CHIANG MAI — Thai Cyber Police have uncovered another Chinese scammer network operating a call center targeting Thai victims from a luxury resort in Chiang Mai.
On December 4, Cyber Crime Investigation Division 4 officers raided Baan Klang Doi Resort, located along the Hang Dong – Samoeng Road in Ban Pong, Hang Dong district, Chiang Mai. The upscale resort property spans over 20 rai (approximately 8 acres) and features about 10 vacation homes scattered across its grounds, surrounded by secure fencing and natural scenery.
During the raid, authorities arrested Mr. Xia, a 31-year-old Chinese national holding Cambodian citizenship, along with 9 other Chinese nationals and 4 Myanmar citizens. Police seized numerous computers, telecommunications equipment, and illegal internet devices as evidence.
The cyber police investigation revealed that while the resort had been closed to the public since COVID-19, suspicious activity was noted with numerous foreigners secretly staying at and frequently entering/exiting the property. Working with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission), authorities detected abnormally high internet usage that didn’t match the typical guest occupancy levels, suggesting call center operations. This led to obtaining a search warrant from the Chiang Mai Provincial Court.
Police General Natthorn Prosunthorn, chairman of the NBTC’s technology crime law enforcement subcommittee, explained that recent months of strict enforcement against illegal cross-border telecommunications infrastructure has forced some call center gangs to relocate their operations into Thailand.
This raid represents ongoing collaboration between the Royal Thai Police and NBTC to combat scammer networks while also working to improve relevant laws and regulations to protect citizens.
The suspects face charges of “interfering with telecommunications” under Section 26 of the Radio Communications Act 1955, carrying maximum penalties of 5 years imprisonment and/or a 100,000 baht fine. The seized evidence will be examined for potential additional charges as the investigation continues.
The suspects have been transferred to Division 4 of the Technology Crime Suppression Division for further legal proceedings.
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