Three people accused of impersonating police and immigration officers to obtain money from Chinese nationals in Rayong have been arrested after a search that spread into neighbouring Chon Buri.
The suspects were detained at a house in Bo Win subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chon Buri, at 9pm on August 14. Nong Krab Police Station officers worked with investigators from the Rayong Immigration Office after reports that a similar alleged scam had occurred in Chon Buri.
Police said they seized a black four-door Toyota Revo pickup truck matching CCTV footage from the alleged offence. Officers also recovered two destroyed licence plates, documents connected to the alleged solicitation scheme and other evidence.
Charges and wider investigation
The three suspects face charges of jointly committing fraud by impersonating another person, jointly forging and using forged documents, and fraudulently entering false or distorted computer data likely to cause damage to others or the public.
The investigation remains ongoing as police seek to identify any further victims.
For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the case is a reminder that immigration staff do not have a policy of approaching people to ask for donations or to sell charity cards. Anyone confronted by people claiming to represent an official agency should verify their identity before giving money, handing over documents or following instructions to go elsewhere.
How to check an officer's identity
Police Colonel Prinya Klinkesorn, deputy commander and spokesperson for Immigration Division 3, said people approached by purported police or immigration officers should ask for their rank, full name, position and the unit they represent.
They should also request to see a police identification card. Members of the public may photograph or film officers while they are on duty and should record details of the person, vehicle and any other identifying information, he said.
Prinya said an officer's name can be checked through the POLICE CARE app, using the "Police Officer Information" menu. However, he warned that finding a name in the database alone does not prove the person in front of you is genuine.
Scammers may use the names, ranks, photographs and other information belonging to real officers to appear credible. People should call the officer's stated agency directly to confirm that they are genuinely assigned to the duty claimed, or verify their identity through a local police station or provincial immigration office.
Anyone who is threatened, asked for money or a transfer, or pressured to go to another location should avoid confrontation and call 191 or the Royal Thai Police hotline on 1599.
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Pictures courtesy of Topnews
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16 August 2026
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