Singapore, 16 October 2025: 14 talented mixologists representing the best of Marriott International bars from across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) put their skills to the test in Bangkok to create modern concoctions centered around forgotten ingredients from their local communities.
The annual competition saw Jakkrit Promchaisit from W Bangkok’s award-winning Bar Sathorn crowned Marriott International APEC’s Rising Star 2025. His cocktail, Sathorn Garden, wowed judges with its innovative use of ingredients to create a unique blend of Thai-inspired flavors. Mint grown from W Bangkok’s on-property garden and grasshopper was paired with Japanese cucumber, coconut and Codigo Tequila in a cold infusion, and clarified in coconut cream.
Jun Gyu, a mixologist from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore took second place, with Caramboleh, an inspired fusion of Monkey 47 Gin, starfruit, sour plum, and a unique syrup crafted from recycled coffee grounds. JW Marriott, New Delhi Aerocity’s Akshay Kumar came in third with his bold reinvention of the classic dirty Martini. The Imperfect Martini features Monkey 47 Gin, olive brine, jalapeño brine and orange juice, shaken not stirred.
The Grand Final held at W Bangkok was the culmination of a months-long competition series which saw 240 bartenders from across APEC
Immigration and police officers conduct an investigation at Laplage Resort on Koh Phangan, October 15, 2025.
KOH PHANGAN — Thai Authorities have arrested at least eight foreign nationals for illegally operating hotels and restaurants on Koh Phangan, targeting suspected nominee arrangements where foreigners use Thai proxies to control businesses.
The October 15 crackdown, led by Immigration Police alongside Koh Phangan Police, Surat Thani Provincial Police, and Tourist Police, followed complaints from locals about foreign-controlled establishments on the island.
Three Hotels and Restaurants Raided
The operation resulted in arrests of French, German, Israeli, and Myanmar nationals across three locations. At Laplage Resort, French national Jody, 40, faces charges for operating an unlicensed hotel and employing a Myanmar worker illegally.
At Art of Nature Resort & Spa, Israeli national Avi, 60, was found operating under an outdated hotel license listing the property as “Viewpoint” rather than its current name. He faces charges for employing two Myanmar workers beyond permitted rights.
Officers from Immigration Police, Koh Phangan Police Station, and Tourist Police conduct an investigation at Art of Nature Resort & Spa during raids on October 15, 2025.
The third raid at Shogun Ramen restaurant revealed German nationals Richard, 35, and Arthur, 38, operating the establishment with one Myanmar employee—notably with no Thai staff whatsoever. Richard faces multiple charges including failure to notify authorities about foreign worker employment, while all three face charges related to illegal work arrangements.
Tourist Police arrest five unlicensed tour guides—three Thai and two Myanmar nationals—leading ATV tours along the Thong Nai Pan nature trail on Koh Phangan.
Unlicensed ATV Tour Guides Also Arrested
In a separate operation, Tourist Police arrested five unlicensed tour guides—three Thai and two Myanmar nationals—leading ATV tours along the Thong Nai Pan nature trail. Officers seized 11 ATVs and dune buggies worth millions of baht. The suspects worked for a tourism company registered under a Thai woman whose Israeli husband allegedly runs the operation, which primarily targets Israeli customers through Hebrew signage and mobile applications.
Nominee Investigation Expands
Authorities are expanding investigations into potential nominee structures at these businesses and pursuing charges against employers for hiring foreigners illegally, aligning with the Tourist Police Commissioner’s directive to crack down on illegal foreign business activity in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Lisa Named Thailand Tourism Ambassador, Expected to Draw 5-10 Million Visitors
BANGKOK — Lisa Manobal, the Thai-born K-pop superstar from BLACKPINK, has officially accepted the role of Thailand’s tourism ambassador under the “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” initiative, according to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Governor Thapanee announced on October 15 that partnering with Lisa represents a pivotal moment for Thai tourism, offering an opportunity to showcase the country’s charm, diversity, and attractions through a fresh lens that will resonate with both domestic and international audiences.
Ambitious Revenue Targets
The TAT projects this collaboration will attract between 5 to 10 million additional foreign tourists, generating revenue of 250 to 500 billion baht ($8.06 to $16.13 billion USD). Officials anticipate that 2026 tourism revenue could surpass 2019 figures—Thailand’s best tourism year on record, which brought in approximately 3 trillion baht ($96.77 billion USD).
