor and seized digital devices including computers, laptops and mobile phones allegedly used to manage the application. Authorities there charged Long Chin Hwang and his wife, Hu Siew Liew, directors of Alula Marketing Sdn Bhd, which provides web design, graphics, automation systems and electronic products. The Malaysian suspects denied accusations linked to operating and selling access to the MyIPTV4K application through the “Unimax Pro” e-commerce account. Thai police said websites offering pirated films can also expose users to online fraud, with customers paying membership fees but receiving limited access. The Daily News reported that Lt Gen Nattasak said such piracy operations damage copyright owners, the entertainment industry and the country’s investment image by reducing incentives for creators and artists to produce new work. Authorities in both countries are continuing legal proceedings and examining seized digital evidence for further links to international cybercrime networks. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 22:08:11 +0000Forest Gump was asked what two days start with a T.... His answer? Today and TomorrowThu, 28 May 2026 22:08:01 +0000What a jerk!Thu, 28 May 2026 22:07:25 +0000You really have to admire the bravery of these rescuers who are prepared to risk their own lives in a difficult attempt to save others. We can only hope they are successful, and that everyone comes out alive and unharmed.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:05:49 +0000Explains why some decisions they made recently were so .....odd !Thu, 28 May 2026 22:03:59 +0000Actually it is quite easy, especially compared to eBay in the UK. He must accept delivery from the delivery driver, but then request to return it to Lazada online. In the circumstances they should allow this. Then you can use the original packaging and labeling to send it back, either dropping it off at the courier shop or requesting that it be picked up from your home. You will get a refund to the source it was paid from, or a credit into your Lazada wallet or whatever it is called. Haha yeah mate I know 😅 Was only taking the p*ss with the “Thailand’s economy collapsing” line 😂Thu, 28 May 2026 22:03:23 +0000What was its historical name? Bet you use the name Palestine LOL America hater.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:02:23 +0000That i don’t know but i would guess you would pay 7.9 on a Spark charger using the Rever app.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:02:03 +0000SesemeThu, 28 May 2026 22:01:11 +0000Interesting that these Infallible scientists forget to mention that this year is an El Niño year... 😐Thu, 28 May 2026 21:58:14 +0000And…?Thu, 28 May 2026 21:57:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/israeli-thai-firms-face-koh-phangan-probe-r2060/Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. Get today's headlines by email Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Investigators found that Koh Phangan has 3,188 Thai-registered companies with foreign shareholders holding up to 49 per cent stakes, out of 4,761 registered legal entities in the district. Israeli nationals account for the largest group of foreign shareholders, linked to 720 companies or 22 per cent of the total, far ahead of French shareholders at 13 per cent. Authorities also discovered that several firms were registered by Israeli nationals who had already obtained Thai citizenship in 2017. One company founded in 2020 listed activities including hotels, accommodation services, a tourist service centre for Israeli visitors, and restaurants. The founder of the company was also reported to have played a significant role in a Chabad centre on Koh Samui. Following the widening nominee business investigation, officials began conducting detailed reviews into company structures, shareholder records and financial statements dating back to the formation of each business. A source within a tax collection agency said several firms showed irregularities involving asset figures, investment capital, losses and balance sheet reporting. Some companies reportedly failed to submit balance sheets entirely. Officials are now questioning whether some transactions were structured to create the appearance of legitimate investment activity in Thailand in order to obtain Thai citizenship. Under Thai regulations, foreign nationals who invest in business activities in Thailand may qualify for citizenship through legal procedures. Authorities are also concerned that once citizenship is granted, individuals may gain the same rights as Thai citizens, including land ownership and wider business opportunities, potentially encouraging other Israeli nationals to pursue similar pathways to permanent settlement. Businesses linked to Israeli-Thai nationals reportedly include property trading, property leasing and management, financial support services, management consultancy, kosher food businesses, education services, scientific testing operations on Khao San Road and tourism companies. Officials estimate that more than 40 companies connected to the network now operate across tourist destinations including Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. The Daily News reported that the investigation is expected to continue as authorities coordinate with security agencies and financial regulators to determine whether any criminal or fraudulent conduct occurred. Picture courtesy of Daily News of ongoing investigations Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:57:04 +0000Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. Get today's headlines by email Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Investigators found that Koh Phangan has 3,188 