Police in Chiang Mai have dismantled a scam network involving both Chinese and Thai nationals after catching them red-handed while withdrawing large sums of cash from an ATM at a popular shopping mall. The operation, carried out on 25 August, led to the seizure of more than 1.5 million baht (around S$61,800) along with multiple bank books, transaction slips and mobile phones.
Authorities revealed that two of the suspects, identified as Zhang, 37, and Yi, 29, were Chinese nationals acting as money collectors under the orders of an unnamed Chinese ringleader. They admitted to receiving a monthly cut of 45,000 baht (about S$1,850) for their involvement. The pair confessed to previously handling about 5 million baht (S$205,900) in illicit funds over several past operations.
Alongside them, two Thai nationals were arrested. Warimon, 33, allegedly played a key role in recruiting locals to open mule accounts and in coordinating logistics for the scam. She claimed she received instructions from a Lao woman known as “Mrs. Meme” via the LINE messaging app and admitted to earlier transactions worth more than 4 million baht (S$164,700). Another suspect, Sarapong, 27, told police he was participating for the first time, lured by promises of 8,000 baht (about S$330) per withdrawal.
Victim’s Complaint Links Scammers to ATM Cash
Investigators confirmed that the seized cash matched losses reported by one victim, who had lodged a complaint at Phuping Police Station. This direct link strengthens the case, with police confident they can return at least part of the stolen money.
Authorities also suspect that this group is part of a wider scammer network shifting operations from Cambodia to Thailand’s northern provinces, particularly Chiang Mai, to exploit new victims. Police noted that the use of mule accounts, encrypted messaging, and cash-based withdrawals indicates an increasingly sophisticated cross-border fraud model.
All four suspects now face multiple charges, including fraud, computer crimes, unauthorised banking operations, and involvement in illegal lottery activities.
Scammer Networks Expanding Beyond Cambodia
Colonel Krittapol Yeesakorn, the regional police commander, stressed that scam operations have evolved significantly in recent years. Intelligence reports suggest that networks once dominant in Poipet, Cambodia, are now moving operations into Vietnam and Thailand, adapting their tactics to target different age and social groups.
The case highlights the growing challenge faced by Southeast Asian authorities in combating scam syndicates that exploit financial loopholes across borders. With millions already lost, regional cooperation and stronger banking safeguards are expected to play a critical role in tackling such crimes in the future.