“We chose Lisa because she is a global icon with proven, sustained success and an enormous fan base,” Thapanee explained. “Her involvement will significantly increase visibility through our joint campaigns and help position Thailand as a premium quality destination, driving growth across multiple sectors.”
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Reinforcing Thailand’s Premium Image
In her new role, Lisa will represent Thailand as a leading quality travel destination. The TAT remains committed to positioning the country as both high-quality and safe, welcoming visitors with authentic Thai warmth and hospitality.
This partnership reinforces Thailand’s image as a “Quality Leisure Destination” while strengthening confidence in “Trusted Thailand”—a place where every journey creates meaningful and lasting memories.
Campaign Details and Timeline
Governor Thapanee revealed that TAT has signed a contract with Lisa and her company, LLOUD Co., covering the period from September 29, 2025, to September 29, 2026.
The campaign includes a 60-second advertisement featuring Lisa, which TAT will edit into 30-second and 15-second clips, plus an additional 30-second promotional teaser. The content is scheduled to launch in January 2026, with Lisa participating in an exclusive special event.
Amazing Thailand X Lisa
Leveraging Social Media Power
The campaign will also include 12 promotional photographs. With Lisa’s Instagram following exceeding 100 million users, the reach potential is substantial. The agreement includes one post on Lisa’s personal Instagram account and one on LLOUD Co.’s channels. Additionally, TAT and its overseas offices can share this content across Amazing Thailand platforms for various marketing purposes.
Based on Lisa’s previous brand partnerships, such as with Celine—which generated an estimated media value (EMV) of over $29 million USD—a single post from Lisa can dramatically expand audience reach. TAT estimates this collaboration could attract at least 1 billion online views.
Lisa’s collaboration with the luxury fashion house has generated $29 million in media value—proof of her global influence.
Converting Engagement to Tourism
If just 5-10% of this online engagement converts into actual visits or “fan tourism,” Thailand could see more than 5-10 million additional tourists by 2026. Fan tourists represent a lucrative market segment, typically spending approximately 50,000 baht ($1,613 USD) per trip, aligning perfectly with Thailand’s strategy to attract high-value travelers.
“Our hope is that with Lisa helping present Thailand in its best light, we can achieve 2026 revenue figures that match or exceed 2019 levels,” Governor Thapanee stated.
A Collective Effort Required
However, she emphasized that TAT cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. Success will require cooperation from all sectors, including security agencies and local communities.
“A positive image depends on everyone in the country,” Thapanee concluded, stressing that maintaining Thailand’s reputation as a world-class destination is a shared responsibility.
Cyber police arrest a 19-year-old suspect, one of three wanted, in Chiang Rai province for using minors to open "mule accounts" for online gambling and scam rings on October 14, 2025.
CHIANGRAI/TAK — Thai authorities have uncovered two alarming cases showing how children are increasingly being exploited by organized crime — from online scam syndicates to cross-border sex trafficking.
In northern Thailand, cyber police arrested three 19-year-olds — Ms. Waralee, Mr. Khajorn, and Ms. Witchayaporn — in Chiang Saen and Mae Sai districts of Chiang Rai province for using minors to open “mule accounts” for online gambling and scam rings.
Investigations revealed that the group deceived local children and teenagers into opening bank accounts for 3,000 baht ($92) each, which were later resold for up to 30,000 baht ($920) to gambling and call center networks. The accounts were then used to launder millions of baht in illicit funds every month.
Cyber police arrest two of three wanted, in Chiang Rai province for using minors to open “mule accounts” for online gambling and scam rings on October 14, 2025.
Ms. Witchayaporn, who gained notoriety online as part of an aggressive mule-account gang, admitted to recruiting minors to evade tightened banking controls. Many of the underage account holders have since received police summonses after their names were linked to fraud and scam activities. The Cyber Crime Investigation Division 4 is expanding its probe to identify and arrest higher-level financiers.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, two schoolgirls aged 13 and 14 were rescued from a karaoke bar in Myanmar, where they were being trafficked for sexual services to Chinese clients. Forced to work nightly from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., the girls eventually managed to contact their families, who paid 8,000 baht ($245) to secure their release.
