thai police hunt

Thai Police Hunt Canadian and Cambodian Fugitives in Major Romance Scam Case

BANGKOK – Thai police are searching for two foreign suspects after dismantling a transnational romance scam network that allegedly defrauded a Thai single mother of nearly 22 million baht over more than two years. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced that 13 suspects have been arrested, while a Canadian and a Cambodian national remain at large, underscoring the cross-border nature of the operation.

International Scam Network Dismantled in Bangkok Raid, 16 Arrested

The case came to light after the victim filed a complaint through the Thai police online reporting system. Investigators revealed she was groomed into an online relationship beginning in 2023 after meeting a man on the ThaiCupid dating website. The conversation later moved to the LINE messaging app, where the suspect posed as a Jordanian single father whose overseas business had failed. He persuaded her to invest with him abroad, promising to relocate to Thailand if the venture succeeded—a tactic used to build trust and prolong the scam.

Between January 2024 and July 2025, the woman transferred money 42 times, losing a total of 21.9 million baht. She contacted authorities after communication dwindled and she suspected deception.

CIB Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chawnasit stated that arrest warrants were issued for 17 suspects, including 14 Thai nationals and three foreigners—one Canadian, one Cambodian, and one Swiss. Thirteen suspects have been arrested across nine provinces, while two others were already imprisoned on unrelated charges. The two fugitives still being sought are identified as Mr. Yat, a Canadian, and Mr. Kim, a Cambodian.

All arrested suspects have denied the charges, with some claiming they were only involved in buying and selling digital currency, while others said they were paid by unknown individuals to open bank accounts and install mobile banking apps.

Investigators said bank accounts linked to the network were connected to at least 19 other call-center scam cases, causing additional losses exceeding 36 million baht. Combined with this case, total damages surpassed 58 million baht.

Authorities warned the public against transferring money to people met online or agreeing to investment solicitations without verifying identities. They also emphasized that buying or selling bank accounts or registered SIM cards is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 baht.

Thai Police Dismantle Nigerian-Thai ‘Romance 114’ Scam Network in Major Crackdown

“This case shows that the length of online contact is not a reliable measure of trust,” a senior police official said. “Even relationships that last more than a year without meeting in person can hide serious dangers.” Police efforts continue to locate the two remaining suspects and expand the investigation into related fraud cases.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • Police Raid Unlicensed International School in Bangkok

    BANGKOK — Authorities have raided an unlicensed international school in the Prawet district of Bangkok, arresting ten foreign teachers and staff found working without valid permits, officials said. Bangkok Police Bust Unlicensed Nightclub Catering to Foreign Tourists Investigators from the Immigration Bureau, together with officers from Prawet Police Station and officials from the Department of […]

  • | |

    Ishaq Dar, Kuwait FM discuss Middle East tensions

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Islamabad on Wednesday. The two officials discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East. They also reviewed Pakistan-Kuwait relations and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The Kuwaiti foreign minister is visiting Pakistan on an official trip. He arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday at the invitation of Ishaq Dar. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar and Sheikh Jarrah held a warm and productive meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reviewed the full range of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kuwait. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries. The officials described Pakistan and Kuwait as brotherly nations. Their relations are based on shared history, mutual trust and close cooperation. The meeting also focused on regional and international developments. The Middle East situation was a major part of the discussions. The two officials exchanged views on the rapidly changing regional environment. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan has continued to engage with regional countries on developments affecting peace and stability. The Kuwaiti minister’s visit is also expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to deepen diplomatic coordination. The Foreign Office said the visit reflects the close and longstanding relationship between Islamabad and Kuwait. The visiting minister was received at Islamabad International Airport after arriving in the capital on Tuesday. Zahid Hussain, an additional secretary at the Foreign Office, welcomed him. The Kuwaiti foreign minister is also expected to meet Pakistan’s senior leadership during his stay. The visit comes amid discussions between Pakistan and Kuwait on expanding cooperation in several areas. Pakistan has reportedly been negotiating a broader defence arrangement with Kuwait. Energy cooperation and investment are also part of the discussions. The proposed cooperation could further expand the strategic and economic relationship between the two countries. Both sides have maintained close ties for decades. Kuwait has also remained an important partner for Pakistan in the Gulf region. The latest meeting between Dar and his Kuwaiti counterpart highlights the importance Islamabad attaches to its relations with Kuwait. It also signals continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries on regional and international issues.

  • Thailand Intensifies Strikes on Cambodian Drone Bases and Border Casinos

    BANGKOK – The Thai military is escalating attacks on Cambodian drone launch sites, many of which are reportedly operating from casino buildings along the border, in response to sustained assaults using rockets, mortar rounds, and kamikaze drones. Ministry of Defence spokesman Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri stated on Thursday that Thai positions, particularly in the Chong […]

  • | |

    Federal cabinet meeting postponed ahead of PM’s …

    The federal cabinet meeting scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been postponed due to his official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to government sources. The meeting was expected to discuss important national and administrative matters. However, it has been deferred as the prime minister is leaving for a two-day official visit to the Kingdom. Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Saudi Arabia later today. During the visit, he is expected to hold a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders are likely to review the strong and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy and economic collaboration. Regional and international developments will also feature prominently in the talks. Both leaders are expected to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual concern. They will also discuss ways to enhance coordination on matters affecting regional peace, stability and security. The visit reflects the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two countries maintain strong political, economic and defence ties, while Saudi Arabia has remained one of Pakistan’s key allies and economic partners. Officials said the federal cabinet meeting will be rescheduled after the prime minister returns from Saudi Arabia. A new date for the meeting is expected to be announced in due course.

  • Thailand’s Fishing Industry Grinds to Halt as Diesel Shortages Bite

    BANGKOK — Thailand’s vital fishing industry is facing a severe crisis as diesel shortages and soaring prices force vessels to remain in port, with industry leaders warning that more than half of the country’s 9,000 fishing boats may be unable to operate. Pump Prices to Rise Starting Wednesday as Government Adjusts Fuel Subsidies Many fishing […]

  • | |

    PMD issues nationwide monsoon rain alert

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms and strong winds across most parts of the country from July 24 to July 28, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding and disrupt normal life in several regions. According to the latest weather advisory, a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas is drawing strong monsoon currents into Pakistan. Under its influence, rain of varying intensity is expected across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next few days. In Sindh, moderate to heavy rain is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Thatta. Karachi is also likely to receive light rain and cloudy weather during the forecast period. In Punjab, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Khanewal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree and several nearby districts. Some places may experience heavy downpours. The weather department has also predicted rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and other districts until July 27. In Balochistan, rainfall is expected in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar and surrounding areas. Isolated heavy rainfall is also possible in some locations. The forecast further includes rain and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Astore. Similar weather conditions are expected in Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Bagh, Poonch, Mirpur, Kotli and nearby areas. The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding in cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Badin and several other low-lying areas. Strong winds and lightning may also damage weak buildings, electric poles, trees and temporary structures. Tourists travelling to mountainous regions have been advised to remain cautious due to the risk of slippery roads, flash floods and landslides. Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities carefully and take necessary measures to protect standing crops and livestock from adverse weather. Provincial governments and disaster management authorities have been directed to remain on alert throughout the forecast period. Rescue services, emergency response teams and drainage machinery have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any weather-related incidents.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *