Thai Immigration Detains Chinese Man in Pattaya Over Alleged Online Scam Links
Thai Immigration Detains Chinese Man in Pattaya Over Alleged Online Scam Links
PATTAYA, November 11, 2026 – Thai immigration police have detained a 37-year-old Chinese national in Pattaya following a request from the Chinese Embassy to locate him over alleged criminal activities in China, with authorities citing an Interpol Blue Notice linked to an alleged gambling operation.
The man, identified as Mr. Zhiliang, was detained on November 10, 2026, outside a house in a housing estate off Soi Pornpraphanimit 26, also known as Soi Siam Country Club, in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.
Immigration authorities said he was wanted by public security officials in the industrial estate area of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, in connection with an alleged gambling-den operation.
Chinese Embassy request leads to arrest
Officers from the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division traced the suspect to the Pattaya-area property after receiving information from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.
Police approached him while he was walking outside the house and requested to inspect his passport. They said the document check confirmed his identity matched the information supplied by Chinese authorities and the Interpol Blue Notice.
Immigration officers subsequently revoked his permission to stay in Thailand under Sections 12(7) and 36 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
Police said Zhiliang admitted the allegations after being informed of the accusation and his legal rights. He was transferred to an Immigration Bureau detention facility while authorities coordinated the next legal procedures and arrangements for his return to China.
The operation was overseen by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nopphasil Phoonsawat, Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Thanit Thaiwatcharamas, Investigation Division Commander Pol Maj Gen Sarawut Khon-yai and other senior officers.
Thailand steps up action against foreign suspects
The Immigration Bureau said it would continue efforts to locate and detain foreign nationals subject to Interpol notices who are suspected of using Thailand as a hiding place.
The campaign aims to prevent Thailand from becoming a refuge for transnational criminals and individuals considered threats to national security.
