Malaysian Arrested in Thailand Over $55,000 Call Center Scam

Photo: Crime Asia

Pattaya, Feb. 14, 2026 — Thai police have arrested a Malaysian national in connection with a call center scam that allegedly defrauded a university student of nearly 2 million baht ($55,000), authorities said on Friday, underscoring growing concerns over cross-border fraud networks.

The suspect, identified as Yap Chin Keong, 38, was detained at a hotel in Nonthaburi province following an arrest warrant issued by Pattaya Provincial Court, police said.

Investigators said the victim, a 20-year-old engineering student from Rayong, was contacted by scammers posing as officials from mobile operator AIS. The callers allegedly claimed his national ID had been used in illegal online gambling activities and instructed him to “verify” his finances.

Believing the claims, the student withdrew 1.93 million baht — his inheritance from his late mother — and handed the cash to a man who approached him at a shopping mall parking lot in Pattaya. The suspect allegedly fled with the money.

Police said the case involves charges of joint fraud, forgery and entering false information into a computer system. Authorities are investigating whether the suspect is linked to a broader transnational call center scam network.

Thailand has intensified efforts to combat online fraud, which has surged in recent years and frequently involves cross-border criminal syndicates.

Cr-Crime Asia