SIM Box Suspect Linked to Chinese Scam Gang Arrested

Thai immigration police in Nong Khai have arrested a 43-year-old suspect linked to a Chinese scammer network accused of installing SIM box equipment used to deceive victims. The arrest took place at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint in Nong Khai on 17 May 2026.

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Officers from Nong Khai Immigration, led by Pol Lt Col Thiyaphat Rangsiphramankul and Pol Lt Col Apichat Kholtha, detained Thai National Weerawat “Nueng” Thonubon, also known as “Nueng Khok Samrong”, following an arrest warrant issued by Nong Khai Provincial Court on 27 January 2026. He is accused of jointly possessing, importing, exporting and operating radio communication equipment and telecommunications services without official permission.

Police said the suspect admitted during questioning that he and an associate named Johnny had been hired by Chatmongkol Thapsakun, known as “Boss”, to install SIM box devices in Nong Khai. Weerawat claimed he never received payment for the work and fled the area after learning that Chatmongkol had been arrested. He later hid in Lopburi province before being caught at the border checkpoint.

The investigation began on 18 January 2026 when Nong Khai Immigration officers seized three SIM box devices at a resort in Nong Khai municipality. A day later, officers expanded the operation to two additional resorts and confiscated three more SIM box machines.

Authorities initially arrested two suspects responsible for installing the equipment and handed them over to investigators at Mueang Nong Khai Police Station. Further investigation identified 26-year-old Chatmongkol Thapsakun, a Nong Khai native who had reportedly worked with Chinese scammer gangs in Cambodia, as a key organiser.

Police allege Chatmongkol smuggled SIM box equipment from Cambodia into Thailand before hiring local workers to install the systems. Investigators said he later fled back to Cambodia after the operation was uncovered. Nong Khai Provincial Court subsequently approved an arrest warrant against him for illegal possession and operation of radio communication equipment.

On 10 April 2026, Nong Khai Immigration officers arrested Chatmongkol and brought him in for questioning to expand the investigation into the wider scammer network. He was later transferred to investigators at Mueang Nong Khai Police Station for legal proceedings.

SiamRath reported that authorities said Weerawat has now also been handed over to police investigators for prosecution. The investigation into the network and those responsible for directing the operation remains ongoing.

Picture courtesy of SiamRath

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Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamRath 18 May 2026