Eight Thais Return Home from Laos Casino Job with 127 Smuggled Mobile Phones
Eight Thai nationals were caught smuggling 127 mobile phones across the Mekong River into Nong Khai after fleeing a Laos online gambling operation that was shut down after just 10 days.
Eight Thai nationals crossed back into Thailand after working at an online gambling casino in Laos for only 10 days before authorities shut it down. They attempted to smuggle 127 mobile phones across the Mekong River back to Nong Khai, claiming the devices were used to transfer funds between gambling website customers.
At 11:00 AM on May 22, 2025, officers from the Nong Khai Customs Office, Immigration Bureau, military, and police jointly apprehended Ms. Sukanya, 38; Mr. Manas, 32; Mr. Praphruek, 20; Mr. Niphon, 23; Ms. Hattairat, 24; Mr. Somphorn, 31; Mr. Chatchai, 36; and Ms. Orthhai, 24—all Thai nationals—along with 127 mobile phones.
During routine screening at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Muang Nong Khai, officers stopped a Hyundai vehicle (registration Kb 0437, Kamphaengphet) entering from Laos. The driver was Laotian with eight Thai passengers inside. Upon inspection of their luggage, officers discovered large quantities of hidden mobile phones, totaling 127 units, and detained all passengers.
Under interrogation, all eight confessed to traveling to operate an online gambling website at a Laos casino location. They launched the website on May 10, 2025, but it was shut down after just 10 days by Laotian authorities. They decided to return to Thailand to resettle. The mobile phones were equipment used to process financial transfers between gambling website customers and were being transported for potential future operations.
Authorities charged them with illegal importation of goods (mobile phones) without customs procedures. Police are investigating potential connections to scam operations and call centers, with the case being forwarded to Muang Nong Khai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