Following their return, the families filed complaints with the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, leading to the arrest of Mr. Aphinop, 59, a suspected member of the trafficking network, in Mae Sot, Tak province. He now faces charges including child prostitution, human trafficking involving minors under 15, and abduction for indecent purposes.
Both cases underscore a disturbing trend — criminal groups are increasingly targeting children as tools or victims in expanding networks of financial fraud and human exploitation, both online and across borders.
Anti-Human Trafficking Police arrest Mr. Aphinop, 59, a suspected member of the trafficking network, in Mae Sot, Tak province on October 14, 2025.
FILE - A boy plays near a building, where some people trafficked under false pretenses are being forced to work in online scams targeting people all over the world, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A senior official at Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said Wednesday his ministry will cooperate with South Korea over the death of a South Korean student allegedly kidnapped and tortured by a criminal gang in Cambodia.
The body of 22-year-old Park Min-ho was discovered in August in a pickup truck near Bokor Mountain in southern Kampot province. Authorities said he died of a cardiac arrest after being tortured and beaten.
The student had reportedly told his family he was visiting Cambodia for an exhibition in July. Shortly after arriving he was kidnapped by a criminal gang who demanded a $35,000 ransom, South Korean media reported.
On Wednesday South Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a travel ban for parts of Cambodia including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, as well as the towns of Bavet and Poipet, on Cambodia’s border with Vietnam and Thailand.
The move follows a surge in cases involving South Korean nationals that has caused growing concerns over cross-border crime and weak law enforcement cooperation between Cambodia and South Korea. Seoul has pressed for stronger cooperation to tackle cases of online scams, kidnappings, and violence targeting Korean nationals.
Cambodia’s National Police said Monday that three men, identified as Li Xingpeng, 35, Zhu Renzhe, 43, and Liu Haoxing, 29, have been charged with murder and online fraud. Police are searching for two other Chinese men on suspicion of the killing.
Touch Sokhak, a spokesman for Cambodia’s interior ministry, said officials will work with South Korea’s government on the prevention of crimes including scams and online gambling.
He said that at least 80 South Koreans were rescued and placed under police protection after a recent crackdown on cyberscam criminals.
Last week authorities also arrested 80 suspects of seven nationalities — most of them Chinese — during a crackdown on a large-scale online fraud operation at an office complex building in Phnom Penh.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha said earlier this month that at least 15,000 foreigners involved in online crimes have been deported from Cambodia over the past two years.
The United Nations and other agencies have estimated that cyber scams, most of them originating from Southeast Asia, earn international criminal gangs billions of dollars annually. The cybercriminals feign friendship or tout phony investment opportunities to cheat targets around the world.
The U.S. government has seized more than $14 billion in bitcoin and charged the founder of a Cambodian conglomerate in a massive cryptocurrency scam, accusing him and unnamed co-conspirators of exploiting forced labor to dupe would-be investors and using the proceeds to purchase yachts, jets and a Picasso painting.
In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, Brooklyn federal prosecutors charged Prince Holding Group chairman Chen Zhi with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
Chen was the “mastermind behind a sprawling cyberfraud empire,” Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg said. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella called it “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history.”
Cambodia urges a fair process as US and UK pursue Prince Group’s Chen Zhi in a global scam case
Cambodia’s government said Wednesday it hopes the U.S. and Britain have sufficient evidence in their pursuit of Prince Holding Group and its Chairman Chen Zhi, after both governments imposed coordinated sanctions accusing the Cambodian conglomerate of running massive online scams and using forced labor.
Cambodia’s Interior Ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak said Prince Holding Group has met all legal requirements to operate in Cambodia and has been treated no differently than other major companies investing in the country. He also said the Cambodian citizenship given to China native Chen was in accordance with the law.
Touch Sokhak said Cambodia will cooperate if there is a formal request backed by evidence. “We do not protect individuals who violate the law,” he said, but stressed that Cambodia’s government itself does not accuse Prince Holding Group or Chen Zhi of wrongdoing.
“I don’t have much to say about the American and British authorities’ seeking to arrest him, but first, we just hope that there will be arguments and sufficient proof to put against him,” Touch Sokhak told The Associated Press.
