Assault Report Leads to Scam Bust in Thailand

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

A distress call in Chon Buri exposed a sophisticated scam, leading to multiple arrests.

In a dramatic twist, Thai Tourist Police and authorities uncovered an elaborate call centre scam in Chon Buri, following an assault report by a South Korean man. The operation targeted a cross-border network involving Korean and Chinese individuals in the Huai Yai and Na Jomtien areas.

The investigation kicked off when 31-year-old South Korean, Hyunsub An, alerted the police about an alleged assault. Officers discovered him in Na Jomtien, visibly injured and fearing for his life. This prompted a swift response from Tourist Police Commander Lt Gen Saksira Phuak-am and Chon Buri Immigration officials.

Their investigation revealed Hyunsub’s link to a June bust, where 22 South Koreans were arrested for a similar operation in Bang Lamung. This connection led authorities to two houses in Bang Lamung, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals: seven South Koreans and one Chinese national.

The accused reportedly operated a scam from a commercial building in Huai Yai, which was equipped with glass-partitioned rooms designed to mimic government offices and deceive victims. A central control hub coordinated the illicit activities.

During the raid, police seized numerous electronic devices, including 17 computers, 15 mobile phones, and several internet routers.

The arrested individuals, including Chinese national Linhao Tian (23) and South Koreans Damsik Lee (24), Joon Mo Ye (36), Jiyoung Lee (25), Sungeun Lee (34), Soonbum Park (26), Jindong Lim (31), and Sangwoo Park (21), have been handed over to Chon Buri Immigration for legal proceedings. Their visas are to be cancelled as authorities continue searching for additional suspects.

The operation highlights transnational crime complexities and underscores international cooperation's crucial role in tackling such networks. With electronic equipment seized and suspects in custody, authorities hope this will serve as a warning to deter future scams in the region.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-07