Chiang Mai immigration police have arrested a Chinese national known as "Wang", who is wanted in connection with an alleged fundraising fraud affecting more than 3,000 people in China. Police said the alleged losses total more than 1.4 billion yuan. Wang was found living in Chiang Mai after allegedly remaining in Thailand on an expired visa for 549 days. The arrest was made on 24 August 2026 by officers from Chiang Mai Immigration and the Investigation Division of Immigration Division 5. Officials said Wang entered Thailand through the Golden Triangle-Ban Sop Ruak border crossing in late 2024, after fleeing to the Golden Triangle area. Police tracked suspect to rented Chiang Mai home The operation was ordered by Pol Maj Gen Sarawut Khonyai, commander of Immigration Division 5; Pol Col Ekkorn Busabodin, deputy commander; and Pol Col Phithakphong Charoenkul, superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration. The Chiang Mai team included Pol Capt Wachirawit Kittisettakarn, acting deputy inspector; Pol Capt Thip That Chiang Mai, deputy inspector; and Pol Lt Kritphat Bunyasomphop, deputy inspector. They worked with Immigration Division 5 investigators led by Pol Lt Col Somchat Thongkham, Pol Maj Wichai Kawichai and Pol Lt Nakhin Intharasuwan. Investigators said Wang had rented a house in Chiang Mai city and rarely left it. Officers monitored the property for several days before identifying him as the person named in the arrest warrant. When he later stepped outside the house, police said his appearance and distinguishing features matched the description. He was approached and asked to provide identification documents. Police said Wang admitted that he had not extended his visa and had overstayed in Thailand. He reportedly told officers he had accepted that he would eventually be arrested. Overstay case and wider fraud inquiry Authorities have initially proceeded against Wang for overstaying his permission to remain in Thailand. They are also acting on the overseas offences and coordinating with relevant agencies for further legal action. Police said the investigation indicated a link between Wang's case and the earlier arrest by Immigration Division 4 of another Chinese suspect in an alleged fraud involving about 500 million baht. That suspect was arrested at a sak yant tattoo studio and the case was reported in early 2026. Investigators believe the two suspects are connected to the same transnational criminal network. Pol Maj Gen Sarawut said the operation followed policies set by the national police chief and the Immigration Bureau commissioner to pursue transnational criminal networks, particularly foreign suspects using Thailand as a refuge or hiding place. He instructed officers across all areas to rapidly investigate foreign nationals suspected of breaking the law. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? 26 August 2026
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