NONTHABURI, THAILAND – Fourteen Chinese nationals suspected of working for call centre scam gangs in Cambodia were arrested at a hotel near Bangkok on allegations of illegal entry and possible links to international fraud networks.
Raid at Nonthaburi hotel
Police detained the 14 Chinese men at a hotel on Ngam Wongwan Soi 19 in Bang Khen sub-district of Muang district, Nonthaburi, on Monday afternoon. Authorities moved in after receiving information about an unusual group of Chinese guests staying at the property.
According to Pol Maj Gen Worachart Saenkham, chief investigator of Provincial Police Region 1, the suspects were apprehended inside the building with support from officers of the Nonthaburi Immigration Bureau. The men were reported to be between 22 and 37 years old.
Search of seven rooms
Investigators searched the fourth floor of the hotel and found the 14 men spread across seven rooms. Hotel records showed they had checked in on Sunday evening and remained together on the same floor.
After the arrest, officers transferred the group to the Nonthaburi Immigration office for further screening and registration. Officials said the checks would help clarify their travel routes and possible associates.
Evidence and initial statements
During the operation, police seized 52 mobile phones and numerous SIM cards from the suspects. Investigators treated the electronic devices as potential evidence of fraud-related activities.
In initial questioning conducted with the help of an interpreter, the Chinese nationals said they had rented three vehicles through a ride-hailing app. They stated that the cars transported them from the border area to the hotel in Nonthaburi.
Probe into illegal entry
Following the first round of interrogations, all 14 men were charged with unlawful entry into Thailand. They were handed over to investigators at Rattanathibet police station to initiate further legal proceedings.
Thai authorities continued to examine whether the group belonged to call centre operations that had previously been based in Cambodia. Officials suspected that such networks were now attempting to shift their activities to other countries.
Background: Flight from Cambodia
Security agencies reported that clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops along the shared border late last year had triggered the flight of several Chinese call centre gangs active in Cambodia. The tensions were believed to have disrupted criminal operations in the border region.
Some of these groups were thought to have crossed secretly into Thailand using guides and so-called natural routes. From there, they allegedly sought to arrange onward travel to third countries.
New tactic or familiar pattern?
The discovery of 14 men, 52 phones and multiple SIM cards in connected hotel rooms was viewed by investigators as a clear indication of organised structures. Authorities saw the constellation as consistent with known methods used by transnational scam groups.
The case added to growing concerns about Thailand’s potential role in regional fraud networks. Officials said the investigation would focus on mapping cross-border links and identifying any remaining accomplices.