Thai naval forces have intercepted ten Chinese nationals attempting to enter Thailand illegally in Chanthaburi province after reportedly working for an online scam network in Cambodia. The arrests were made on 16 March 2026 at around 08.00 by units under the Royal Thai Navy’s Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command. Officers found the group carrying 24 mobile phones, while five of the suspects had no passports. Get today's headlines by email According to Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, the operation was carried out by the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force during a patrol near Ban Pa Wilai village in Moo 5, Khlong Yai subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. The patrol identified ten Chinese men behaving suspiciously near a natural border crossing point along the Thai–Cambodian frontier. Officers detained them and confiscated the mobile devices for further investigation. Initial questioning revealed that the group had previously been working for an online fraud and cyber scam network in a neighbouring country. After spending a long period employed by the operation, they reportedly crossed the border into Thailand through natural routes without using official immigration checkpoints, to reach another third country. Authorities transported the suspects to Marine Ranger Company 541 at Ban Pa Wilai for initial processing. They were later handed over to Pong Nam Ron Police Station in Chanthaburi province for legal proceedings. The Royal Thai Navy stated that the arrests were conducted in strict compliance with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. Officials emphasised that the rights and human dignity of those detained were respected throughout the operation. The case highlights ongoing concerns over transnational cybercrime networks operating along borders in Southeast Asia. Scam compounds in neighbouring countries have frequently been linked to organised criminal groups that recruit or force foreign workers to run online fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide. Thai security agencies have intensified patrols along the Thai–Cambodian border in response to increased attempts by individuals linked to scam networks to enter or transit through Thailand. Authorities say such movements can involve both trafficked workers and participants seeking to relocate operations. The Royal Thai Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining border security and preventing illegal entry into Thailand. Officials said they will continue coordinating with relevant agencies to combat cross-border crime, particularly cyber scam operations that have caused significant financial harm to the public. Khaosod reported that the ten suspects remain in police custody as investigators examine their activities and the seized mobile phones. Police will proceed with legal action in accordance with the law. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Related stories Chinese-nationals-rescued-from-human-traffickers-in-Thailand Police-detain-Chinese-scam-suspects-in-Kanchanaburi Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 Mar 2026
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