A 41-year-old Chinese national has been arrested at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok over allegations of large-scale VAT fraud against the Chinese government. Mr Wu Weiqiang was detained on 26 February at the domestic arrivals exit of Don Mueang Airport. Thai authorities said the arrest followed coordination with Chinese police, who had identified him as a key suspect in a major tax fraud case.

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Pol Col Nopparat Khammak, superintendent of the Patrol Division, Crime Suppression Division, and Pol Lt Col Pongpiti Treenikom, inspector of the same division, carried out the arrest alongside officers from Subdivision 3 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division. The suspect is accused of forging value-added tax (VAT) invoices, causing widespread financial damage in China. Chinese authorities had issued an arrest warrant in February 2024 but had been unable to locate him.

According to investigators, Mr Wu allegedly fled to Thailand and created a new identity while living in the country. Police said he maintained a luxury lifestyle, staying in high-end hotels in central Bangkok and frequently changing accommodation to avoid detection. Authorities also reported that he had recently travelled to Phuket province to attend a birthday celebration with his girlfriend before flying back to Bangkok.

Thai officials acted on intelligence that he would return through Don Mueang Airport and planned the arrest accordingly. He was taken into custody at the airport without incident. Police confirmed that the operation was conducted after receiving a formal request for cooperation from the Public Security authorities of the People’s Republic of China.

During questioning, Mr Wu denied the allegations but admitted that his name appears as a director of a company in China. He stated that he was unaware of any arrest warrant issued against him. Officers have transferred him to Subdivision 3 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division for further legal proceedings and coordination with relevant agencies.

Matichon reported that the case highlights ongoing cooperation between Thai and Chinese law enforcement in pursuing transnational crime suspects believed to be hiding in Thailand. Further action will depend on legal procedures and coordination between the two countries.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Key Takeaways

• A 41-year-old Chinese man was arrested at Don Mueang Airport on 26 February over alleged VAT invoice fraud in China.

• Chinese authorities issued an arrest warrant in February 2024 and sought Thailand’s assistance in locating him.

• The suspect denies the charges and has been transferred to Immigration investigators for further legal action.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 27 Feb 2026

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Chinese authorities take fraud and deception extremely seriously, with harsh penalties for those caught in scams or tax evasion.

This case shows that cooperation across borders is strong, as Thai authorities assisted in detaining the suspect at Don Mueang.

It’s encouraging to see regional collaboration in tackling financial crimes, which remain a high priority for China and its partners.