Chinese Scam Suspects Flee as Border Security Tightens

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Thai and Karen Buddhist Democratic Army (DKBA) forces have tightened border controls after large numbers of “grey Chinese” fleeing an anti-scammer crackdown in Myanmar were reported in Payathonsu, opposite Sangkhla Buri in Kanchanaburi Province. Authorities confirmed rising concerns after groups arriving from Myawaddy were seen gathering in the Myanmar border town, raising fears of cross-border movement into Thailand. Security units on both sides of the border have since stepped up vehicle inspections, identity checks and patrols to prevent illegal crossings.

The DKBA, led by Colonel Ewan, commander of the 2nd Battalion under the 2nd Brigade, has intensified security measures on Road 87, the main route linking Sae Ein Sek Gyi and Payathonsu. All vehicles and passengers must now undergo strict identity verification after intelligence suggested that Chinese nationals involved in scamming operations were attempting to enter the area using private cars. The heightened measures follow the Myanmar government’s crackdown on scam networks in Myawaddy.

Officials stated that more than 100 “grey Chinese” are believed to be hiding in Payathonsu, with Colonel Ewan confirming that most entered via natural border routes from Sangkhla Buri. The influx has prompted Thai administrative and security agencies in Sangkhla Buri District to increase monitoring along informal crossings. Additional checks on cargo trucks and private vehicles heading towards the Three Pagodas Pass, particularly around the Nakek checkpoint in Nong Lu Subdistrict, have also been enforced.

Thai authorities anticipate an attempt by suspects to flee into Thailand ahead of an expected DKBA-led operation to arrest Chinese nationals hiding in Payathonsu. The situation follows a 28 November 2025 handover in which the Karen National Union (KNU), led by Captain Aekoe Nyor, transferred 23 Chinese nationals, 20 Chinese and 3 Kokang Chinese, to Thai police after detaining them in the KK Park area of Myawaddy. They were taken to Sangkhla Buri Police Station and later handed to Kanchanaburi Immigration for legal processing.

That same day, officers at Chong Uar checkpoint arrested two Thai men, aged 55 and 56, along with eight Chinese nationals who could not provide valid identification or immigration documents. Two pickup trucks, an grey Isuzu D-Max, registration from Phetchaburi and a blue D-Max, registration from Suphan Buri, were seized. The Chinese nationals had travelled from Bangkok to Sai Yok before being transported towards the Three Pagodas Pass in an attempt to cross into Myanmar via Sangkhla Buri.

Between 19.00 and 21.30 on 9 December 2025, DKBA deputy commander Lieutenant Colonel Aung Thu led more than 40 personnel in a hotel raid near a lakeside area in Kayin Su, Payathonsu, followed by patrols at entertainment venues and neighbourhoods near the golf course. The location had previously housed Chinese nationals before Thai authorities disconnected electricity and telecom services, but no Chinese individuals were found during the operation. DKBA confirmed that patrols and hotel inspections would continue to prevent scam-linked groups from entering or settling in the area.

Naewna reported that KNU and DKBA have an agreement prohibiting Chinese “grey” groups from residing in Payathonsu, with penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment for anyone providing shelter or assistance. Authorities on both sides of the border are expected to maintain heightened operations as further enforcement actions in Myanmar continue.

Key Takeaways

• Thai and DKBA forces have tightened controls after over 100 “grey Chinese” fleeing a crackdown in Myawaddy were reported in Payathonsu.

• Multiple arrests and vehicle seizures in Sangkhla Buri highlight ongoing attempts to cross the border illegally.

• KNU and DKBA operations and joint agreements will drive continued raids and patrols to block scam-related groups.

Related Stories

Chinese-arson-attack-hits-scam-compound-near-conflict-zone

Screening-1233-foreign-nationals-escaping-myanmar-crackdown

 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-11