NONG KHAI, THAILAND – Thai border officers on 18 October 2025 stopped a Chinese national attempting to leave for Laos after detecting a forged entry stamp that investigators say points to an international smuggling network.
Suspicious stamp spotted
The routine check at the First Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint turned into a probe shortly after midday when a car bearing Chiang Mai plates arrived. Inside were a Chinese man later identified as Deng Ruipeng and a Thai driver.
Officials discovered an unusual entry stamp on Deng’s documents bearing the code L0046 — a marking normally used only for entry and, according to investigators, not one that should have been issued that day. The officers, led by Pol. Col. Noppadol Rakchat, grew suspicious during the inspection. “The stamp belonged to a colleague who was not on duty that day,” an investigator told the press, prompting a more detailed search.
Driver admits instructions from Malaysia
Under questioning, the Thai driver, named as Phongkan, said he had been hired by a Malaysian businessman, identified as Chin Boon Sing, to drive Deng from a hotel in Pattaya to the Lao border. The driver told investigators he was paid 33,000 baht for the trip.
Phongkan said his employer had assured him that “everything was arranged” and that no further checks would be required because the documents were already prepared. Investigators now suspect the Malaysian intermediary played a coordinating role in what may be a broader facilitation network.
Forgery confirmed and charges filed
Border police had the disputed documents examined by specialists, who concluded the entry stamp was forged. Authorities opened investigations into Deng for document forgery and unlawful entry and exit. The driver is also facing legal scrutiny for his role in the attempted border crossing.
A spokesman for the immigration agency said such incidents are becoming more frequent. “We are seeing more attempts to cross the border using forged documents,” the official said, underscoring growing concerns about document fraud at international crossings.
Manhunt widens to suspected network
Investigators said they were expanding the inquiry beyond the two men stopped at Nong Khai to identify organisers and other participants. The probe has focused on the Malaysian contact alleged to have arranged the operation, and authorities are working with counterparts in Laos and Malaysia to trace the network.
“We assume more people are involved,” an investigator said, adding that officers were checking whether other travellers had used similar forged stamps to move between Thailand and Laos.
Border checks tightened
In response to the case, Thai authorities stepped up scrutiny at major Mekong crossings, with particularly strict checks reintroduced at the Nong Khai checkpoint. Police said they are increasingly relying on modern detection tools to spot fraudulent documents and are intensifying information-sharing with neighbouring countries.
A senior official said, “We must know the criminals’ methods and stay one step ahead,” describing the move toward enhanced technology and cross-border cooperation.
Risks and ongoing cooperation
Investigators warned that additional forged stamps could be in circulation and urged anyone using falsified documents to expect severe penalties. The police said the inquiry was continuing and that close collaboration with Lao and Malaysian authorities aimed to identify the heads of the operation and dismantle the network behind the attempted illegal crossings.
The case remains under active investigation and could lead to further revelations as agencies share information across the region.