Prince Holding Group
The U.S. Treasury Department and U.K. Foreign Office on Tuesday announced joint sanctions against Chen and his conglomerate, accused of being a transnational criminal network that has defrauded victims worldwide and exploited trafficked workers across Southeast Asia.
It came after U.S. authorities seized more than $14 billion in bitcoin and charged Chen, 38, with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies. Chen was accused of sanctioning violence against workers, authorizing bribes to foreign officials and using his other businesses, such as online gambling and cryptocurrency mining, to launder illicit profits. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella called it “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history.”
In London, British authorities froze Chen’s British businesses and assets, including a 12 million euro ($13.9 million) mansion in North London, a 100 million euro ($116 million) office building in the City of London, and multiple luxury flats across the capital.
John Wojcik, a senior threat researcher for Infoblox, who previously tracked cybercrime in Southeast Asia for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, said the joint U.S.-British action marked a major strike against one of the largest cybercriminal and money laundering enterprises in Southeast Asia, but that more must be done.
“Unless law enforcement and industry partners can trace and dismantle their online infrastructure — the domains, hosting and payment rails that sustain them — these networks will rebrand, retool, and continue to scale,” Wojcik said.
Chen remains at large. If convicted in the U.S., he faces up to 40 years in prison. Prince Holding Group has previously denied involvement in scam operations and has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
The two governments allege that Chen’s network operated scam compounds in Cambodia that used trafficked foreign nationals to run online “romance” and cryptocurrency investment scams. Victims were tricked into investing life savings in fake trading platforms, while trafficked workers were forced to carry out the frauds under threat of torture.
Mark Taylor, who formerly worked on human trafficking issues in Cambodia for the non-profit Winrock International, said that Chen was embedded in the Cambodian elite and “well protected” by the government, showing “the larger role that Cambodia has played as a safe center for this online scamming to prosper.” Chen was formerly a personal advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
“Cambodia is the physical location where a lot of it operates, but it’s also the money laundering center for the entire region,” Taylor said
Independent research group Cyber Scam Monitor has documented more than 200 online scamming centers and casinos in Cambodia alone, based on first-hand accounts from former scam workers, field surveys and media reports.
“For Cambodia, we will cooperate in every way possible with other countries where there is sufficient evidence,” Touch Sokhak said.
Screenshot from video circulating on social media showing the indecent act at a Pattaya Second Road condominium on October 14, 2025.
PATTAYA — A viral video circulating Tuesday shows foreign tourists engaging in sexual activity on a luxury condominium balcony on Pattaya Second Road, disregarding passersby in the busy area.
The incident occurred at a condominium in a crowded community area frequented by both Thai nationals and foreigners. Phonthakon Phongpakdee, 31, a motorcycle taxi driver, said he witnessed the couple around 2 p.m. on October 14 after the rain stopped while waiting for customers across from the condo.
“I glanced up and saw a tourist couple engaging in what appeared to be sexual activity on the balcony, completely ignoring people passing by below,” Phonthakon said. “It shocked everyone around. People turned to look and recorded videos, but the couple seemed completely unbothered by onlookers.”
He called on authorities to investigate and warn against such behavior to prevent recurrence. “Pattaya is an international tourist destination, but we don’t want some tourists to misunderstand that they can do anything they want here.”
The incident follows a previous viral case involving a Russian man and Thai woman engaging in sexual activity in the back of a pickup truck driving through Phuket. Authorities arrested both individuals along with the driver. The Russian man claimed he was creating content for social media, but immigration officials were asked to blacklist him.
Tourism police and Department of Tourism officials inspect documents at Fengrun Travel Trading Co., Ltd. in Rom Klao, Bangkok, on October 14, 2025, following a viral video showing a Chinese guide threatening tourists.
BANGKOK — Tourism police raided a travel agency in the Rom Klao area Tuesday following a viral video showing a Chinese guide threatening tourists to buy products or face being stranded in Thailand.
On October 14, officers from the Tourism Police and Department of Tourism inspected Fengrun Travel Trading Co., Ltd. in Preecha Village, Rom Klao, Bangkok. The company holds a valid license and had operated a Bangkok-Pattaya-Bangkok tour (5 nights, 6 days) for 24 Chinese tourists, accompanied by two tour leaders.
