Photo via Khaosod

Highway police apprehended suspects involved in smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand on January 25, 2026. Officers intercepted two vehicles on Highway 344 in Chonburi province, preventing them from reaching Bangkok. Using family members in the front seats to disguise their activities, these couriers were engaged in moving individuals across borders illegally.

The operation took place in the Nong Yai subdistrict when a Honda Civic and a Toyota pickup truck were halted. The apprehended suspects included two Thai nationals, three Chinese nationals, and one Malaysian national. Authorities confiscated two vehicles and seven mobile phones during the investigation.

This arrest followed a similar case in Chonburi involving a vehicle from Chainat province, leading to eight arrests linked to human smuggling networks. These networks allegedly connect to call center scam operations near the Myanmar and Cambodian borders. Observing suspicious travel patterns earlier that day, police coordinated efforts to intercept the vehicles.

The Honda Civic, driven by Thai national Mr. Nimit, carried a Chinese and a Malaysian passenger without proper documentation. Meanwhile, the Toyota pickup, driven by Mr. Anuphong, concealed his family upfront with two Chinese nationals hidden in the back, accompanied by expired travel documents.

Both drivers admitted to picking up the passengers in Soi Dao district near the Cambodian border, receiving 8,000 baht per trip to Bangkok, where others would assume responsibility. Police have transferred the suspects to the Crime Suppression Division for further investigation, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Highway police thwarted a smuggling operation transporting Chinese nationals.

• Two vehicles with suspects were intercepted on Highway 344 in Chonburi.

• Connections to call center scams along border areas were uncovered.

Related Stories

Police Chase of Chinese Smuggling Pickup Causes Crash in Mae Sot

Highway Police Intercept Myanmar Migrant Smuggling Convoy

  

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

 

 

Interesting taxi ride. 🙂

The Chinese are shameless

Ignore laws and use violence to get their way. Seen it first hand in both Thailand and Myanmar.

4 hours ago, emptypockets said:

The Chinese are shameless

Ignore laws and use violence to get their way. Seen it first hand in both Thailand and Myanmar.

They love the Methamphetamine trade as well

Why, do we need more of them?

Damn.

Where am I going to find employees for my scam call centre now?

17 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Damn.

Where am I going to find employees for my scam call centre now?

You could get the Coconut Bar workers (can't specifically say girls) to give out flyers or cards advertising the job!

On 1/26/2026 at 11:01 PM, jacko45k said:

Why, do we need more of them?

Thailand is desperate for tourist arrival numbers.

8 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Thailand is desperate for tourist arrival numbers.

Very much so. I have often wondered if there is some very lucrative bonus scheme for the TAT guys. They seem to be missing the fact that too many from specific demographics causes others to look elsewhere..... the 'high value tourist' they speak of so much is being deterred.

12 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Very much so. I have often wondered if there is some very lucrative bonus scheme for the TAT guys. They seem to be missing the fact that too many from specific demographics causes others to look elsewhere..... the 'high value tourist' they speak of so much is being deterred.

A few years back, pre covid, when western tourist numbers to Thailand were in decline, the TAT decide to prop up those numbers by marketing to people from emerging economies.

The tourist numbers remained steady, but all it did was devalue the "Thailand" brand.

11 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

A few years back, pre covid, when western tourist numbers to Thailand were in decline, the TAT decide to prop up those numbers by marketing to people from emerging economies.

The tourist numbers remained steady, but all it did was devalue the "Thailand" brand.

As I commented before, they increase numbers by appealing to the less discerning!