PATTAYA — A violent shootout in a quiet residential area of Pattaya has exposed a criminal network involving Chinese nationals, leading to multiple arrests, a significant drug bust, and the discovery of illegal weapons. The case has prompted a swift and high-level police response, as Chonburi authorities move to dismantle what they describe as a growing threat tied to visa overstayers and transnational crime.

Chinese Tourist in Pajamas Rescued from Rooftop Water Tank in Pattaya

The incident unfolded on June 1, 2025, when a 26-year-old Chinese national, Mr. Qiyang Song, was shot in the right knee inside a house on Soi Khao Makok 6/4 in the Huay Yai subdistrict. The shooter, identified as Mr. Ju Bin, 32, also a Chinese national, allegedly opened fire during what police believe was a drug-related dispute. In the aftermath, Ju Bin and two others reportedly attempted to drag the wounded man back into the house before fleeing the scene in a white sedan. A firearm was later recovered from a pond nearby, believed to have been discarded during their escape.

Huay Yai Police, with support from local and provincial investigators, intercepted the fleeing suspects just 3 kilometers from the scene. A search of their vehicles revealed a staggering quantity of narcotics: over 225 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 711 meth pills, more than 165 grams of ketamine, and drug paraphernalia. Authorities also seized cash in Thai baht, Chinese yuan, and U.S. dollars totaling 108,000 baht in value, as well as equipment used to manufacture e-cigarettes.

Back at the residence, police discovered additional drugs, ammunition, an unregistered handgun, and further e-cigarette production materials. The wounded man, Mr. Song, was transported to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital where he remains under police guard and will be taken into custody once medically cleared.

Further investigations led to a raid on a room in Soi Thepprasit linked to the group. There, officers arrested three more Chinese nationals who had also overstayed their visas. Two more firearms—a handgun and a slide-action shotgun—were confiscated along with a new batch of illegal substances. All suspects reportedly tested positive for drug use.

Three Chinese detained in Pattaya after shooting at compatriot https://t.co/Jyg8RoR85h

— Bangkok Post (@BKK_POST) June 1, 2025

Among the more bizarre findings was a maroon Honda CBR motorcycle bearing police insignia from a station in Chai Nat Province. Officials confirmed it had been decommissioned and sold at auction, but how it ended up in possession of the group remains under investigation.

Chonburi Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakuansanong visited Huay Yai Police Station to oversee the case personally, praising the speed and coordination of the operation. He confirmed that all seven individuals, including the shooter and the victim, face multiple charges: overstaying visas, possession of illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and drug use. Mr. Ju Bin faces an additional charge of attempted murder.

Authorities disclosed that the group had already been under surveillance before the shooting, following a bizarre incident days earlier in which Mr. Song was found swimming in a rooftop water tank at a Pattaya condominium. That episode had already drawn police attention and was likely linked to the group’s broader activities.

The arrests are part of a wider crackdown by Region 2 Police Command on over 1,500 Chinese nationals suspected of overstaying their visas in Thailand. Police say they are now accelerating operations to disrupt criminal networks posing as tourists or residents, especially those involved in drug distribution, cybercrime, and illegal trade.

Chinese Scam Suspect Arrested in Pattaya for Fake Online Marketplace

As investigations continue, the case has highlighted growing concerns about organized foreign criminal elements operating under the radar in Thailand’s resort cities—often blending into local communities until violence brings them into the spotlight.

-Thailand News (TN)