Thai guide Aye Khamue told investigators the incident occurred on October 12 aboard a tour bus in front of RED 88 jewelry shop in Bang Phra while returning to Bangkok. The confrontation involved Mr. Zhang, 38, a tour leader from Huiyou, a Chinese travel company, and the tourists. The group safely departed from Don Mueang Airport on October 13 at 5:41 p.m. for Xi’an, China.
Screenshots from viral video showing a tour guide pressuring Chinese tourists to shop during their Thailand trip, threatening they would not be allowed to return to China if they refused.
Potential Violations
Authorities found that Fengrun Travel Trading may have violated regulations by selling tour packages below cost, which carries penalties under Section 31 with punishment under Section 84: up to two years imprisonment, a fine up to 500,000 baht ($15,410), or both. The Department of Tourism is gathering evidence to file charges.
However, officials said Mr. Zhang’s behavior did not technically constitute illegal tour guide activity. Fengrun Travel Trading will coordinate with Huiyou to reprimand and discipline Zhang.
Questions Raised
Thai tour guide associations questioned whether the company provided false information to authorities, noting that tours typically have only one leader due to costs for meals, accommodation, and airfare. They also questioned whether Zhang traveled with the group, urging authorities to investigate whether he entered and exited Thailand at the same time as the tourists.
Officers from the Tourism Police and Department of Tourism inspect documents at Fengrun Travel Trading Co., Ltd. during a raid investigating alleged below-cost tour packages and connection to an unlicensed Chinese guide who threatened tourists.
Embassy Warning
The same day, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand issued a warning urging Chinese tourists to avoid bargain tour packages after the video surfaced on social media. The embassy said it immediately contacted Thai tourism police and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Authorities confirmed the Chinese national guide was unlicensed and attempted to pressure tourists into making purchases for commission.
“Foreign nationals are not permitted to work as tour guides in Thailand,” the embassy stated, advising tourists to choose reputable agencies with proper licenses and to call the Tourism Police hotline (1155) or embassy consular hotline (02-245-7010) if disputes arise.
One of the key principles at Wells International School for developing students to become “quality global citizens” is fostering “The Power of Community”. Beyond its world-class American curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, Wells International School consistently promotes this concept as an ongoing activity.
It is believed to build strong relationships within the school among students, teachers, and parents, as a good community is the foundation for student success.
Dr. Chang Yao-Lang, Chairman of the Board at Wells International School, states that Wells places great importance on building “The Power of Community.” He recognizes that a dedicated and supportive community is the foundation for students’ success and well-being. The school believes that learning, especially beyond the classroom, thrives in an environment where students, teachers, parents, and staff work closely together.
Wells International School
This supportive community promotes inclusivity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, encouraging all members of the school to participate and grow together. These bonds are instilled in a safe, inspiring, and creative atmosphere, fostering leadership and the development of quality global citizens.
“Building the power of community at Wells International School benefits student development in many areas, including academic excellence. Students learn from highly skilled personnel and participate in a rigorous university preparatory curriculum, emphasizing experiential learning and real-world application. Character and leadership within the community are nurtured, developing individuals who are principled, empathetic, open-minded, balanced, and accountable for their actions, contributing positively to society.
As global citizens, Wells emphasizes fostering global awareness through collaboration among students, teachers, and families, encouraging students to think critically and act responsibly in both local and international contexts.
In terms of social and emotional growth, we emphasize a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and shared responsibility, helping students develop skills for coexisting with others and adapting to the real world. We also prepare students for post-graduation, through internships, career guidance, academic clubs, and service-learning, among other activities.”
Wells International School
Dr. Chang further explains that overall, the school focuses on making the power of community the heart of the school to ensure every student grows academically, personally, and socially within an environment that supports all aspects of student development, including global impact.
This is achieved through continuous activities such as community service and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Students actively participate in various service projects, collaborating with organizations like Operation Smile and the Thai Red Cross. This promotes social responsibility and global citizenship. Activities organized through collaboration, such as International Day and Farmers’ Market, and the strong involvement of the parent community and alumni, build a robust network.
