Chinese Fugitives Held in Pattaya Villa Raid

Thai immigration police and officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested five Chinese nationals during a raid on a villa in Pattaya on 25 July, including suspects wanted by authorities in China and two men allegedly found in possession of an illegal firearm.

The operation took place in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, after Chinese authorities asked Thailand to help locate suspects believed to be hiding in the province. Officers obtained a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court before entering the property.

Firearm and wanted suspects

According to the Immigration Bureau, investigators from Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division worked jointly with the CIB after receiving intelligence through the Chinese Consulate’s police office in Kunming.

During the search, officers arrested two Chinese nationals identified only as Mr Xian, 21, and Mr Wang, 22. Police said they seized a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol, ammunition and related equipment from the villa.

The pair were charged with jointly possessing a firearm and ammunition without a licence and were handed over to investigators at Nong Prue Police Station for legal proceedings.

Officers also detained Mr Shi, 24, who is wanted under a Chinese arrest warrant. Immigration records showed his Thai visa had already been revoked on 23 July 2026.

Mr Sun, 27, was also arrested after allegedly overstaying his permission to remain in Thailand by 82 days. Thai authorities said both Mr Shi and Mr Sun are wanted in connection with an illegal business involving the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”.

A fifth suspect, Mr Peng, 35, was found to have overstayed his visa by 1,235 days.

Immigration crackdown continues

All five suspects were transferred to Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division for further legal action and deportation procedures.

The Immigration Bureau said the arrests resulted from intelligence sharing between Thai and Chinese authorities and the joint operation with the CIB, which also led to the seizure of the firearm and ammunition.

Thai immigration officials said the operation reflects their policy of preventing Thailand from becoming a safe haven or operational base for transnational criminals.

Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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26 July 2026