Pattaya Scam Probe: Police Seize SIM Boxes, Router and Antennas From Rental Room
Pattaya Scam Probe: Police Seize SIM Boxes, Router and Antennas From Rental Room
PATTAYA, October 28, 2026 — Thai police have seized two SIM box devices concealed above the ceiling of a rented room in central Pattaya as part of an investigation into a suspected call-centre scam network linked to a 15,000-baht fraud case.
The raid took place at around 5pm on October 27, 2026, at Pattaya Charm, a building offering daily and monthly rentals on Fram Jo Ra Khe Soi 10.
Police discovered the equipment inside room A8 on the fourth floor after following leads from a fraud investigation. The tenant had reportedly left before officers arrived.
SIM Box Equipment Hidden Above Ceiling
During the search, officers found two 32-slot SIM box machines hidden above the ceiling. They also seized a SIM-enabled internet router, a CCTV camera, two signal antennas and an extension lead as evidence.
SIM boxes, also known as GSM gateways, can route communications through multiple mobile SIM cards. Investigators suspect the equipment may have been used to support criminal operations, although its precise role in the alleged scam has not yet been established publicly.
The operation was directed by Provincial Police Region 2 commissioner Pol Lt Gen Wasan Techa-akkharakasem. It was led by deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Pongphan Wongmanithet, Region 2 Investigation Bureau chief Pol Maj Gen Kiatthisak Sarathong-on and Pattaya City Police chief Pol Col Anek Sarathongyu.
Police have withheld the tenant’s identity, saying disclosure could affect the investigation. Officers are continuing efforts to identify and arrest other people potentially connected to the suspected network.
Victim Lost 15,000 Baht to Impersonation Scam
The investigation began after a victim reported receiving calls from people falsely claiming to represent telecommunications provider AIS and the police.
According to the complaint, the callers alleged that a telephone number registered in the victim’s name was linked to online gambling and money-laundering cases.
The victim was then persuaded to transfer money supposedly needed for checks and to demonstrate their innocence. A total of 15,000 baht was transferred before the case was reported through the Thai Police Online system on October 23.
Police are investigating whether the seized equipment was connected to the calls and the wider suspected scam network.
Public Urged to Beware of Impersonation Calls
Authorities advise anyone receiving suspicious calls to avoid sharing personal, banking or passport information, end the conversation and contact the relevant organisation through an officially published telephone number.
Suspected fraud can be reported through the Thai Police Online system or at a police station.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not announced any arrests connected to the seized equipment.