Thai-registered companies with foreign shareholders holding up to 49 per cent stakes, out of 4,761 registered legal entities in the district. Israeli nationals account for the largest group of foreign shareholders, linked to 720 companies or 22 per cent of the total, far ahead of French shareholders at 13 per cent. Authorities also discovered that several firms were registered by Israeli nationals who had already obtained Thai citizenship in 2017. One company founded in 2020 listed activities including hotels, accommodation services, a tourist service centre for Israeli visitors, and restaurants. The founder of the company was also reported to have played a significant role in a Chabad centre on Koh Samui. Following the widening nominee business investigation, officials began conducting detailed reviews into company structures, shareholder records and financial statements dating back to the formation of each business. A source within a tax collection agency said several firms showed irregularities involving asset figures, investment capital, losses and balance sheet reporting. Some companies reportedly failed to submit balance sheets entirely. Officials are now questioning whether some transactions were structured to create the appearance of legitimate investment activity in Thailand in order to obtain Thai citizenship. Under Thai regulations, foreign nationals who invest in business activities in Thailand may qualify for citizenship through legal procedures. Authorities are also concerned that once citizenship is granted, individuals may gain the same rights as Thai citizens, including land ownership and wider business opportunities, potentially encouraging other Israeli nationals to pursue similar pathways to permanent settlement. Businesses linked to Israeli-Thai nationals reportedly include property trading, property leasing and management, financial support services, management consultancy, kosher food businesses, education services, scientific testing operations on Khao San Road and tourism companies. Officials estimate that more than 40 companies connected to the network now operate across tourist destinations including Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. The Daily News reported that the investigation is expected to continue as authorities coordinate with security agencies and financial regulators to determine whether any criminal or fraudulent conduct occurred. Picture courtesy of Daily News of ongoing investigations Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 21:57:04 +0000OpenThu, 28 May 2026 21:55:40 +0000An Austrian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of planning a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during the singer’s Eras Tour in August 2024. Get today's headlines by email The 21-year-old defendant, identified only as Beran A under Austrian privacy laws, was also found guilty of several other terrorism-related offences. Prosecutors said he had become radicalised online and pledged allegiance to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). The case centred on a planned attack targeting one of Swift’s three sold-out concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. Authorities arrested Beran A shortly before the first show was due to begin after receiving intelligence from the CIA. The threat prompted organisers to cancel all three concerts immediately, affecting nearly 200,000 fans and drawing an emotional response from the singer. CIA tip-off stopped attackAccording to prosecutors, Beran A attempted to obtain illegal weapons, including a machine gun and a hand grenade, though he failed to secure them. Court-appointed psychiatrist Peter Hoffmann told the trial there was no evidence of mental illness and said there was “no psychiatric explanation” for the man’s radicalisation. The trial took place in the city of Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna. Beran A appeared alongside another 21-year-old defendant, Arda K from Slovakia, who prosecutors said was connected to an Islamic State cell. Although Arda K was not accused of participating in the concert attack plot, he was convicted on related terrorism charges and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Swift said tour “dodged a massacre”Before the verdict was delivered, Beran A apologised in court. Jurors then spent several hours considering the case before returning guilty verdicts. Following the cancelled concerts last year, Taylor Swift said the incident had left her with “a new sense of fear” and described feeling “a tremendous amount of guilt” over the disruption caused to fans. In comments posted on Instagram after the arrests, the singer thanked authorities for preventing what could have become a mass-casualty attack. “I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she wrote. A documentary about the Eras Tour later revealed that Swift learned about the alleged bomb plot while travelling to Austria. Concert cancellations shocked fansThe Vienna cancellations came during the European leg of Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour and caused widespread disappointment among fans who had travelled from across Europe for the performances. Swift later said the tour had narrowly avoided what she called a “massacre situation”, highlighting the seriousness of the threat uncovered by investigators. