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Four suspects involved in online scams were arrested on January 23 in Pattaya, Thailand. The arrests occurred after AI-powered cameras at Laem Bali Hai Pier identified and flagged them to tourist police. Each individual had outstanding warrants for cybercrime and fraud.

The first arrest involved 20-year-old Pongskorn Khemrak, wanted by the Bangkok Criminal Court for transnational organized crime, gang robbery, and money laundering. Later, 26-year-old Sahawat Srimanee was apprehended under a similar warrant from March 2025. Accompanying Sahawat were two others with active arrest warrants for related crimes.

The third suspect, 24-year-old Suphaphon Buychong, faced charges from the Bangkok South Criminal Court for impersonation and using false computer data. The fourth, Banchar Hwan Kaew, was wanted by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court for allowing fraudulent use of bank accounts. Both were also taken into custody.

One suspect revealed they were lured into the scam under the guise of a job offer in Cambodia, only to be forced into romance scams and investment fraud. This suspect admitted to defrauding victims out of 300,000 baht, earning around 18,600 baht monthly, and described how they returned to Thailand after paying to cross the border.

Tourist police noted the increasing effectiveness of AI in capturing fugitives involved in cybercrime. These arrests highlight the ongoing fight against overseas scam operations targeting Thai nationals, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• AI surveillance cameras facilitated high-profile arrests in Pattaya.

• Suspects were part of a network conducting romance and investment scams.

• The incident underscores the role of technology in crime prevention.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-23

 

 

4 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Tourist police noted the increasing effectiveness of AI in capturing fugitives involved in cybercrime.

The irony !! but I'm a bit confused how the AI knew about the fugitives activities in Cambodia ?

or did the Thai fugitives conduct the crimes for Cambodia whilst in Thailand then flee to Cambodia only to be picked up whilst on holiday in Pattaya ????

One thing for sure this AI is getting very smart 😋

2 hours ago, johng said:

The irony !! but I'm a bit confused how the AI knew about the fugitives activities in Cambodia ?

I know a little confusing.

After reading the article again it seems the AI only identified two suspects at two different times.

The 2nd suspect was arrested and the two individuals accompanying him were found to have outstanding warrants.

Regarding Cambodia it doesn't mention which suspect. It does talk about the fourth suspect allegedly allowing fraudulent use of bank accounts.

Yes, I believe with the improvement in camera image quality and software the ability to quickly detect a person is very beneficial to authorities

It doesn't say but the AI had to detect, alert authorities, the Police had to respond quickly and hope the suspects were still nearby when the Police arrived.

11 hours ago, johng said:

The irony !! but I'm a bit confused how the AI knew about the fugitives activities in Cambodia ?

It knows everything about everybody!

And yet, they all look the same to me!