Police Halt ‘Grey Chinese’ Transport Ring Linked to Scammers

Pictures courtesy of CIB

Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers have arrested two Thai men and six Chinese nationals for their alleged roles in a cross-border transport network moving undocumented migrants connected to a wider scam operation. The arrests were made on Highway 344 in Phlong Ta Iam, Wang Chan district, Rayong, where police intercepted two vehicles carrying the group. Officers say the disruption immediately prevents further attempts to move undocumented individuals towards the Cambodian border.

The case stems from an expanded investigation by the Highway Police, who had been tracking a convoy-style system used to move Chinese nationals who had illegally crossed into Thailand. According to investigators, the group is linked to scam networks operating from neighbouring countries and typically enters Thailand from Myanmar via Tak province. They would then travel through central provinces before being taken to Chanthaburi for transfer across the border into Cambodia.

Police in Chonburi identified two suspected vehicles travelling from Chai Nat and coordinated a planned interception in Rayong. The first vehicle, a sedan driven by Mr Thanaphak, was carrying three Chinese nationals and the second, a pickup truck driven by his father, Mr Thanadet, was transporting three more. None of the Chinese nationals could present passports and a search of both vehicles led to the seizure of 25 mobile phones and eight ATM cards suspected to be connected to scam operations.

Initial statements from the two Thai suspects indicated that they received the Chinese nationals in Chai Nat and transported them to Pong Nam Ron district in Chanthaburi for border crossing. They reportedly conducted such convoys three to four times per week. The arrested group and all seized items were handed over to investigators from Subdivision 2, Crime Suppression Division, for further action.

The operation was carried out under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaonasan, Commissioner of the CIB; Pol Maj Gen Pornsak Laorujiralai, Highway Police Commander; and Pol Lt Col Naruet Yubboon, Highway Police Division 3 Superintendent. Highway Police officers led by Pol Capt Bodee Duanphon effected the arrests following the surveillance plan. Authorities believe the coordinated action has disrupted at least part of the network’s established transport route.

Further investigation will now focus on mapping the full structure of the smuggling group and identifying additional accomplices linked to the scam operations. Police expect to expand inquiries into digital evidence retrieved from the mobile phones and ATM cards. Legal proceedings will continue for all suspects, including charges of assisting undocumented migrants and immigration offences.

Key Takeaways

• Police arrested two Thai men and six Chinese nationals linked to an alleged scam-related transport network.

• Officers seized 25 mobile phones and eight ATM cards believed to be tied to wider scam operations.

• Investigators plan to trace the network’s structure and pursue further legal action.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-12-11