Pattaya—
On August 30th, 2024, Chonburi Immigration Bureau officers launched an operation to dismantle a Chinese call center gang involved in what they called a massive investment scam involving a stock trading app at a luxurious mansion near Pattaya.
According to Chonburi Immigration, the scam deceived over a thousand victims, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of millions of baht. Fifteen Chinese nationals, including the gang leader, were reportedly apprehended, along with a large number of computers and mobile phones. The suspects and evidence were taken to the Chonburi Immigration Office in Jomtien.
The initial charges include “Working and conducting business without permission.” The suspects were handed over to Nongprue police for legal proceedings, and their visas were revoked. They will be deported and permanently blacklisted from entering Thailand, said Chonburi Immigration. Their names, however, notes The Pattaya News, were not released to the Thai media.
Chonburi authorities also announced plans to intensify checks on foreign nationals who misuse tourist visas for illegal activities. Chonburi immigration officers will work closely with other agencies to monitor and investigate suspicious individuals, in line with Thai government and Immigration Bureau policies.
