Police Bust Dragon Stable Scam Network in Bangkok

Police have arrested the alleged Thai ringleader of a major transnational money-laundering network linked to call centre scam gangs during Operation “Dragon Stable”. The suspect, Kritpat “Frame”, 30, was detained at a luxury in Bangkok’s Lang Suan area, while investigators seized company seals and registration documents linked to more than 20 firms allegedly used to launder illicit funds.

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The operation was announced on 19 June by the Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC) and the Highway Police Division at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Bangkok. Authorities said the network processed more than 100 million baht per month through a complex system involving nominee companies, investment platforms, gold purchases and mule accounts.

The investigation stemmed from a raid on a “mule account party” at a pool villa in January 2026, when nine suspects were arrested for collecting cash from scam victims in a scheme that caused losses exceeding 30 million baht. Police later expanded the probe in March 2026, raiding a luxury condominium safe house in Huai Khwang and arresting eight more suspects. Investigators found evidence of money laundering through stock-trading platforms, gold transactions and a language school allegedly used as a front to facilitate the movement of foreign nationals.

Police obtained arrest warrants for 10 suspects of Thai, Chinese and Cambodian nationality. Four have now been arrested. They include Kritpat, described as the head of the Thai operation; Sitthi, 45, a senior nominee who allegedly allowed his name, documents and bank accounts to be used; Plathawat “Arsen”, 33, an interpreter accused of relaying instructions from Chinese organisers; and Natthaporn, 24, Kritpat’s girlfriend, who allegedly helped recruit mule accounts and support the operation.

Authorities are still searching for six fugitives, including Chinese nationals Ah Tao, described as the financial boss behind companies used to launder money for scam groups, and Lao Chong, 35, who allegedly supervised cash-withdrawal teams and gold purchases in Thailand. Cambodian national Priao, identified by police as a Cambodian police officer, is also wanted for allegedly assisting network members based in Cambodia.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Investigators said Kritpat took extensive measures to avoid detection, frequently changing hotels, remaining inside his room, using more than 10 mobile phone numbers registered to other people and directing food deliveries to alternative locations. During his arrest, police found more than 70 methamphetamine tablets in his possession. Officers said he suffered a severe shock when confronted and collapsed unconscious, requiring treatment in hospital, before being discharged into police custody.

Daily News reported that police also identified 28 additional mule-account holders allegedly involved in laundering money through investment platforms. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to arrest the remaining suspects and trace further financial links.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 20 June 2026

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