Thai police have arrested 21 suspects—including 20 South Koreans and one Chinese national—in connection with a call centre scam based out of a luxury pool villa in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The operation followed a tip-off from the South Korean embassy, which led to a successful rescue of a South Korean man allegedly kidnapped and forced to work for the gang.
At approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, officers from the Tourist Police, Immigration Bureau, and Bang Lamung police launched a coordinated raid on the villa. Inside, authorities found several men seated at computer stations. Some suspects attempted to flee, with one individual jumping from the second floor and injuring himself. All suspects were eventually caught and detained.
Among those found was the alleged kidnapping victim, who had been previously reported missing. Police confirmed he was safe and appeared to have been working alongside the other individuals. Authorities immediately informed the South Korean embassy so the victim’s family could be notified.
Investigators discovered a whiteboard at the scene filled with Korean-language messages promoting investment schemes. Authorities believe the operation was part of a broader romance scam network, where victims are deceived into fake relationships and persuaded to send money.
Pol Col Songwut Chueaplakij, superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, confirmed that all electronic devices and documents seized during the raid will be examined for evidence of criminal activity. The suspects are now in police custody and face legal proceedings under Thai law.
