Chinese Victims Allegedly Lost Up to 300 Million Baht in Thailand-Based Romance Scam
Chinese Victims Allegedly Lost Up to 300 Million Baht in Thailand-Based Romance Scam
PATTAYA, November 9, 2026 — Thai immigration police have arrested 10 foreign nationals at a property in Chon Buri allegedly used as a base for romance-investment scams targeting Chinese victims, with investigators estimating that the operation may have caused losses of up to 300 million baht.
The raid was conducted on November 9, 2026, at a house in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, under a search warrant issued by the Chon Buri Provincial Court. Immigration Division 3 investigators worked alongside Chon Buri immigration police and officers from Nong Prue Police Station.
Police said the suspects comprised eight Chinese nationals and two Myanmar nationals. Officers seized two laptop computers, 32 mobile phones and more than 178 SIM cards.
According to investigators, seven of the Chinese suspects allegedly entered Thailand illegally through the Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province, while another entered through the Chong Mek border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, near Laos.
Four Chinese suspects were reportedly wanted by authorities in China. They were identified as Yang Wang, wanted in an alleged fraud case; Chao Fang, wanted over an alleged assault; Zuo Guifu, wanted in connection with a call-centre case; and Xu Ningxun, also wanted in a call-centre case.
The two Myanmar nationals were identified as Min Khing, accused of illegal entry, and Nang Thazin Aye, who allegedly overstayed her permission to remain in Thailand by 357 days.
Romance fraud combined with fake investments
Investigators described the operation as a “hybrid scam” combining romance fraud with fraudulent investment schemes.
Police said one group used Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, to identify and approach potential victims. A second group then developed relationships with them over approximately 15 to 30 days before persuading them to download a fake application promoting investments in Chinese medicine stocks.
Victims were allegedly instructed to transfer money into Chinese bank accounts, while a third group operating in China was responsible for withdrawing the funds.
The suspects reportedly told police that they had rented the property for 140,000 baht per month and used it as their operational base for approximately six months.
Investigators initially identified around 100 Chinese victims. Police said apparent losses on the morning of November 9 alone amounted to approximately 2 million baht, while information obtained during questioning suggested cumulative losses could reach 300 million baht.
Police are continuing to collect evidence, verify the suspects’ identities and check for outstanding warrants through Thai and Chinese databases. Investigators are also pursuing other individuals believed to be involved in the network.
