CHANTHABURI – A major operation in Chanthaburi province has led to the detention of 42 Chinese nationals suspected of preparing to cross into Cambodia to join a call center scam operation. The joint raid, conducted by immigration, provincial, and marine police units, took place at a resort in Pong Nam Ron district on Tuesday night following reports of a large group of Chinese nationals checking in under suspicious circumstances.

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Officers searched 11 rooms at the resort and discovered the group, which had recently arrived from northern Thailand. A significant haul of electronic equipment was confiscated during the operation, including 215 mobile phones, 11 laptops, and 807,000 baht in cash, along with Myanmar SIM cards and detailed record books. The evidence strongly suggests the individuals were part of an organized transnational cybercrime network.

Authorities say they believe 42 Chinese nationals who were arrested at a resort in Chanthaburi province on Tuesday night were preparing to cross into Cambodia to join a call centre scam operation.

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Immigration checks revealed that only seven of the detainees possessed passports, with just three containing valid Thai visas. The remaining 35 individuals were found to be in the country without any travel documents. Police have subsequently charged 38 people with illegal entry, while four others face related offenses. All suspects have been transferred to Pong Nam Ron police station for further legal processing.

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Authorities indicated that the investigation is now focusing on identifying the masterminds behind the operation and determining whether the group was connected to broader transnational scam networks or human trafficking syndicates using Thailand as a transit point. The arrests come amid increased crackdowns on scam operations in Myanmar and northern Thailand, leading to speculation that criminal groups may be relocating their operations to Cambodia.

-Thailand News (TN)