LAMPHUN, THAILAND — A 55-year-old Chinese national identified only as Mr. Tong has been arrested in Li district, Lamphun province, under an Interpol Red Notice on money laundering charges involving 339 million yuan (approximately 1.5 billion baht) in damages in China.
The arrest was made under a temporary warrant issued by Thailand’s Criminal Court on May 19, the Immigration Bureau announced at a press conference on Thursday.
The operation was launched after the Chinese Embassy alerted Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that Mr. Tong was believed to be hiding in Thailand and requesting his arrest and extradition.
According to Interpol’s Red Notice, Mr. Tong is accused of laundering large sums of money through a company based in China. While specific details were not disclosed, authorities confirmed the severity of the financial losses involved.
Thai investigators tracked Mr. Tong’s movements through multiple provinces. He initially stayed in Chachoengsao before relocating to Lamphun to evade detection after learning he was being pursued by law enforcement.
Police said Mr. Tong remained silent during his arrest and offered no statements. He has been transferred to the International Affairs Office for extradition proceedings in accordance with Thailand’s Extradition Act.
Authorities emphasized continued cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to ensure Thailand does not become a haven for transnational criminals.
