Immigration police in northeastern, have arrested a Chinese national accused of defrauding investors of 500 million baht, after tracking him to a remote forest location where he was reportedly waiting to receive a sacred tattoo in hopes of avoiding capture. The suspect, identified only as Mr Shang, was apprehended on 18 March 2026 during a coordinated operation led by Immigration Bureau Region 4 (IB4).
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The arrest followed a request from Chinese authorities to locate Mr Shang, who is wanted for allegedly operating a corporate entity involved in large-scale investment fraud. Investigators discovered he had fled to Thailand and was hiding at a ritual site deep in a forest along the Chi River, near the border of Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham provinces.
Officers from IB4, along with local immigration and provincial police units, conducted a joint operation that required trekking into a remote area far from populated communities. They found the suspect while he was waiting to undergo a sacred tattooing ritual, which he reportedly believed would bring protection and help him evade law enforcement.
During questioning, Mr Shang admitted he was aware of the charges against him in China and had sought the ritual as a means of improving his luck and avoiding arrest. Authorities also confirmed through biometric checks that he had overstayed his visa by 331 days.
He was subsequently charged under Thai law for overstaying his permitted period of stay and transferred to investigators at Khon Kaen City Police Station for legal proceedings. Officials are now coordinating with Chinese authorities to arrange his deportation so he can face prosecution in his home country.
Police Major General Phairat Phukcharoen, commander of IB4, stated that the operation was part of the broader “Turn Back Crimes” policy led by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak. The initiative aims to prevent foreign nationals from using Thailand as a base for criminal activities.
Pictures courtesy of Naewna
Authorities emphasised that targeted enforcement operations will continue, particularly in high-risk and remote areas, to ensure public safety and maintain confidence in law enforcement. The case highlights ongoing cross-border cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
Naewna reported that Thai officials will proceed with legal action related to the overstay offence while expediting coordination with China for extradition or deportation. Further investigations may also examine any local support networks that assisted the suspect during his time in hiding.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 19 Mar 2026