Crime Chinese and South Korean Nationals Arrested in Pattaya in Transnational Crime Crackdown

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Immigration authorities have arrested two foreign nationals wanted in connection with serious international crimes, as part of a crackdown on transnational criminal activity Pattaya city.

 

On 17 July, a coordinated operation led by Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, resulted in the arrests of Mr Sun, a 39-year-old Chinese national and Mr Sung, a 60-year-old South Korean national. The high-profile operation involved several senior police officials and was part of a broader initiative to disrupt organised crime networks operating in and around Pattaya.

 

Mr Sun was apprehended at a private residence in the Huai Yai area of Banglamung District. According to authorities, he was wanted for drug-related offences and the illegal distribution of electronic cigarettes. When police arrived, he attempted to flee by climbing a utility pole to get onto the roof but was swiftly captured. It was also discovered that Mr Sun had overstayed his visa by more than 15 days, prompting immediate deportation proceedings under immigration law.

 

In a separate raid, officers arrested Mr Sung at a rented room on Sukhumvit Pattaya Soi 71. He is the subject of an active Interpol red notice, accused of masterminding the trafficking of crystal methamphetamine into South Korea. Investigations revealed that Sung had orchestrated a plot to smuggle 180 grams of the drug hidden in food containers through air cargo to Incheon International Airport. Had the shipment reached its destination, it could have generated more than 18 million South Korean won on the illicit market.

 

Police say that Mr Sung had been residing illegally in the kingdom for over two years, using forged documentation and operating under the radar. He is believed to be a high-ranking figure within an organised crime syndicate based in Seoul, continuing to direct criminal operations while evading arrest in his home country.

 

Senior officials involved in the operation included Pol. Maj. Gen. Piti Nithinonteset, Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanart, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurit, with ground-level operations led by Chonburi Immigration Chief Pol. Col. Napassaphong Khositsuriyamanee.

 

An Immigration Bureau spokesperson stated: “These individuals were not merely hiding; they were actively coordinating transnational criminal activities from within Thailand. This operation sends a strong message that the kingdom will not serve as a sanctuary for international criminals.”

 

Both men remain in custody while extradition proceedings are prepared. Authorities have also hinted that further arrests may follow as part of the ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal networks exploiting Thailand’s hospitality and open borders.

 

The crackdown highlights the country’s deepening cooperation with international law enforcement and reinforces Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding public security

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 2025-07-18