Rayong gang accused of targeting Chinese workers

A group of men allegedly posing as immigration police have been accused of forcing Chinese workers in Rayong to buy charity shooting-event tickets costing 2,000 baht each.

CCTV footage recorded at a housing estate in Moo 11, Nong Bua subdistrict, Ban Khai district, shows a black four-door pickup truck carrying the men entering the development, where a number of Chinese nationals rent homes.

The men reportedly targeted houses occupied by Chinese workers. Residents say the group would enter homes and demand that occupants buy the charity tickets.

Claims of forced ticket sales and theft

Thamphon, the housing estate manager, said a group believed to include four men had entered the village in a black four-door pickup. They wore clothing resembling police uniforms and looked for homes rented by Chinese residents.

After getting out of the vehicle, the men allegedly entered the homes and told Chinese occupants to buy tickets for a charity shooting event, priced at 2,000 baht per ticket. The Chinese residents paid for the tickets, she said.

However, when no Chinese residents were found at a property, the men were accused of entering the homes and stealing belongings before leaving. Chinese residents have reported the alleged theft of gold necklaces and gold rings to Nong Krab Police Station in Ban Khai district.

For foreign workers and other overseas residents, the case is a reminder that officials should be able to identify themselves clearly. Immigration matters, including visa or work-permit checks, should be handled through recognised government channels rather than through cash demands at a home, workplace or street location.

Residents and monks also approached

Phayao Tharnchit, the village head of Moo 11 in Nong Bua, said the men wore police-style clothing and masks that concealed their faces.

She said the group approached Chinese workers standing outside their factories, claimed to be immigration police and told them to buy a 2,000-baht ticket.

Thai residents were also allegedly pressured to buy the tickets. Phayao said the men even took the tickets to a temple and tried to sell them to monks, which she described as unusual because people normally make donations to temples rather than seek money from monks.

Phayao said she has warned residents through the village Line group to contact her immediately if the men return, so that police can be called to investigate.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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13 August 2026