Immigration Police Arrest 16 Chinese in Din Daeng

Thai Immigration Bureau investigators have arrested 16 Chinese nationals found hiding inside a restaurant in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district during a crackdown on illegal immigration and are expanding their investigation into the suspected cross-border smuggling network.

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The operation took place at 7pm on July 13, 2026, under the direction of Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, supported by deputy commissioners Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart and Pol Maj Gen Thanit Thaiwatcharamat, together with Pol Maj Gen Phanop Worathanatchakul, commander of the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division. Officers from Investigation Division 2, led by Pol Col Phisit Sri-on and Pol Lt Col Ratchakrit Rumchan, carried out the raid after receiving intelligence that a large group of Chinese nationals was hiding at a restaurant in the area.

Investigators found 16 Chinese nationals staying on the second and third floors of the building, which had been converted into accommodation. A 52-year-old man identified as Mr Likuan was allegedly managing the premises, charging between 350 and 500 baht per day for accommodation, including three meals daily.

Police charged Mr Likuan with providing accommodation, concealing or assisting foreign nationals to evade arrest. Most of the remaining suspects were found without passports and were charged with entering and remaining in Thailand without permission. One individual was separately charged with overstaying a visa.

During initial questioning, most of the suspects reportedly admitted entering Thailand illegally through natural border crossings from neighbouring Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia before travelling by road to Bangkok. They told investigators they had contacted brokers who claimed they could arrange travel documents and transport back to China, and that they had been instructed to remain at the property for about 15 days while waiting.

Immigration officers said their preliminary investigation found no indication that the suspects were victims of human trafficking. All 16 foreign nationals were transferred to investigators from the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division for legal proceedings while officers continue gathering evidence.

Authorities are now expanding the investigation to identify brokers, accommodation providers and others suspected of involvement in the network responsible for smuggling foreign nationals into Thailand. Officials said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led investigations in disrupting illegal immigration networks.

The Immigration Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal immigration and transnational crime under its policy of “No Entry, No Stay and No Escape”. Members of the public with information about suspicious foreign nationals or suspected illegal activity are encouraged to contact their local Immigration Office or the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.

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15 July 2026