Police Detain Chinese Scam Suspects in Kanchanaburi

Tourist Police and local authorities have detained eight Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in a scam network after raiding a resort in Kanchanaburi, where the group had been staying while allegedly posing as tourists.

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The operation took place on March 12 when officers from Tourist Police Division 3, Kanchanaburi City Police Station, the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, Immigration Bureau, Surasi Task Force, and local administrative officials inspected a resort in Moo 4, Nong Bua subdistrict, Mueang district. The raid followed a report from a Thai woman, that a foreign national at the property had requested assistance from authorities, for being held against his will.

Police found the detained man, locked in a room and another eight Chinese nationals, 7 men and a woman, staying in rooms at the resort. After checking travel documents, officers confirmed that two individuals, including the man being held against his will, possessed valid passports and legal entry status, while seven were found to be in Thailand illegally.

Among the seven suspects, one had overstayed their permitted stay in the country, while the remaining six had allegedly entered Thailand without permission. Authorities therefore detained those individuals and informed them of the charges against them.

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Pol Lt Col Hemchat Thanaphakdeechot, an inspector with the Investigation Unit of Tourist Police Division 3, said officers questioned the group through an interpreter. The Chinese nationals told investigators they had travelled from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, with some renting vehicles and others arriving by van.

They claimed they were visiting the province for tourism and work purposes but were unable to present valid travel documentation when requested by police. The individuals were subsequently handed over to investigators at Kanchanaburi City Police Station to face legal proceedings.

Authorities have also coordinated with the Kanchanaburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office to conduct a screening process under Thailand’s victim identification system for human trafficking. Some of those detained also told officers they had been deceived or forced to travel to Thailand to work in activities linked to a transnational scam operation.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify the network involved, including individuals responsible for transporting the Chinese into the area and those who may have hired them. Officials stated that all parties connected to the alleged operation will face legal action if evidence is found.

Pol Col Karawit Thongsriwanich, superintendent of Tourist Police Division 3, said the raid formed part of a policy directed by Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-um, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, to suppress crime that could undermine safety and confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry.

Matichon reported he also urged hotel operators and members of the public to report suspicious foreign nationals or illegal entrants to authorities. Information can be reported to police or through the Tourist Police hotline 1155, which operates 24 hours a day.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 13 Mar 2026

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