Nine Chinese nationals have been arrested after police raided two homes in Chiang Mai allegedly being used as a base for a scam operation targeting fellow Chinese citizens.
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The operation was carried out on 8 June by investigators from Provincial Police Region 5, led by Pol Maj Gen Thawatchai Pongwiwatthanachai, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5. Officers from the cybercrime suppression unit executed search warrants issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court at two luxury properties in Saraphi district, Chiang Mai, following reports that the homes were being used by a Chinese scam network.
During the raids, officers found groups of Chinese nationals working on computers and mobile phones while allegedly coordinating fraudulent activities. Police arrested all nine suspects at the scene and seized 10 computers and more than 45 mobile phones.
Investigators also discovered customer databases containing details of tens of thousands of Chinese nationals. Authorities said the computers contained conversations and scripts allegedly used to persuade victims to purchase insurance, participate in currency exchange transactions, and engage in other activities linked to the scam operation.
According to Pol Maj Gen Thawatchai, the group had entered Thailand around two to three months ago and rented the properties for approximately 70,000 baht per month for one house and 100,000 baht per month for the other. He said the suspects received monthly salaries of 50,000 baht, paid in cryptocurrency and transferred into individual accounts.
Police said the group focused on deceiving Chinese victims, particularly through insurance-related scams and foreign exchange schemes. Initial investigations found that some of the suspects had overstayed their permission to stay, while others had entered Thailand on tourist visas.
Authorities believe the operation was directed by a boss based in China. Police are continuing to investigate the wider network and are coordinating with Chinese authorities to share information and pursue further leads.
The Daily News reported that the arrests form part of ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to crack down on transnational cybercrime groups operating from within the country. Investigators are now examining the seized electronic devices and financial records to identify additional suspects and determine the full scale of the operation.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 9 June 2026