Laos Deports 14 Thai Online Gambling Suspects
Laos deported 14 Thai suspects linked to an online gambling and scam ring to Thailand via the Friendship Bridge on Oct. 9 after their arrest in Vientiane.
Lao police handed over 14 Thai nationals to Thai authorities at 3:00 PM on October 9, 2026. The operation was coordinated by senior officers including Pol. Col. Noppasil Poolsawat, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyanon Tosakulwong, Pol. Lt. Col. Natthakon Praphayn, Pol. Lt. Col. Phirach Phukcharoen, and Pol. Maj. Manuwat Kosanan, who directed Pol. Capt. Thiyaphatch Rangsiprahmanakul, Deputy Superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration, to liaise with the Thai Embassy in Vientiane and Lao police to receive the 14 suspects.
All 14 were arrested in a sweep targeting an online gambling and scam network in the Lao capital. They were returned to Thailand via the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Mueang Nong Khai district and taken to the Nong Khai Immigration Office's Friendship Meeting Room for joint screening with multidisciplinary teams.
Investigation revealed the group previously worked for online gambling sites in Cambodia. Following clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, the network moved its base to rented houses in Vientiane around late July 2026. Financial backers launched multiple gambling platforms operating in two shifts, paying staff an average of 15,000-20,000 baht per month. On October 9, Lao authorities raided and arrested them. After completing legal procedures in Laos, they were coordinated back to Thailand. No individuals were found to be victims of human trafficking, and officers are proceeding with further legal action.
