SAMUT PRAKAN — 19 February 2026, Thai immigration police have arrested a Chinese national accused of orchestrating a large-scale cryptocurrency investment scam that allegedly defrauded victims of $128 million, about 4 billion baht.

The suspect, identified as Tuan Jianlei, also known as “Boss Tuan,” was apprehended at a luxury housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, after authorities tracked his movements for about one month, police said.

According to immigration officials, Tuan is wanted by Chinese authorities for allegedly creating a fraudulent digital asset trading platform called BHE Exchange in 2024. Investigators said the platform issued a fake cryptocurrency and lured investors with promises of high returns, attracting an estimated 20,000 victims.

Authorities in China estimate total losses at approximately $128 million, or about 4 billion baht, before the platform was shut down and the suspect fled overseas.

Thai police said Tuan entered Thailand later in 2024 and frequently changed residences in an effort to evade arrest. Immigration officers located him through surveillance and intelligence coordination with Chinese authorities.

His visa has been revoked, and he is being detained pending deportation to China to face fraud charges.

Police said the arrest reflects ongoing cooperation between Thai and Chinese law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational cybercrime and investment fraud.

SA KAEO — 19 February 2026, Fourteen Thai nationals were arrested after allegedly being lured by an online job scam that took them across the border to Cambodia, where they were forced to open mule bank accounts before being sent back into Thailand, authorities said.

According to the Burapha Task Force, troops under Col. Chainarong Kasee, commander of Task Force 12 in Aranyaprathet, were conducting a late-night patrol to prevent illegal crossings near a natural border route through a sugarcane field between checkpoints 53 and 54 in Ban Non Phatthana, Moo 13, Phan Suek subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district. The area is about 570 m from the Thai-Cambodian border.

During the operation, officers arrested 14 Thai nationals — nine men and five women — who had illegally entered Thailand. No guides were found at the scene.

Initial questioning indicated the group had applied for jobs advertised in a Facebook group promising unusually high pay. They travelled separately to Aranyaprathet between 10 and 14 February 2026 and stayed overnight at a hotel in the district.

They were then taken across the border via a natural crossing to Poipet, Cambodia.

Upon arrival, the victims said they were detained in a three- to five-storey building. Their national ID cards, mobile phones and SIM cards were confiscated. The suspects allegedly used their personal data to open online bank accounts and forced them to scan their faces through banking applications to verify the accounts.

After the accounts were opened, the group was sent back into Thailand through a natural border route. They were told they would not be charged any fees to return.

All 14 were taken to Ranger Company 1204 for further questioning before being handed over to investigators at Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for background checks and legal proceedings.

Authorities warned the public to exercise caution when applying for jobs via social media, particularly advertisements promising unrealistically high income or requiring illegal cross-border travel. Officials said such offers may be part of transnational scam operations and could result in personal data being misused.

SISAKET — 17 February 2026, Sisaket province has launched the “Sisaket Premium Beef Festival 2026,” aiming to push its high-quality cattle into global markets and promote a new livestock strategy focused on value over volume.

Speaking at 18:00 on Monday at Lan Aod Lod Public Park in Muang district, Sisaket Governor Anurat Thamprathamjit, provincial livestock chief Dr. Nattaweroj Buchapat, and Sisaket Chamber of Commerce president Rattawit Angkasakulkiat announced the “Sisaket Premium Beef Festival 2026” or Music and Meat Festival, to be held from 5–8 March 2026 at the same venue.

Anurat said the province is undergoing a major shift in its livestock development strategy, from high-volume, low-value production to a “Less for More” model emphasising quality, standards and innovation to serve high-value domestic and international markets.

The governor said the province aims to elevate “Sisaket Premium Beef” into a trusted consumer brand.

The “Less for More” approach is not just a slogan, he said, but a comprehensive supply chain overhaul from upstream to downstream — cutting production costs, reducing environmental impact, improving farming efficiency and adding value through experiential marketing. The strategy aligns with the government’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model.

Dr. Nattaweroj said Sisaket currently has more than 503,429 head of beef cattle, making it one of the key production bases in the Northeast. The province’s strengths lie in high-demand breeds such as Charolais, Wagyu and Angus, known for quality meat, marbling and tenderness that can be developed to premium grade.

He added that strict standards are enforced, including biosecurity and traceability systems allowing full supply chain verification. Farms must meet Good Farming Management (GFM) standards, remain free from disease and banned growth enhancers, and supply certified processing facilities capable of serving high-end markets.

“Sisaket is not just selling beef. We are selling quality, safety and the care of our farmers,” he said.

Rattawit said this year’s event has been redesigned under the concept “Music & Meat: Harmony of Taste” to meet modern consumers’ demand for experiences rather than just products. The integration of premium cuisine, live music and a relaxed atmosphere is expected to create a new image for the province and stimulate tourism.

More than 50 vendors will participate, including premium beef outlets, well-known restaurants and local entrepreneurs offering special menus made from Sisaket beef — from premium-grade steaks and signature grilled dishes to creative fusion cuisine.

A highlight of the festival will be an exclusive Chef’s Table by Chef Citron Walasura Na Lampang, who will present fine dining dishes crafted from Sisaket beef. The event will also feature business matching activities and an MOU signing ceremony to expand trade networks both domestically and internationally.

Entertainment will include concerts by leading Thai artists such as Mai Thai Hua Jai Silp, the Sisaket Pride Queen LGBTQ+ pageant and a cover dance competition aimed at younger audiences. Activities will run until 23:00 each day.

A representative from Amri Farm said local farmers are ready to transition to “smart farmers,” using market data to guide production, raising high-quality cattle tailored to consumer demand while maintaining strict safety standards to strengthen the “Sisaket Premium Beef: Edible Art” brand.

Organisers expect the festival to generate significant economic circulation from tourists, entrepreneurs and business participants. Officials described the event as another key step in leveraging local strengths to drive the provincial economy.

The Sisaket Premium Beef Music and Meat Festival is not merely a food and music event, they said, but a showcase of Thai beef’s potential on the global stage — bringing together government agencies, the private sector and farmers to raise production standards, add value and promote sustainable grassroots economic growth.

Sisaket will open its doors from 5–8 March, inviting beef lovers nationwide to experience what organisers describe as more than a meal, but “edible art” crafted with care by Thai farmers to international standards.