Myanmar-Based Scam Suspect Arrested in Thailand
Myanmar-Based Scam Suspect Arrested in Thailand
BANGKOK, November 4, 2026 — Thai immigration police have arrested a 31-year-old Chinese woman wanted by authorities in China over an alleged cross-border online scam network operating from Myanmar, after discovering that she had overstayed her permission to remain in Thailand by 394 days.
The woman, identified only as Miss Hua, was detained at a condominium in Soi Sukhumvit 117, Thepharak, Mueang Samut Prakan district.
Police said officers discovered that her permission to stay in Thailand had expired 394 days earlier after checking her passport and immigration records.
The operation was conducted by Samut Prakan Immigration officers between October 31 and November 1, 2026. The arrest was announced on November 3 by Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3.
Wanted over alleged Myanmar-based online romance investment scam
Further checks revealed that Miss Hua was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Chinese authorities, according to Police Major General Songprod.
Investigators alleged that she and several other individuals joined a transnational online scam network in 2020 operating from a compound in Laukka, Myanmar.
According to the investigation, the network specifically targeted lesbian women in China.
Suspects allegedly established romantic relationships with victims before persuading them to invest in schemes promising unusually high returns. Police said the investment opportunities were fraudulent and used to deceive victims into transferring money.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged financial losses or the woman’s specific role in the operation.
Miss Hua was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings under the relevant procedures.
Officials did not provide additional information about the Chinese arrest warrant or whether extradition arrangements would follow.
Thailand steps up action against transnational online scam networks
The arrest followed instructions from Police Lieutenant General Nopasit Poolsawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, as part of a wider crime-suppression policy ordered by national police chief Police General Samran Nuanma.
Immigration units have been instructed to intensify investigations into transnational criminal networks, particularly operations involving mule bank accounts and money laundering.
Thai authorities said such activities cause financial damage to victims and undermine financial systems in Thailand and other countries.
The Immigration Bureau said it would continue screening foreign nationals entering and staying in Thailand and taking legal action against those violating immigration or other laws.
The stated objective is to prevent Thailand from being used as a hiding place by foreign fugitives and individuals involved in transnational criminal activities.
