PATTAYA, THAILAND – Immigration police in the resort city of Pattaya dismantled an alleged illegal internet operation and arrested 19 Indian nationals accused of running a criminal online business on tourist visas.
Raid on suspected online operation
The operation on 12 December followed an intelligence tip that a large group of foreign men had gathered and were acting suspiciously at a house in Soi Thung Klom Tanman 27 in Bang Lamung district. Under the command of Police Colonel Napatpong Khositsuriyamanee and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kawinwat Arayasuriwong, Chonburi immigration officers sealed off the property and searched the building. Inside, officers found the men working at desktop computers; some tried to escape but were quickly detained.
Tourist visas misused for work
Passport checks showed that all 19 Indian suspects had entered Thailand on tourist visas, and nine of them had already overstayed their permitted period. Officers seized 27 computers, 19 mobile phones and various internet connection devices as evidence. According to the investigation, the group used the rented house to carry out administrative tasks for illegal online product sales.
“They used the location as a base for unlawful work that violated immigration and labour regulations.”
said a police officer.
Part of wider crackdown on foreign crime
The raid formed part of a broader campaign against foreign offenders. Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3, had ordered all offices to act against foreigners working illegally. His directives focused in particular on fraudsters, online gambling networks and transnational criminal groups posing as tourists, as Thailand sought to prevent the country from becoming a safe operational base for international internet crime.
Charges, visa revocations and deportation
The 19 men now faced charges of working without permission, while the nine who overstayed were additionally accused of violating their length of stay. All suspects were taken, together with the seized equipment, to Nong Prue Police Station. Immigration authorities announced that they would revoke the visa approvals and initiate deportation proceedings in line with Thai law.
Warning to would‑be offenders
Officials said the case sent a clear signal to those seeking to exploit Thailand’s hospitality for illegal business. Immigration police stated they would further tighten surveillance and checks in tourist hubs such as Pattaya. For the 19 Indian nationals, the promise of quick online profits in Thailand ended in handcuffs, possible prison time and an uncertain journey home under police escort.