Tourist police have arrested a Malaysian man who falsely claimed he had been kidnapped in Bangkok in an attempt to secure assistance returning home. The suspect, identified as Mr Tan, was found in the Seri Thai area of Khlong Kum, Bueng Kum district, after a report was made to the 1155 tourist police hotline. Authorities later confirmed he had overstayed his visa by 1,236 days and admitted fabricating the abduction story.

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On 21 February, Pol Lt Gen Saksiya Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, ordered Pol Col Man Rotthong, Pol Lt Col Jessada Thongtha and Pol Lt Col Kritporn Saengsura to investigate the reported kidnapping. Officers coordinated with Bueng Kum Police Station and located Mr Tan walking alone outside a house in Soi Seri Thai 9, Yaek 2. Police observed that no one was restraining him and approached to conduct checks.

Mr Tan, a Malaysian national who could not speak Thai, had no passport in his possession. He was taken to Bueng Kum Police Station for further verification of his immigration records. Investigators found he had legally entered Thailand in April 2022 and his permission to stay expired on 2 May 2022, resulting in an overstay of 1,236 days.

During questioning, officers noted inconsistencies and signs of stress, prompting further interrogation. Mr Tan eventually confessed that he had not been kidnapped. He stated that after entering Thailand in 2022, he travelled to Myanmar via an illegal crossing Mae Sot district in Tak province to work for a call centre gang in Yatai city, part of the Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone.

He admitted the operation targeted victims in Europe and the United States and was run by Chinese investors. Following intensified crackdowns by Myanmar authorities, he fled back into Thailand on 18 February 2026, hoping to return to Malaysia. A friend allegedly contacted Malaysian embassy officials claiming Mr Tan had been abducted in order to prompt police intervention and facilitate his repatriation.

Police have charged Mr Tan with immigration violations and related offences. He remains in custody and has been handed over to investigators at Bueng Kum Police Station for legal proceedings.

The Daily News reported the  case highlights ongoing regional efforts to combat cross-border call centre scams and immigration violations. Mr Tan will face prosecution under Thai law. Officials have indicated that investigations will continue into any additional offences linked to his activities.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Key Takeaways

• A Malaysian man admitted fabricating a kidnapping in Bangkok to secure help returning home.

• Immigration records show he overstayed his visa by 1,236 days after entering Thailand in April 2022.

• He confessed to working for a call centre scam gang in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 22 Feb 2026

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Pretty stupid move. Faking your own kidnapping just to get attention from the authorities and sort out an impressive overstay.

By his own admission he’d made multiple illegal border crossings and had been involved in scam operations in Myanmar. That must put him in very murky territory.

It also makes you wonder about the “friend” who contacted the police. If this was coordinated, then surely that person has some explaining to do as well.

Hard to have any sympathy for this guy, especially when you add to your criminal activity by waste police resources over a fanciful scheme to get back to Malaysia.