Immigration Revokes Visa, Blacklists Chinese Suspect in Hotel Gambling Ring
Immigration has revoked the visa and blacklisted a Chinese national arrested in a Nonthaburi hotel raid targeting an illegal gambling and human trafficking ring that also involved drug sales.
Following a raid by the Central Investigation Police's anti-trafficking unit on a Nonthaburi hotel used as an operational base for a foreign shadow capital group running illegal gambling, drug use and sales, and human trafficking, four suspects were arrested: one Chinese national and three Myanmar nationals, with substantial evidence seized.
On July 27, 2025, Deputy Commander Pinyachit Klinkaset of Immigration Division 3 revealed that immigration officers had previously raided the same location in 2023 and arrested over 40 Thai and foreign gamblers before the hotel closed for renovation. Following the arrest, Nonthaburi immigration coordinated with investigators to review the foreign suspects' information and submitted a proposal to revoke permission to stay in Thailand for Liu Chao, 33, a Chinese national, while preparing to place him on the blacklist to prevent future entry.
The three Myanmar nationals face charges of illegal entry and residence and will be processed under the Immigration Act of 1979 and related laws, including deportation and possible blacklisting procedures.
Immigration confirmed that while Thailand's government prioritizes economic stimulus and quality tourism, foreign nationals engaged in criminal activity or associated with criminal organizations will face strict legal action. The operation aligns with National Police Chief Phanumas Bunyalaksa's directive to enhance screening, vetting, and enforcement against foreign nationals committing crimes or threatening national security, particularly combating transnational crime, shadow capital groups, and all forms of illegal activity using Thailand as a base.
The public is urged to report any suspected criminal activity to immigration authorities.
