Three Chinese Men Found Bound and Blindfolded Near Myanmar Border as Thai Police Arrest Suspect
Three Chinese Men Found Bound and Blindfolded Near Myanmar Border as Thai Police Arrest Suspect
TAK, October 12, 2026 — Thai police have arrested a 30-year-old man accused of involvement in the alleged detention and transportation of three Chinese nationals who were found bound and blindfolded near the Myanmar border in Tak province.
The suspect, identified as Suriya, was arrested outside a house in Moo 9, Kiri Rat, Phop Phra district, on October 11. He was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Mae Sot Provincial Court on October 1.
Police said Suriya faces charges of jointly detaining or depriving another person of physical liberty and jointly operating unauthorised non-regular passenger transport. He denied all allegations during questioning.
Three Chinese men rescued near the border
The investigation began following the arrest of a 29-year-old man identified as Tham on September 7. Police also seized a Toyota Hilux Revo pickup truck bearing Nakhon Nayok registration plates.
Officers rescued three Chinese nationals identified as Zhang Jinchang, 31; Zhang Xu, 27; and Lian Ao, 30. According to police, the men had their hands tied and were blindfolded when they were found.
The three men told investigators they had searched online for employment in Thailand and encountered individuals who claimed they could arrange jobs in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. They travelled to Thailand in early September 2026.
After reaching Tak, they said they were picked up in a vehicle and taken into a forest at an unidentified location. They alleged that brown adhesive tape was wrapped around their heads and faces, while their hands were taped and handcuffed to restrict their movement.
Police intervened near the Thai-Myanmar border before the men could be taken to their intended destination.
Investigators trace alleged transport network
Investigators suspect the group used employment promises to lure Chinese nationals to Thailand before detaining them in Tak and transporting them along a concealed route towards the border for a possible handover to a local network.
According to police, Tham told investigators that he had received the job from two people known as “Joi” and “Ya”, who allegedly acted as lead drivers during the transportation of the three Chinese men.
Further inquiries reportedly identified “Ya” as Suriya, prompting investigators to seek an arrest warrant.
Following his arrest, Suriya was handed over to investigators at Phop Phra Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing as police seek to establish the roles of those involved in the alleged operation.
