Chinese cybercrime suspect arrested in Chon Buri

Thai immigration police have arrested a 30-year-old Chinese national in Chon Buri after finding that he had overstayed his permission to remain by 84 days. Chinese authorities in Guangdong were also seeking him over an allegation of assisting cybercrime, police said.

The man, identified by police as Mr Qiang, was detained on 4 August at about 2.40pm at a housing estate in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung district.

The operation followed an order to step up action against foreigners allegedly hiding in Thailand after fleeing overseas cases, or entering the country to commit transnational offences. The directive came from Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyaluck and senior officers including Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchnarot and Pol Maj Gen Phanop Woranachakul.

Chinese warrant and Chon Buri address

According to immigration police, Mr Qiang was wanted under a warrant issued by the Ministry of Public Security in Xinhui district, Jiangmen city, Guangdong province. The allegation was assisting the commission of cybercrime.

Investigators from the Immigration Bureau's Suppression Division said they traced him to a home in Nong Pla Lai. Officers coordinated with the estate's management before approaching the property.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

They said a man matching the wanted suspect's description was found outside the residence. After identifying themselves, officers asked to see his passport or an equivalent travel document.

Mr Qiang reportedly showed officers a photographed copy of his passport on his mobile phone.

Tourist stay had expired

An Immigration Bureau database check found that he entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport immigration on 11 February 2026. He had been granted permission to stay on a tourist visa, but authorities said that permission had expired 84 days before his arrest, police said.

He was charged with remaining in the kingdom after his permitted stay had ended. Police said he was informed of the allegation and his rights, and said he understood them.

He was taken to Bang Lamung police station for the arrest record to be completed, before being handed to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Police have not said when Mr Qiang will be returned to China, nor given further details of the alleged cybercrime case.

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6 August 2026