PATTAYA, Thailand – On October 21st, 2025, at 12:00 PM, the Thai Tourist Police announced a groundbreaking operation in Pattaya leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to apprehend three suspects linked to illegal “mule account” activities. The operation, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, alongside Pol. Col. Songwut Cheuapholakit, Pol. Maj. Torlap Tinamat, Pol. Maj. Supparat Meepricha, and Pol. Capt. Apichat Jarurak, showcased the capabilities of the Tourist Police’s “AI Detect” camera system.
On the evening of October 20th, an AI-powered camera, installed in Pattaya’s Banglamung district, captured images of three Thai men riding a motorcycle together. The system instantly identified them as wanted individuals linked to mule account schemes. An alert was sent to the Pattaya Tourist Police, who swiftly mobilized to pursue the suspects.
The trio were apprehended under the Bali Hai Pier overpass in South Pattaya while riding a blue Yamaha Fino motorcycle. The suspects were identified as Suphawit Saisut, 20, Wayu Salae, 21, and Phanuwat Homfang, 20. All three had outstanding warrants issued by the Bangkok Criminal Court for charges including: 1) Joint fraud or supporting fraud, 2) Entering false computer data that may cause harm to others or the public, and 3) Knowingly allowing their bank or electronic accounts to be used for technology-related crimes.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being the individuals named in the warrants. They admitted to opening multiple bank accounts for brokers in Bangkok, receiving 2,000 baht per account, claiming they were unaware of the accounts’ criminal use. They cited financial difficulties as their motive and said they had come to Pattaya seeking work before their arrest.
Further investigation revealed the three were key figures wanted by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, allegedly linked to a major mule account network tied to call center scams and fraud. The suspects were detained for questioning and later handed over to Bang Sue Police Station for legal proceedings.
Pol. Maj. Supparat Meepricha and Pol. Capt. Apichat Jarurak stressed the significance of the operation, marking Thailand’s first use of AI cameras to identify and apprehend three wanted suspects simultaneously while they were on a moving motorcycle. The AI cameras have successfully helped lead to the arrest of many wanted individuals, especially foreigners on overstay, notes The Pattaya News, but this is the first arrest of three at the same time on a fast moving motorbike, showing the growing capabilities of the AI technology.
The case drew big attention from senior officials, showing the AI camera’s effectiveness in combating serious fraud-related crimes. The AI cameras have been steadily growing in use throughout Pattaya, initially starting around the Walking Street area and now expanding deeper into Pattaya, with police stressing it is for safety and not used to violate anyone’s privacy.
To boost their operations, the Tourist Police have also begun to deploy high-performance drones operating 24/7. These drones activate immediately upon receiving AI camera alerts to track suspects and assist in search-and-rescue missions for tourists in distress, including maritime incidents.