Mr. Bernard Anthony, a parent of a 10th-grade student, says that children’s participation in activities to demonstrate the power of community, from his perspective, provides an opportunity for students to engage with the entire school, whether at the elementary, middle, or high school level, as well as with parents. He finds the club activities excellent because they teach children responsibility.
Wells International School
They learn from student representatives, older students, and alumni. When his son comes home from school, he still talks about them, and looks at examples from older students, saying, “One day, I will be an engineer and come back to share my knowledge.” These experiences are excellent for developing personality and communication skills, as his son used to be quite reserved in grades 6 and 7, but then began to open up.
“I think that’s why. At first, he wasn’t good at sports, but he didn’t give up, he kept trying. Eventually, he loved playing volleyball, with teachers helping to motivate the children as important guides. Overall, developing personality and engaging in various activities together among students, by grade 8, students listen to each other.
The coach, who is an alumnus, motivated my son a lot in volleyball. This is a real community. Alumni come back and share their experiences with younger students; alumni are an integral part of a good school. And the school providing opportunities for children to choose ‘internships’ independently is a good thing in terms of fostering decision-making.”
“I really enjoy International Day activities. Even parents can participate. We get to meet our children’s friends and their friends’ parents, which is great. Teachers also participate in dance activities, setting a good example for the children,” Mr. Bernard adds.
Wells International School
Zac Nugroho, an 11th-grade student, says that having a positive environment and classrooms at Wells is important. The community is visible in every classroom, and he has been a part of it, growing together. When you have a positive community, you have a place to turn. Sometimes Wells feels more like home than his real home, as he spends more time here.
“Personally, I enjoy International Day and Songkran. Both activities are quite fun. They are school-wide events with small booths where you can see the different personalities of the clubs. The best part is that I think these activities are very beneficial. The CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) principles taught by the school encourage you to broaden your horizons and develop these skills, improving yourself to give back to the community. There’s more room for creativity, and importantly, teamwork and team building,” Zach says.
Anne Fukuura, a 12th-grade student, says that having a good community between teachers and students is important for fostering a good environment. She is part of and a leader in the PAWS Club (Animal club supporting PAWS Bangkok). They care for stray cats and dogs. She believes that all extracurricular activities are an important part of the Wells community. Everyone participates in the larger community, but there are also smaller communities.
They have internship programs, such as “summer student teaching internships,” which give students experience. It’s a great experience. “ServICE Conference” activities allow them to build new relationships with new people, not just within the school community. They can gain more cultural understanding and have opportunities to ask others about their experiences.
Screenshots from viral video showing a tour guide pressuring Chinese tourists to shop during their Thailand trip, threatening they would not be allowed to return to China if they refused.
BANGKOK — The Chinese Embassy in Thailand issued a warning Tuesday urging Chinese tourists to avoid bargain tour packages after a viral video showed a tour guide threatening visitors with being stranded if they refused to shop.
The embassy said it immediately contacted Thai tourism police and the Tourism Authority of Thailand after the video surfaced on social media. Authorities confirmed the Chinese national guide was unlicensed and attempted to pressure tourists into making purchases for commission.
“Foreign nationals are not permitted to work as tour guides in Thailand,” the embassy stated, advising tourists to choose reputable agencies with proper licenses and not to trust “low-cost tours.”
“When participating in group tours, tourists are advised to choose travel agencies with reliable reputations, outbound travel licenses, and products that match the quality and price. It is also advised to sign formal contracts,” the embassy stated, adding that Chinese citizens should call the Tourism Police hotline (1155) or the embassy’s consular hotline (02-245-7010) if disputes arise.
Government Response
Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said he has ordered the Department of Tourism and Tourism Police to urgently investigate the incident, including identifying the location, time, tour company involved, and tour program details.
“As we enter high season, we must ensure tourist confidence in safety, convenience, and service standards,” Atthakor said. “If violations are confirmed, penalties will be imposed. Such deceptive or coercive actions are unacceptable.”
Legal Penalties
According to the Department of Tourism, the case may violate Thailand’s Tour Business and Guide Act. Unlicensed foreign guides face up to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Thai guides acting as nominees could receive up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both.
Tour companies found guilty of unfairly exploiting tourists face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht and possible license suspension for up to six months.
