Chinese Man Arrested in Sa Kaeo After Fleeing Scam Gang With Gun

Thai security forces have arrested a 33-year-old Chinese man after he allegedly crossed illegally into Thailand from Cambodia while carrying a concealed handgun, officials said on 18 April 2026. The arrest took place in Ban Pa Rai Mai village, Sa Kaeo province, near the Aranyaprathet border area, during a joint patrol by military, immigration and police units. Officers said the man, identified as Mr Chiang Li, was found with a Kimber 9mm pistol and three .380 rounds hidden in a plastic bag wrapped in clothing, along with a Huawei mobile phone.

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During questioning through a Thai-Chinese interpreter, the suspect claimed he was lured in January with promises of work and a wage of 300 yuan per day. He said he was then abducted from Guangxi in China and moved through Vietnam into Cambodia’s Poipet area, where he was allegedly forced to work in an online scam operation targeting victims abroad. He stated that after refusing to participate, he was beaten with an electric baton, detained in a building and repeatedly abused.

Thai authorities said the operation involved Burapha Force, Border Patrol Police Unit 1202, Sa Kaeo Immigration, Khlong Luek police and military intelligence teams working to prevent illegal border crossings. Officials have charged the man with illegal entry and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and said the case may be expanded to include human trafficking and transnational scam networks.

Amarin reported that investigators added that the suspect reportedly escaped custody in Cambodia on 16 April 2026 with assistance from another Chinese national who provided him with the weapon. He allegedly travelled on foot for days without food before crossing into Thailand via barbed wire fencing. Police are now continuing efforts to trace the wider network linked to the alleged scam centre and trafficking route across multiple countries.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 19 Apr 2026