Thailand Targets Scam Gangs and Money Laundering in Multi-Agency Investigation
Thailand Targets Scam Gangs and Money Laundering in Multi-Agency Investigation
BANGKOK, October 9, 2026 — Thailand’s Justice Ministry has expanded investigations into suspected transnational scam operations, drug trafficking and money laundering networks linked to more than 2.5 billion baht in alleged damages, as authorities intensify efforts to trace financial transactions and seize assets connected to criminal activity.
Permanent Secretary for Justice Piyasiri Wattanawarangkun announced the operation alongside senior officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Immigration Bureau and the Customs Department.
The multi-agency investigation focuses on suspected criminal networks, financial transactions and assets potentially connected to cross-border illicit activities.
Investigation began with 23 million baht cash seizure
The case began on June 23, 2026, when customs officials at the Mae Sai checkpoint in Chiang Rai province discovered 23.023 million baht in cash hidden inside a vehicle driven by a Myanmar national identified as Sai.
According to authorities, Sai could not explain the source of the money, prompting officials to seize it for further investigation. AMLO subsequently ordered the seizure after finding reasonable grounds to suspect the cash was connected to criminal activity.
Further inquiries allegedly revealed that Sai also held Thai nationality under the name Luang Yilong.
Investigators found that he reportedly maintained multiple bank accounts with transactions totalling at least 55 million baht and was linked to online scam and money-laundering networks associated with more than 2.5 billion baht in alleged damages.
Probe uncovers alleged drug-trafficking links
Authorities also identified alleged connections between Sai and a transnational drug-trafficking network associated with a man known as Nu Chen, who was also identified as Thapanan.
Investigators reportedly traced financial transactions connected to drug trafficking through bank accounts in Myanmar and accounts held by alleged nominees. The transactions were said to involve more than 1 billion baht.
Authorities also identified more than 200 million baht in transactions linked to Sai’s accounts. Officials said the case would proceed through the relevant process for returning funds to victims.
Suspected identity-document fraud under investigation
The investigation also uncovered alleged links to a network suspected of forging national identity cards and impersonating people without Thai nationality.
According to investigators, the information was allegedly used by groups connected to online gambling websites and call-centre scam operations to conduct financial transactions.
The suspected identity-document fraud falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Special Investigation.
Authorities are continuing to examine financial records, trace assets and investigate the suspected connections among the networks. The allegations remain subject to further investigation and legal proceedings.
