12 Chinese Nationals Arrested in Chiang Mai Call Centre Scam
Twelve Chinese nationals were arrested on July 30 by Thai police in connection with an illegal call centre scam operating out of a luxury pool villa in the Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai. The raid, which also led to the arrest of six Burmese nationals, exposed a sophisticated scam network believed to be linked to international fraud rings.
The operation was carried out by officers from Provincial Police Region 5 and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, acting on intelligence that the villa was being used as a base for cybercriminal activity. When law enforcement stormed the property, several suspects attempted to escape by jumping from the second floor of the residence. Eight individuals were injured in the process, with one sustaining a broken leg and others suffering minor injuries such as bruises and cuts.
Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, Thawatchai Pongwiwat, confirmed the arrests and provided key details about the operation. According to Thawatchai, the 12 Chinese suspects had entered Thailand legally using tourist and student visas. Investigators believe they had been living and working in the villa for approximately three months, rarely leaving the premises. During this time, they operated in rotating shifts around the clock to conduct scam operations.
A search of the villa revealed a large cache of tools used in the scam, including 32 mobile phones, eight computers, and a significant number of SIM cards. These devices were instrumental in facilitating fraudulent calls and digital communications aimed primarily at victims in China.
The gang’s modus operandi involved deceiving victims into purchasing non-existent products or services. In other cases, scammers impersonated authorities or customer service representatives to fabricate financial emergencies, such as blocked bank accounts or flight cancellations, tricking victims into transferring large sums of money. Thai police estimate that each scammer earned between 10,000 and 100,000 yuan per month—roughly 50,000 to 500,000 baht.
Although 18 individuals were arrested, authorities believe they were only foot soldiers in a much larger criminal enterprise. Investigators are now working to identify the ringleader and trace connections to broader international scam networks, some of which are known to operate across Southeast Asia.
The six Burmese nationals arrested during the raid are believed to have served primarily as domestic help for the gang. No detailed information has been provided regarding their roles, and it remains unclear whether they were aware of the scam operation or involved in any fraudulent activities.
So far, police have not released the specific charges the suspects will face. However, given the scale and organization of the scam, it is expected that charges will include immigration violations, cyber fraud, and participation in a transnational criminal network.
This incident is the latest in a series of high-profile raids targeting foreign-run scam operations in Thailand. Authorities have expressed growing concern over the use of the country as a base for cybercriminals targeting victims abroad. With easy access via tourist and student visas, and the availability of luxury properties for rent, Thailand has become an attractive location for illicit operations that remain largely hidden from public view.
Deputy Commissioner Thawatchai stressed that the police will continue to pursue similar operations and intensify efforts to dismantle foreign-run scam networks in the region. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We are committed to stopping these criminal groups and restoring safety to both local communities and international victims.”
The investigation is ongoing as police analyze digital evidence and interrogate the suspects in custody. Further arrests are possible in the coming weeks as authorities unravel the full scope of the scam network.
