Highway Police Chase Chinese Scam Gang Across Narathiwat

Highway police in Narathiwat arrested four people, including three Chinese nationals, after a high-speed pursuit lasting more than 30 kilometres on 13 June 2026. Investigators believe the group may have been attempting to cross the border illegally into a neighbouring country and could be linked to a call centre scam network.

Get today's headlines by email

The operation was supervised by Pol Maj Gen Pornsak Laorujiralai, commander of the Highway Police Division, with officers from Highway Police Sub-Division 5, Division 7 conducting crime prevention patrols in the area. Officers spotted a grey Toyota passenger car registered in Surat Thani travelling through Ban Luboyoh, Moo 7, Chuap subdistrict, Cho Airong district, Narathiwat, and considered it suspicious.

Police signalled for the vehicle to stop for inspection, but the driver accelerated and broke through a police checkpoint. Officers pursued the car for more than 30 kilometres before the driver lost control and crashed off the road.

Five occupants then fled into nearby woodland. Police requested additional support to seal off the area and managed to arrest the driver, identified as 48-year-old Thai national Kori, along with three Chinese nationals: Mr Zhao Bao, 40, Mr Wang Bing Feng, 34, and Mr Tu Hong Fei, 26. Another Thai national escaped into the darkness and remains at large.

Initial investigations found the Chinese nationals were behaving suspiciously and were believed to be travelling towards the border. Police said the circumstances suggested they may have been attempting to leave Thailand illegally and could have links to a call centre scam operation.

Further checks revealed that one of the Chinese suspects was wanted by authorities in the People’s Republic of China on allegations related to organising gambling activities.

During questioning, Kori told police he had been hired to transport the three Chinese nationals from the border area and claimed he did not know the purpose of their journey. The Chinese nationals told investigators they had entered Thailand illegally and were travelling towards the southern border, with other individuals arranging their travel.

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

Police charged Kori with concealing or otherwise assisting foreign nationals to evade arrest. The three Chinese nationals were charged with being foreign nationals present in the Kingdom without permission.

Thaitabloid reported that all suspects were handed over to investigators at Cho Airong Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the Thai suspect who escaped and are investigating any possible links to wider criminal networks.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026

View full article