PATTAYA – A Chinese national was abducted at gunpoint in a shocking early-morning attack on Pattaya North Road, with assailants posing as police officers before robbing the victim of over 230,000 baht in cash and valuables. The incident, captured on CCTV, has raised alarms over tourist safety in the popular beach destination.

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested in Pattaya for Online Scams and Kidnapping Case

The victim, 52-year-old Mr. Lin, was waiting for a ride-hailing vehicle outside a Chinese noodle shop in Naklua around 5:30 AM on July 10 when a white SUV pulled up. Two men in black hoodies emerged, shouting “I police, you call center” before forcibly bundling him into the vehicle. Eyewitnesses initially believed it was a legitimate arrest until Mr. Lin reappeared hours later at Pattaya City Police Station to report the crime.

According to the victim’s statement, four captors restrained him at gunpoint—though the weapon’s authenticity remains unverified—accusing him of involvement in scam operations. The assailants, speaking broken English and Thai, stole two smartphones (an iPhone 13 Pro and Oppo 16 Pro), 15,000 baht cash, prescription glasses, and coerced a 150,000 baht transfer from his Chinese bank account via mobile payment.

A 52-year-old Chinese tourist was kidnapped in Pattaya, #Thailand by four men posing as police. Armed suspects dragged him into a car and stole over 210,000 baht in cash and phones. #crime pic.twitter.com/JxjSicCOTE

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) July 11, 2025

After being held for several hours, Mr. Lin was abandoned near a railway road shooting range 9 kilometers away with only his room keycard returned. A security guard assisted him in contacting friends and authorities.

Pattaya police have launched a manhunt, tracing the white SUV’s route through Soi Paniad Chang and Soi Chaiyaphruek 2 via security cameras. Investigators suspect the perpetrators may have targeted Mr. Lin after observing him at the late-night eatery, which caters predominantly to Chinese patrons.

“This was a carefully planned operation exploiting tourist vulnerabilities,” stated Pol. Col. Thanet Sukchai of Pattaya City Police. “We’re coordinating with immigration to check recent arrivals matching the suspects’ profiles.”

Fears of kidnapping at scam centers keep Chinese tourists in Thailand on edge

The brazen attack has prompted tourism operators to call for increased police patrols in nightlife areas, particularly where foreign visitors congregate during late hours. Chinese consular officials have been notified and are monitoring the investigation.

-Thailand News (TN)