Immigration police have arrested a Chinese national wanted by authorities in the People’s Republic of China on fraud charges, as part of an intensified crackdown on foreign fugitives under the “Turn Back Crimes” initiative. The suspect was detained in Chiang Mai after coordination with Chinese officials. Her permission to stay in Thailand had been revoked prior to her arrest.
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The operation follows instructions from Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, directing all units to increase surveillance of foreign nationals who may be evading prosecution abroad or posing risks to public order in Thailand. The directive includes close cooperation with domestic and international security agencies and forms part of a broader campaign targeting overstayers in the Kingdom.
The suspect, Ms Chang Li, 42, a Chinese national holding a Chinese passport, was the subject of a cooperation request from Chinese authorities in Thailand regarding alleged fraud offences. Investigators from Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division determined that she entered Thailand on 7 December 2025.
Further enquiries found that she was residing in Village No. 8, Chai Sathan subdistrict, Saraphi district, Chiang Mai province. Officers conducted checks at the address and confirmed that she matched the description of a person whose permission to stay in the Kingdom had been revoked.
She was formally notified of the revocation order and taken to Chiang Mai Immigration for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated that the action was carried out in accordance with immigration law and established coordination procedures.
Officials said the arrest reflects strengthened enforcement measures aimed at identifying and apprehending foreign nationals wanted abroad. The Immigration Bureau confirmed that further legal processes will proceed in line with Thai law and relevant coordination with Chinese authorities.
Picture courtesy of InsideThailand
Key Takeaways
• A 42-year-old Chinese national wanted for fraud was arrested in Chiang Mai.
• Her permission to stay in Thailand was revoked before her detention.
• The arrest forms part of the Immigration Bureau’s “Turn Back Crimes” enforcement campaign.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now InsideThailand 28 Feb 2026
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