Four Chinese men were arrested in the early hours of 26 February 2026 after immigration police in Pattaya raided a property in central Pattaya and found them allegedly playing mahjong. The arrests were made at around 01.00 in Pattaya Central on Pattaya Second Road, Chon Buri province. Officers seized gaming equipment and transferred the suspects to local police for further legal proceedings.

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According to officials, immigration police in Pattaya carried out an inspection at the location and discovered the four Chinese nationals sitting around a table playing mahjong. The operation resulted in the immediate arrest of all four men at the scene. Evidence collected included one mahjong table, a complete set of mahjong tiles and chips used in place of cash.

The suspects and the seized items were handed over to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station for action in accordance with the law. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the four men or provided additional background details. No further information about potential charges or legal representation has been released.

Immigration police have also declined to comment in detail to the media at this stage. Officials indicated that further clarification may be provided in a subsequent briefing. At present, there has been no confirmation of whether additional individuals are being sought in connection with the incident.

Further updates are expected once immigration officials release additional information. Investigators at Pattaya City Police Station will continue handling the case, with any formal charges to be determined under applicable law.

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

Key Takeaways

• Four Chinese nationals were arrested at 01.00 on 26 February 2026 in central Pattaya.

• Immigration police seized a mahjong table, tiles and chips used in place of cash.

• The suspects were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 26 Feb 2026

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Do I have to delete the mahjong game from my mobile 😁

I wasn't aware that the Chinese play this gambling for money.

You think the officers at that police station will fight over the table to decide who gets to take it home?

I tried to warn them that they should take up bridge, but nooo they wouldn't listen.

"..chips used in place of cash." Do they have evidence that was true. Sometimes folks play with chips just to see who is ahead... probably not true here, but shouldn't be able to bust on an assumption IMO

1 hour ago, Emdog said:

I tried to warn them that they should take up bridge, but nooo they wouldn't listen.

"..chips used in place of cash." Do they have evidence that was true. Sometimes folks play with chips just to see who is ahead... probably not true here, but shouldn't be able to bust on an assumption IMO

I used to play cards with my grandmother using matchsticks as the "cash". It was high stakes, I tell you! Likely illegal in Thailand though, oh dear... 😇