Thai immigration police have arrested four Chinese nationals linked to an illegal laughing gas distribution network, including an alleged ringleader who fled arrest warrants in China and was caught while extending his visa in Bangkok. The suspects are being held for deportation to face prosecution in China.
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The arrests followed a request from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to the Royal Thai Police to detain three suspects wanted by the Chongqing Public Security Bureau. The men, identified as Mr. SHilin, 27, Mr. Yang, 26, and Mr. Caiyang, 26, were accused of illegally selling nitrous oxide.
Immigration investigators located and arrested the trio at a housing estate in Bueng Kham Phroi, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani. Authorities seized one BB rifle, one BB pistol , 20 boxes of nitrous oxide gas, each containing two 2kg cylinders, and four large bags of balloons.
During questioning, the suspects identified a fourth member of the network, Mr. Shan, 33, who was wanted under arrest warrants issued in Shenzhen on 4 December 2025 and in Dazu District, Chongqing, on 12 December 2025. He is accused of running an unlicensed business supplying large quantities of nitrous oxide to two illegal operations in China.
Chinese authorities have been pursuing 23 members of the wider criminal network, including organisers, cashiers, distribution managers and delivery drivers. MR. Shsn allegedly acted as a key supplier before fleeing to Thailand to evade prosecution.
Thai investigators confirmed that Mr. Shan had legally entered Thailand and was still within his permitted stay. His visa was subsequently revoked and officers tracked him to the Immigration Bureau headquarters at the Government Complex in Bangkok, where he was applying for an extension.
He was arrested on site by immigration and investigation officers and transferred to detention to await deportation. All four suspects are now in custody pending repatriation to China for legal proceedings.
The case highlights ongoing cooperation between Thai and Chinese authorities in tackling cross-border crime, particularly illegal trade in substances such as nitrous oxide, which is often misused recreationally.
Amarin reported that officials are expected to continue joint operations targeting foreign criminal networks operating in Thailand, with further investigations possible into related activities and associates.
Picture courtesy of Amarin
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 7 May 2026