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 21:51:00 +0000While I'm a relative newbie (6 years) and a kid, relative to some of the posters here, I have lived in numerous culturally diverse countries. Thailand is a pretty easy place to live, all things considered. Provided one uses the common sense useful anywhere, I suspect years or decades can be navigated in complete peace and comfort. Thailand is somewhat unique in that it seems to draw many of the dregs from both Western and Eastern lands. Steer clear of this riff raff and one should not have any problem. Thai people are either indifferent or appreciative of outsiders who cause no trouble and add economic or some other value. I do not think one has to purposely lay low, but being polite and quiet mitigates any real chance of drawing unwanted attention, even if one is obviously not poor. I try always to dress well and stay fit, so as not to be an eyesore. While I haven't yet found my "cashier", I do enjoy dating Thai women, though I wonder how I might bridge the cultural gap, if anything were to become long term. I am not looking for a cook or maid, so there must be some common ground and thought, if a long term healthy relationship is to be achieved. For the time being, dating fills the bill. I could not live in the Thai middle of nowhere, as boredom would be overpowering. I've visited plenty of rural areas with friends, and quickly learned a life there would not be satisfying. More power to those who can do it and enjoy it. I much prefer Bangkok, despite its noise and crowds. The opportunities for business are much better in Bangkok, and I always need a challenge, which running a business offers. With a business, a routine of the gym, food shopping or dining out, visits with friends, hobbies like classical guitar, flying or golf, one can build a varied and entertaining life. I take trips to properties I own outside of Thailand when in need of some peace and quiet (I'm on one now). Pattaya might be entertaining for a visit---I used to go there to play a favorite golf course, which sadly was "Americanized" and its character ruined---but the unavoidable pathos of the place would be a bit too depressing. I suppose Pattaya is an acquired taste for those who call it home. We all search for ways to entertain ourselves and enrich our lives, and for the time being Thailand is a really good place to do just that.Thu, 28 May 2026 21:48:56 +0000Hard to live in Bangkok I would think unless you love a fast paced life. The country towns are way more relaxed.Thu, 28 May 2026 21:48:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/couple-killed-in-police-pickup-crash-in-nonthaburi-r2059/Two people died after their motorcycle clipped a police pickup truck and plunged from an elevated bridge in Nonthaburi late on the night of 27 May 2026. The crash happened at around 11.30pm on the Sali Khok flyover on the outbound Chaeng Watthana-Chaiyaphruek route in Bang Phlap subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Get today's headlines by email Police and forensic officers from the Institute of Forensic Science were called to investigate the scene following reports of two fatalities. Officers found a police pickup truck belonging to Chaiyaphruek Police Station stopped on the bridge with its left side mirror broken. About 10 metres away, a red Honda PCX motorcycle registered in Bangkok was lying on its side against the roadside barrier. The rider and passenger had been thrown from the bridge, which is more than 10 metres high, and were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were later identified as 31-year-old Surasak from Nakhon Sawan and 33-year-old Nantaporn from Uthai Thani. Police confirmed the pair were husband and wife. According to Pol Lt Col Chaiphong Chomphusarn, the duty investigation officer at Chaiyaphruek Police Station, officers had earlier been responding to another crash nearby involving a motorcycle that rear-ended a car, leaving one person seriously injured. The police pickup had been travelling in the middle lane and slowing down to move into the left lane to park while attending the earlier incident. At that moment, the victims’ motorcycle reportedly attempted to undertake on the left side and collided heavily with the pickup truck’s left wing mirror. The impact caused the motorcycle rider to lose control and strike the bridge barrier, throwing both over the edge. Police said heavy rain was falling at the time of the crash, which may have affected road conditions and visibility. Investigators stated that all circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined carefully and any charges would be handled fairly and in accordance with legal procedures. Naewna reported that the bodies of the two victims were transferred by Poh Teck Tung Foundation rescuers to the Institute of Forensic Science for detailed post-mortem examinations. Authorities are also coordinating with relatives to inform them of the deaths and arrange further proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:48:43 +0000Two people died after their motorcycle clipped a police pickup truck and plunged from an elevated bridge in Nonthaburi late on the night of 27 May 2026. The crash happened at around 11.30pm on the Sali Khok flyover on the outbound Chaeng Watthana-Chaiyaphruek route in Bang Phlap subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Get today's headlines by email Police and forensic officers from the Institute of Forensic Science were called to investigate the scene following reports of two fatalities. Officers found a police pickup truck belonging to Chaiyaphruek Police Station stopped on the bridge with its left side mirror broken. About 10 metres away, a red Honda PCX motorcycle registered in Bangkok was lying on its side against the roadside barrier. The rider and passenger had been thrown from the bridge, which is more than 10 metres high, and were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were later identified as 31-year-old Surasak from Nakhon Sawan and 33-year-old Nantaporn from Uthai Thani. Police confirmed the pair were