PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – A 32-year-old Thai man was arrested on suspicion of serving as a key interpreter for a Chinese-run fraud and human trafficking network.
Arrest in Pathum Thani
The suspect, identified as Worawut, was arrested on 1 March 2026 opposite the Future Park shopping mall on Phahonyothin Road in the Prachathipat area of Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province.
According to investigators, a total of 12 arrest warrants had been issued against him in connection with the abduction of Thai nationals to Cambodia.
He was accused of joint deception, threats, use of violence and unlawful coercion to force people to leave the country, as well as unlawfully placing them under the control of others.
Investigators and warrants
The arrest was coordinated by Pol Col Chaiyathipoom Amnuaychai, commander of Division 5 of the Crime Suppression Division, and Pol Lt Col Panumas Saengbuakhao, deputy commander of the same unit.
Among the 12 warrants was an order issued by Sa Kaeo Provincial Court, number J.338/2565 dated 5 May 2022.
The remaining eleven warrants related to similar allegations, officials said.
Origin of the case
The investigation traced back to an operation on 10 April 2022, when Thai authorities, working with Cambodian officers, rescued 24 Thai nationals from the control of a Chinese employer in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
The rescued victims were later brought back to Sa Kaeo province.
Analysis of the evidence there led to the issuance of the arrest warrants against the suspect now in custody.
Recruitment and control of victims
According to victim testimony, Worawut allegedly played a key role from recruitment and travel arrangements to on-site control.
He was said to have posted supposed job offers in Cambodia on Facebook to lure Thai workers.
Once in place, mobile phones were reportedly confiscated, contact with families was cut off and the agreed wages were withheld from the workers.
Interpreter role and harsh work rules
Police said the suspect worked as an interpreter, translating direct instructions from the Chinese employers and passing them on to Thai victims while monitoring their work.
The victims were allegedly forced to meet daily fraud targets of 30,000 to 50,000 baht.
There were also strict rules, including a ban on using the toilet for longer than 12 minutes; any excess time incurred a fine of 10 US dollars per minute.
Operation in Cambodia and suspect’s statement
During the joint Thai-Cambodian operation, the suspect allegedly tried to obstruct the rescue by misleading the victims.
“They are ‘fake police’ who will sell you on,”
said Worawut, according to the account given by officials.
According to a report by Thaitabloid, he admitted during questioning that he had worked as an interpreter for the Chinese employers and had received 25,000 to 30,000 baht per month for this role.
“I only worked as an interpreter for the Chinese employers and received 25,000 to 30,000 baht per month. I was not responsible for recruiting the victims,”
said Worawut, according to the report.
He denied being personally responsible for recruiting the victims and was transferred to Aranyaprathet Police Station for further legal proceedings.