A 32-year-old Chinese national alleged to be a key figure in a major online gambling network linked to the controversial Shwe Kokko development in Myanmar has been arrested in Pattaya, as reported by The Nation.
The Central Investigation Bureau, through its Special Operations Division, worked with the Immigration Bureau to apprehend the suspect at a luxury beachfront pool villa in Soi Jomtien 14, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi.
Authorities said he was classified as a prohibited person under Section 12(7) of Thailand’s Immigration Act 1979, which covers individuals considered a threat to society, public safety or national security, as well as those sought by foreign authorities.
The arrest followed intelligence provided by the Chinese embassy in Thailand. Investigators allege the suspect played a leading role in operating 239 online gambling platforms, attracting more than 330,000 Chinese gamblers and generating turnover of THB13.18bn ($410m).
Police said Chinese authorities were seeking his urgent return. To avoid capture, he allegedly changed nationality and entered Thailand using a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport. He initially kept a low profile at an upscale residence in Bangkok before relocating to Pattaya.
After learning he planned to leave his residence, officers tracked him to the Jomtien villa and moved in at dawn to make the arrest. Officials confirmed that his visa had been revoked. He is now being processed for deportation to China, where he is expected to face legal proceedings.
The operation was conducted under the direction of senior officers from the Central Investigation Bureau and the Immigration Bureau.
Thailand’s Immigration Act allows authorities to detain and deport individuals deemed a threat to public order or national security, even without a domestic criminal conviction
