Immigration police have arrested six Chinese nationals accused of running an online gambling and call centre scam operation from a pool villa in Chonburi province. Officers seized three laptops and 14 mobile phones during the raid in Bang Lamung district. The suspects are wanted by Chinese authorities and are now facing immigration action in Thailand.

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The operation took place on 17 February 2026 under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, Deputy Commissioner. Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, along with senior officers including Pol Col Chinawut Tangwongslerd, Pol Col Suriya Phuangsombat, Pol Lt Col Ithithorn Prasertsak, Pol Lt Col Thongthai Pairor and Pol Lt Col Anuphap Tujinda, led the raid on a luxury pool villa in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi.

Those arrested included Lin He, aged 38, identified as the alleged gang leader, along with another three men and two women, all Chinese nationals. Investigators said Lin He was wanted by Chinese authorities for offences linked to online gambling, scam operations and call centre fraud. Intelligence indicated that he and his associates had rented the villa to secretly operate gambling websites and a call centre targeting victims in China.

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

Police investigations revealed the group had previously operated from a base in Myanmar. After Chinese authorities issued arrest warrants and the Myanmar base was heavily suppressed and shut down, the gang fled to Malaysia before travelling to Thailand on 10 January this year. Officers are now expanding the investigation to determine whether others are involved in the network.

ThaiRath reported that authorities said the suspects’ conduct falls under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), concerning prohibited persons deemed a threat to society or individuals subject to foreign arrest warrants. Immigration officials are proceeding to revoke their permission to stay in the Kingdom under Section 36 of the same Act. The suspects will be detained while Thai authorities coordinate with Chinese officials for further legal action.

Key Takeaways

• Six Chinese nationals were arrested in a pool villa in Bang Lamung, Chonburi on 17 February 2026.

• The group allegedly operated online gambling and call centre scams targeting victims in China.

• Thai authorities are revoking their immigration status and coordinating with China for further action.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 18 Feb 2026

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Scammers are parasites, plain and simple. They don’t just steal people's money, they rob them of their peace of mind and dignity.

In my book, for those caught and proven guilty, the punishment needs to be severe.

Given that these guys have operated in several countries, I’ve no doubt the Chinese authorities will deal with them appropriately.

What's the odds that they were all on 60-day visa-exempt entry?

Every couple of days, the Thai police intercept undocumented Chinese heading to Bangkok after making a "natural border" crossing from Cambodia. Of course it's always a willing Thai driver who's nicked doing the transfer.