BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Navy’s Chanthaburi Marine Task Force, in coordination with immigration officials, on Saturday (Feb 21) arrested six Chinese nationals for illegal entry and alleged links to online scams, according to navy spokesman Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan.
Parach said on Sunday (Feb 22) that the six suspects were apprehended while travelling through a natural border route in Chanthaburi’s Soi Dao district, adding they were unable to present any legal identification documents.
Authorities decided to take legal action as they had entered Thailand illegally, he said.
The spokesman added that, based on initial investigations, the six allegedly admitted they were involved in online scam operations in Cambodia and had fled to Thailand while waiting to travel to a third country.
“This arrest of a cyber scam network reflects the challenges posed by transnational crime in border areas of countries to the east of Thailand,” Parach said.
Combating the issue requires serious international cooperation, as such crimes cause damage to many countries worldwide, he added.
The navy also stressed adherence to human rights principles and compliance with the 2022 Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act while the suspects remain in custody for legal proceedings. - The Nation/ANN