husband and wife. According to Pol Lt Col Chaiphong Chomphusarn, the duty investigation officer at Chaiyaphruek Police Station, officers had earlier been responding to another crash nearby involving a motorcycle that rear-ended a car, leaving one person seriously injured. The police pickup had been travelling in the middle lane and slowing down to move into the left lane to park while attending the earlier incident. At that moment, the victims’ motorcycle reportedly attempted to undertake on the left side and collided heavily with the pickup truck’s left wing mirror. The impact caused the motorcycle rider to lose control and strike the bridge barrier, throwing both over the edge. Police said heavy rain was falling at the time of the crash, which may have affected road conditions and visibility. Investigators stated that all circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined carefully and any charges would be handled fairly and in accordance with legal procedures. Naewna reported that the bodies of the two victims were transferred by Poh Teck Tung Foundation rescuers to the Institute of Forensic Science for detailed post-mortem examinations. Authorities are also coordinating with relatives to inform them of the deaths and arrange further proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 21:48:43 +0000How come you never talk about your not having a life, living in Australia, and spending 18 hours a day glued to this site because you have nothing else?Thu, 28 May 2026 21:47:33 +0000I followed the civil trial. The only evidence was Ms. Carroll's testimony and her 2 professional journalist friends who got the phone call from Ms. Carroll following the alleged attack neither of whom could say exactly when they received the call. Ms. Lisa Birnbach said she remembers getting the call when feeding her kids dinner. My question would've been: How often do you feed your kids dinner?Thu, 28 May 2026 21:46:42 +0000That is a very reasonable fear as it appears that Trump fails at nearly everything that he attempts to do, and that includes ridiculous wars of choice. My guess is that he will withdraw with his tail between his legs, and claim a false victory having accomplished nothing except destruction of the world economy and more turmoil, but that's why we call him Mr. Chaos, isn't it? Hopefully the Strait will be reopened, but that puts us back exactly where we were at the beginning. The amount of chaos Trump has caused for the entire planet with his unnecessary forever war is astounding. It was sich a bad choice and the timing could not have been worse, as the world economy is already challenged enough. This means nothing to him as his wealth continues to grow through massive corruption. What did Don and his thick headed advisors think was going to happen with the strait and why did they think they could handle the consequences of this recklessness? One of the biggest liabilities that Trump had leading up to this war was the decision to use two absolute imbeciles in the form of Witkoff and Kushner. They are both rabid Zionists, they both deliberately lied to Iran during the negotiations in order to fool them into thinking that the US was sincere, and look at the outcome that we have. The thing that a very tiny mind like Trump doesn't get is that Iran will not negotiate with the US at this point. Many reports are coming out that Witkoff is begging the Iranian foreign minister for meetings and his calls are not being returned. The US has backed themselves into a corner and the economic devastation has been way beyond what they anticipated, and the price they're going to pay for this in the midterms is going to be brutal. Unchecked inflation, rising unemployment, the closing of hundreds of thousands of small businesses, no return of manufacturing to the US, a shortage of labor due to extreme and short sighted immigration policy, and the abandonment of any hope that Trump would improve the quality of life for Americans, but instead we get sabotage of those hopes for the entire planet. Trump deserves severe punishment for this act and hopefully the midterms will inflict some of that. America will be reaping the blowback for years to come and nobody knows how long the chaos will last. Don's demise will be a good thing, as Trump will lose his power and he will just become a whiny gutter trash punk, will have to deal with being doubly impotent, and hopefully he will eventually disappear into oblivion. Morbid sickness is quite likely, considering his rapid decline, and his three or four cheeseburger a day diet. See ya Don. You will not be missed, the world will celebrate your demise with such glee, millions will take to the streets and welcome the return of civility, decency, honor, grace and hope. Don is a simpleton nimwit, being advised by people that he picked from the absolute bottom of the barrel, but that's just Don. It's a shame because tens of millions of people thought he was somebody else. And he sure is showing his true colors now.Thu, 28 May 2026 21:46:27 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-scam-boss-arrested-in-bangkok-probe-r2058/Thai police have arrested a Chinese national accused of directing a large online fraud and money-laundering network after investigators linked him to a gang using mule accounts to launder criminal proceeds through gold purchases in Bangkok. Get today's headlines by email The Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC), operating under Pol Gen Thana Chuwong, deputy national police chief and director of the police anti-online scam centre, and Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, assistant national police chief and deputy director, announced the arrest on 28 May 