Immigration police in Chon Buri have arrested a Chinese national wanted for an alleged pyramid scheme, detaining him at a popular viewpoint in Pattaya while he was with his girlfriend. The suspect, identified as Luo Fanghua, 31, was taken into custody on 5 May 2026 following a coordinated operation by Thai authorities acting on information from China. He is accused of involvement in large-scale public fraud causing losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of baht.

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The operation was carried out under the direction of senior immigration officials including Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, Pol Lt Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha and Pol Maj Gen Phanop Worathanatchakul. The Immigration Bureau had been alerted by China’s Ministry of Public Security that Luo, who was subject to an arrest warrant issued on 18 November 2025 in Jiuquan, had fled to Thailand. Investigators tracked his movements in Pattaya before locating him at the Sor Tor Ror 5 viewpoint on Pratumnak Hill.

Officers led by Pol Col Naphatphong Khositsuriyamanee, superintendent of Chon Buri Immigration, deployed a team to monitor and apprehend the suspect. The arrest took place without incident as officers presented the warrant and confirmed his identity. Authorities then expanded the investigation by searching a condominium on Pratumnak Hill believed to be linked to the suspect, aiming to gather further evidence and identify possible connections to a wider network.

The arrest highlights ongoing cooperation between Thai and Chinese authorities in tackling transnational financial crime, particularly online scams and pyramid schemes targeting large numbers of victims. Cases of foreign fugitives using Thailand as a temporary base have drawn increased scrutiny, prompting closer intelligence sharing and joint enforcement efforts.

Luo has been transferred to Pattaya Immigration for legal processing, including the formal revocation of his permission to stay in Thailand. Officials are preparing to deport him to China, where he will face prosecution under the Chinese judicial system. Further investigations may continue to determine whether additional suspects or assets linked to the alleged fraud remain in Thailand.

Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 6 May 2026

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Amazing how they let him text to warn the rest of the gang to scarper ...

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