PATTAYA, Thailand – A dramatic escape unfolded at Pattaya City Police Station when a Chinese suspect, wanted for fraud, leapt from a second-floor interrogation room and fled, prompting a daring chase by a determined officer who sustained injuries but continued the pursuit. UPDATE: Suspect arrested. Had taken a taxi to near Cambodia border, found in hotel napping.
CCTV footage obtained by reporters captured the incident, which occurred at 1:30 AM on June 5th, 2025. The suspect, identified as Mr. Li Jian, was detained at 10:21 PM on June 4th, 2025, under a Pattaya Provincial Court arrest warrant (No. J.78/2568) for fraud charges. Li allegedly jumped from Interrogation Room 19 on the second floor of the police station, landing at the rear of the building before fleeing along Soi 9 Beach Road toward Pattaya Second Road.
The footage shows a courageous investigating officer, wearing a red shirt, leaping after the suspect. The officer landed heavily, striking a concrete bench and hitting the ground, but remarkably rose to continue the chase. Despite his efforts, the suspect evaded capture. Police conducted a three-hour manhunt but have yet to apprehend Li. His photo has been publicly revealed and released to the public to ask for assistance in finding him by contacting The Pattaya City Police with any information.
Initial investigations reveal that Li, a Chinese national, was reported by a fellow Chinese citizen for allegedly defrauding them of 38,712.77 USDT (a digital currency), equivalent to approximately 1.26 million baht. The victim transferred the funds to Li for investment, expecting 178,000 Chinese yuan in return, but Li allegedly failed to deliver the yuan, prompting the victim to file a complaint. Li was arrested by Don Mueang Immigration Police at Don Mueang Airport’s Terminal 1, Level 3, while attempting to flee to Da Nang, Vietnam, on AirAsia flight FD638.
Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyoo, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, has ordered an intensive operation to recapture the suspect. Investigative and patrol units, supported by the Chonburi Provincial Investigation Division and Region 2 Investigation Command, are combing Pattaya, sealing off escape routes and reviewing CCTV footage to track down the fugitive.
Authorities remain committed to apprehending Li and bringing him to justice.
