PATTAYA, Thailand – On June 17, 2025, Pattaya police, under the command of Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakuansanong, Chonburi Provincial Police Commander, conducted a major operation targeting two luxury residences suspected of housing an illegal loan syndicate. The raids, led by Pol. Col. Chatree Suksiri, Pol. Col. Wasurat Chaiyathiraphat, and Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyoo, resulted in the arrest of 25 Chinese nationals.
Acting on search warrants issued by Pattaya Provincial Court (Nos. 120/2568 and 121/2568, dated June 16, 2025), police searched a house on Soi Thappraya 15 and another at the View Talay Village. The second location yielded significant findings, with 24 men and one woman discovered working inside.
Investigations revealed all 25 suspects entered Thailand on tourist visas and lacked work permits. One individual, identified as Mr. Qiao, a 42-year-old Chinese national, had overstayed his visa by over five years and one month. Police seized evidence including notebooks and charts with Chinese writing and numerical figures, laptops, mobile phones, and an internet router, indicating an organized operation.
The group was allegedly running an illegal loan business, targeting clients in China via the QQ application. They recorded loan amounts and client details in spreadsheets, working under the direction of an undisclosed financier. Police swiftly surrounded the premises, apprehending all suspects without any escaping.
All 25 face charges of “being members of a secretive group with unlawful intent (criminal association), working as foreigners without permission, and engaging in employment without a work permit.” Mr. Qiao faces an additional charge of “residing in the kingdom after visa expiration.” The suspects and evidence were handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities continue to investigate the syndicate’s broader network and financial operations.
