Bangkok Scam Centre Raids: 10 Chinese and South Korean Nationals Arrested
Bangkok Scam Centre Raids: 10 Chinese and South Korean Nationals Arrested
BANGKOK, October 20, 2026 — Thai immigration police, working with South Korean authorities, have arrested 10 Chinese and South Korean nationals suspected of operating scam centres in Bangkok that allegedly defrauded victims of more than 100 million baht.
The suspects allegedly posed as senior prosecutors and government officials to trick victims into transferring money. Investigators have identified numerous South Korean victims in connection with the suspected fraud.
The raids took place on October 19 at three locations across the Thai capital, involving more than 30 immigration officers and South Korean police. The operation was ordered by national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma.
Investigation Began With Overstayer’s Arrest
Immigration Bureau Commissioner Lt Gen Noppasil Phoonsawat said the investigation began after South Korean national Lim Yongkil was arrested on September 3, 2026, for overstaying his permission to remain in Thailand.
South Korean authorities were seeking Lim in connection with public fraud allegations. Thai investigators also had information linking him to online gambling activities.
Further inquiries allegedly uncovered connections to a call-centre fraud and online gambling network involving Chinese and South Korean nationals.
For more than a month, officers monitored three suspected operational sites in the Lat Phrao–Huai Khwang, Watcharapol–Chatuchot and Ratchada–Rama 9 areas. Investigators reported observing eight to nine Chinese and South Korean nationals entering and leaving the locations daily.
Police also observed computers and other equipment being transferred from an original base to a new house equipped with high-speed internet, numerous computers and mobile phones. Investigators said the setup was consistent with an online scam operation.
Chinese Suspects Allegedly Organised Network
According to investigators, Chinese suspects allegedly arranged properties for use as operational bases, while South Korean suspects reportedly acted as administrators and contacted victims while impersonating prosecutors or government officials.
Police arrested eight South Korean nationals and two Chinese nationals during the operation.
Officers seized 13 computers, 21 mobile phones and other related equipment, bringing the total number of seized items to 51.
Authorities Trace Suspected Network
Thai and South Korean police are continuing to gather evidence to identify those who allegedly directed the network, examine financial transactions and locate other people suspected of involvement.
Thai immigration authorities have revoked the suspects’ permission to remain in the country and placed them on a blacklist barring future entry. They are being held pending deportation to South Korea for legal proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the suspects have not been established in court.
