Chinese Grey Network Busted at Nonthaburi Hotel

Thai police have raided a hotel in Nonthaburi allegedly being used as a base by a Chinese organised crime network, arresting four suspects and seizing drugs, gambling equipment, cash and other evidence in a major operation dubbed “Dragon Nest”.

More than 100 officers from the Central Investigation Bureau’s Crime Suppression Division executed a court-approved search warrant at the hotel on Ngamwongwan Road in Bang Khen subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi district, after a lengthy investigation prompted by complaints from local residents.

Police arrested four suspects: a 33-year-old Chinese national identified as Liu, who is accused of possessing and supplying Category 2 narcotics (ketamine) for sale, and three Myanmar nationals - Aye, 31, Khun, 24, and Chan, 24 - on immigration offences relating to illegal entry and unlawful stay in Thailand.

Hotel allegedly operated as closed criminal hub

According to investigators, the entire hotel had been rented by a Chinese “grey capital” network and was not accepting ordinary guests despite claiming to be fully booked. Police allege the building was used exclusively to accommodate Chinese clients and staff.

Floors two to six were reportedly used as accommodation, while the seventh and eighth floors had been converted into areas for drug and sex parties and illegal gambling. Access to the upper floors was tightly controlled using key-card lifts, locked doors and security staff using radios, with even hotel cleaners barred from entering.

Pictures courtesy of InsideThailand

Investigators said the operation provided a complete package for customers, including airport transfers, accommodation, gambling, illegal drugs and sexual services. Police also found numerous vehicles allegedly linked to Chinese nationals, with some ownership arrangements suspected of involving nominees.

More than 200 items seized

During the raid, officers found more than 40 people at the property, including Chinese, Myanmar and Thai Yai nationals.

Police seized more than 200 items, including ketamine, “happy water”, drug packaging equipment, casino chips, cards, dice, baccarat tables, hi-lo gambling equipment, bank books, bank cards, mobile phones, cash and CCTV data.

Police said LIU admitted working and living at the hotel as a supervisor responsible for delivering drugs to customers on instruction. He claimed the narcotics had been left in hotel rooms for collection or delivery but denied ownership of the drugs seized and THB 110,000 found in a safe. The three Myanmar nationals admitted illegally entering Thailand to work in construction, according to police.

All four suspects have been handed to investigators at Rattanathibet Police Station. Police said the Chinese suspect denied the charges against him

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27 July 2026