Thai authorities are currently investigating the travel agency involved in the incident.
FILE - This April 3, 2013, file photo shows bitcoin tokens in Sandy, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. government has seized more than $14 billion in bitcoin and charged the founder of a Cambodian conglomerate in a massive cryptocurrency scam, accusing him and unnamed co-conspirators of exploiting forced labor to dupe would-be investors and using the proceeds to purchase yachts, jets and a Picasso painting.
In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, Brooklyn federal prosecutors charged Prince Holding Group chairman Chen Zhi with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. At the same time, U.S. and British authorities imposed sanctions on Chen’s company, which is involved in real estate development and financial services, and the Treasury Department declared it a transnational criminal organization.
Chen, 38, is accused of sanctioning violence against workers, authorizing bribes to foreign officials and using his other businesses, such as online gambling and cryptocurrency mining, to launder illicit profits.
Chen was the “mastermind behind a sprawling cyberfraud empire,” Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg said. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella called it “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history.”
A dominant player in a growing scheme, authorities say
Last year, Americans lost at least $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based scams, a 66% increase from 2023, the Treasury Department said, calling Prince Holding Group a “dominant player” in that space. Chinese authorities have been investigating the company for cyber scams and money laundering since as early as 2020, according to court records reviewed by the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Chen, a native of China who is also known as “Vincent,” remained at large as of Tuesday, prosecutors said. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison. If a court allows, the U.S. could use the 127,271 bitcoins it seized to repay victims. The value of the coins — currently around $113,000 each — will continue to fluctuate in the meantime.
Messages seeking comment were left for Prince Holding Group spokesperson Gabriel Tan. The company’s website says it “adheres to global business standards.” A spokesperson for the Cambodian government, Pen Bona, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Prince Holding Group
Jacob Daniel Sims, a transnational crime expert and visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Asia Center, said that Prince Holding Group is “an essential part of the scaffolding that makes global cyber-scamming possible,” and Chen is a “central pillar” of the criminal economy intertwined with Cambodia’s ruling regime.
Chen has served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen, and was honored with the title “neak oknha” — equivalent to an English lord.
“While the indictment and sanctions don’t instantly dismantle these networks, they fundamentally change the risk calculus,” Sims said. They make “every global bank, real estate firm and investor think twice before touching Cambodian elite money.”
Forced labor and beatings ‘until they are barely alive’
According to Chen’s indictment, Prince Holding Group built at least 10 compounds in Cambodia where workers — often migrants held against their will — were forced to contact thousands of victims through social media or online messaging platforms, build rapport and entice them to transfer cryptocurrency with hopes of big investment returns.
In reality, prosecutors said, it was a swindle. The money, they said, was funneled into other Prince Holding Group businesses and shell companies and used to pay for things like luxury travel and entertainment, watches, vacation homes, rare artwork and even a Rolex watch for an executive’s spouse.
One victim was scammed out of more than $400,000 in cryptocurrency, prosecutors said.
The compounds functioned as forced labor camps, with dormitories surrounded by high walls and barbed wire fences, and automated call centers with hundreds of mobile phones lined up on racks controlling tens of thousands of fake social media profiles, prosecutors said. One compound was associated with Prince Holding Group’s Jinbei Casino Hotel. Another was known as “Golden Fortune.”
According to the Treasury Department’s sanctions statement, workers at the compounds were held captive, isolated and sometimes beaten after being lured with the promise of high-paying jobs in fields such as customer service or tech support.
Photographs included in Chen’s indictment showed a man with a bloody gash on his face, dozens of men on the ground with their hands bound, and a man with red lash marks on his chest and arms.
Chen personally approved of at least one beating, of a man believed to be causing trouble at a compound, but cautioned that he not be “beaten to death.” People reported seeing workers who escaped Golden Fortune being “beaten until they are barely alive,” the Treasury Department said.
In 2023, the United Nations estimated around 100,000 people were being forced to carry out online scams in Cambodia, as well as at least 120,000 in Myanmar and tens of thousands in Thailand, Laos and the Philippines.
“These actions won’t end the scam economy overnight,” Sims said. “But they shrink its oxygen supply and send a rare message to regimes like Cambodia’s that elite crime as a ruling strategy is a double-edged sword.”
