Immigration Bureau Reports Major Arrests: Chinese Nitrous Oxide Network Dismantled and Korean Call Center Gang Busted in Pattaya
Thai authorities dismantled a Chinese nitrous oxide trafficking network and arrested nine South Korean nationals running a lottery scam call center in Pattaya, seizing drugs, cash, and phones in coordinated operations with foreign police.
The Immigration Bureau announced on May 6, 2025, the arrest of suspects in two major cases: an illegal nitrous oxide (laughing gas) distribution network and a South Korean call center fraud gang.
Chinese suspects arrested for nitrous oxide trafficking in Thailand
Following a request from Chinese security officials coordinated through the Royal Thai Police, authorities arrested three Chinese nationals wanted on warrants for illegal nitrous oxide distribution. Officers from the Special Operations Division successfully apprehended all three suspects and seized evidence including long and short BB guns, 20 boxes of nitrous oxide, and balloons. The suspects had their visas revoked and were detained pending extradition to China.
Expanded investigation revealed another key suspect: Mr. Shan, 33 years old, a major nitrous oxide supplier to networks in China who was evading multiple warrants. He fled into Thailand but was arrested at the Royal Government Center while attempting to apply for a visa extension. He was transferred for extradition proceedings.
South Korean call center gang dismantled in Pattaya
Coordinating with South Korean police, Immigration Bureau officials tracked a fraud group to an apartment building in Pattaya, Chon Buri. With a court-issued search warrant, authorities searched five rooms and arrested nine South Korean nationals, recovering significant evidence: 62 mobile phones, 8 laptop computers, 6 tablets, 480,000 baht in cash, Korean-language scripts, and victim databases containing hundreds of names.
The group operated by impersonating lottery company officials, contacting victims to claim prize money refunds and compensation. They instructed victims to open new bank accounts and provide OTP codes to access and drain the accounts, leaving victims with debt burdens. Three of the arrested suspects have South Korean arrest warrants for fraud and embezzlement. Their residency permits were revoked, and authorities coordinated with Interpol for international prosecution.
Reminder for accommodation providers
The Immigration Bureau emphasizes that hotel operators, property owners, and landlords must comply with the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, Section 38, requiring notification of foreign residents within 24 hours. Violations carry legal penalties. The bureau reaffirmed its commitment to continued enforcement and requested public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
