Laos Transfers 10 Thai Online Gambling Suspects to Authorities in Nong Khai
Laos Transfers 10 Thai Online Gambling Suspects to Authorities in Nong Khai
NONG KHAI, November 8, 2026 — Laotian authorities have handed over 10 Thai nationals accused of working for the RS24 online gambling operation in Vientiane, with one man detained under an outstanding Thai court warrant for gambling-related offences.
The handover took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. on November 6, 2026, at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge international checkpoint. Nong Khai Immigration officers, Border Patrol Police Company 245 and other Thai agencies received the group from Lao authorities.
During questioning, all 10 reportedly told Thai officials that they had travelled to Laos to work as administrators for the RS24 online gambling website, handling slot games and baccarat.
According to their accounts, the operation had been based at The Cube Hotel in Vientiane since around late June 2026. Lao authorities arrested the group on September 1.
Pol Lt Col Theeyapat Rangsipramankul, deputy superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration, led the Thai officers in receiving the group before they were taken to the immigration office for further processing.
Authorities report no trafficking victims identified
Thai officials worked with relevant agencies to interview and screen all 10 individuals for possible indicators of human trafficking. Authorities also examined case records and Case ID information.
Officials said none of the 10 met the criteria for identification as a human trafficking victim. No individual was found to have a Case ID record, while provincial employment officials reported no case requiring prosecution for leaving Thailand to work overseas without notification.
However, one man identified only as Surasak was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Pathum Wan District Court under Thailand’s Gambling Act. He was detained and transferred to the court for further legal proceedings.
The handover was conducted under the supervision of senior Immigration Bureau officials, including Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Noppasil Poonsawat and commanders from Immigration Division 4.