2026. Officers said the suspect, identified only as Mr Xu, acted as a senior coordinator within a wider scammer network. The investigation began after officers from Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station arrested nine Thai nationals on 25 May 2026 for alleged drug use at a hotel in Bangkok’s Chinatown district. Police later discovered links between the suspects and a “mule stable” network responsible for obtaining bank accounts used for facial scans and financial transactions connected to money laundering through gold purchases. Investigators found the group operated under instructions from a Chinese boss who controlled mule accounts used to move criminal funds. Police said some suspects had initially served as mule account holders before becoming supervisors responsible for controlling other accounts. Further investigation identified Mr Xu as an operational commander within the scam network. Officers obtained Criminal Court arrest warrant No. 657/2569, dated 28 May 2026, accusing him of membership of a criminal association, recruiting people into a criminal gang, and arranging, advertising or facilitating the buying, selling, renting or lending of bank accounts and electronic accounts for criminal purposes. Police arrested Mr Xu late on 28 May along Phlapphla Chai Road in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok. He was taken into custody for legal proceedings. Investigators also found mule accounts linked to the network matched account IDs connected to numerous fraud complaints filed by victims. Police said the gang allegedly used several methods to deceive victims, including fake Facebook prize promotions offering free green tea before luring targets into chat groups and persuading them to transfer investment funds. Authorities said suspects also impersonated police officers to frighten victims into transferring money or handing over assets for supposed inspections. Other schemes included fake overseas job offers requiring advance payments, fraudulent online income opportunities, and scams involving impersonation of state agencies such as electricity authorities offering meter deposit refunds before tricking victims into downloading applications that allowed criminals to control financial transactions. Thaitabloid reported that police are continuing to expand the investigation, trace financial routes and identify links to additional online fraud cases. Authorities said efforts are under way to arrest all remaining members of the network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:39:53 +0000Thai police have arrested a Chinese national accused of directing a large online fraud and money-laundering network after investigators linked him to a gang using mule accounts to launder criminal proceeds through gold purchases in Bangkok. Get today's headlines by email The Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC), operating under Pol Gen Thana Chuwong, deputy national police chief and director of the police anti-online scam centre, and Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, assistant national police chief and deputy director, announced the arrest on 28 May 2026. Officers said the suspect, identified only as Mr Xu, acted as a senior coordinator within a wider scammer network. The investigation began after officers from Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station arrested nine Thai nationals on 25 May 2026 for alleged drug use at a hotel in Bangkok’s Chinatown district. Police later discovered links between the suspects and a “mule stable” network responsible for obtaining bank accounts used for facial scans and financial transactions connected to money laundering through gold purchases. Investigators found the group operated under instructions from a Chinese boss who controlled mule accounts used to move criminal funds. Police said some suspects had initially served as mule account holders before becoming supervisors responsible for controlling other accounts. Further investigation identified Mr Xu as an operational commander within the scam network. Officers obtained Criminal Court arrest warrant No. 657/2569, dated 28 May 2026, accusing him of membership of a criminal association, recruiting people into a criminal gang, and arranging, advertising or facilitating the buying, selling, renting or lending of bank accounts and electronic accounts for criminal purposes. Police arrested Mr Xu late on 28 May along Phlapphla Chai Road in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok. He was taken into custody for legal proceedings. Investigators also found mule accounts linked to the network matched account IDs connected to numerous fraud complaints filed by victims. Police said the gang allegedly used several methods to deceive victims, including fake Facebook prize promotions offering free green tea before luring targets into chat groups and persuading them to transfer investment funds. Authorities said suspects also impersonated police officers to frighten victims into transferring money or handing over assets for supposed inspections. Other schemes included fake overseas job offers requiring advance payments, fraudulent online income opportunities, and scams involving impersonation of state agencies such as electricity authorities offering meter deposit refunds before tricking victims into downloading applications that allowed criminals to control financial transactions. Thaitabloid reported that police are continuing to expand the investigation, trace financial routes and identify links to additional online fraud cases. Authorities said efforts are under way to arrest all remaining members of the network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 21:39:53 +0000