Chinese Bank Fraud Suspect Arrested in Pattaya

Chinese Bank Fraud Suspect Arrested in Pattaya

Pattaya, Feb. 12, 2026 — Thai immigration police have arrested a Chinese national wanted in connection with a multi-million-baht bank fraud case after locating him at a luxury condominium in Pattaya, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Yao Ming, 38, was detained on Feb. 9 following a two-week investigation by Immigration Division 3, the Immigration Bureau of Thailand said.
He is accused by Chinese authorities of embezzling more than 2 million yuan (about 10 million baht) from a bank where he previously worked as a branch manager in Lanzhou in 2015.

Police said Yao allegedly transferred funds from dormant customer accounts and falsified transaction records before fleeing China. He reportedly moved between neighbouring countries, including Laos and Cambodia, before being tracked to Pattaya.

Authorities said checks of his passport and biometric data showed no legal entry record into Thailand. He was arrested on charges of illegal entry and unlawful stay and will be deported to China to face further prosecution.

Thai officials said the arrest followed a nationwide crackdown on transnational crime and underscored efforts to prevent foreign fugitives from using Thailand as a safe haven.