The Crime Suppression Division police arrested a suspect in a gang that deceived Chinese nationals who flew from their home country hoping to work in Thailand, only to become human trafficking victims. The victims were tied up, blindfolded, and taken to the Thailand-Myanmar border with the intent to be trafficked across the border.
On 11 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattanasak Bubpasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, ordered Pol. Col. Eksit Pansitha, Superintendent of Division 4, and Pol. Lt. Narawit Piasu, Inspector of Division 4, along with officers from Phop Phra Police Station, to arrest Mr. Suriya, 30, wanted under Mae Sot Provincial Court warrant no. 167/2569 dated 1 Oct 2026, on charges of "jointly unlawfully detaining others or depriving them of their physical freedom, and jointly operating passenger transport without permission." He was arrested in front of a house in Village 9, Khiri Rat Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province.
This case originated from an incident on 7 Sep 2026, when police arrested Mr. Tham, 29, along with a Toyota Hilux Revo pickup truck registered in Nakhon Nayok Province. They also rescued three Chinese men—Mr. Zhang Jinchang, 31; Mr. Zhang Xu, 27; and Mr. Lian Ao, 30—who had been tied up and blindfolded.
The three victims stated they wanted to come to Thailand to find work. They searched for information online and found someone claiming to arrange jobs for them, promising work in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai provinces. They then flew into Thailand in early September 2026.
After arriving in Tak Province, a vehicle picked them up and took them into a forested area of unknown location. Their heads and faces were taped with brown adhesive tape, their hands tied, and handcuffs applied to restrict movement. However, police intervened and rescued them near the Thailand-Myanmar border before they could be taken to their final destination.
Investigations suggest the gang deceived Chinese nationals by offering jobs in Thailand. Upon arrival in Tak Province, the victims were restrained—tied and blindfolded to prevent them from seeing the route—and then taken toward the Thailand-Myanmar border to be handed over to a network operating in the border area.
Mr. Tham, previously arrested, testified that he received instructions from individuals known as “Mr. Joy” and “Mr. Ya,” who acted as drivers in transporting the Chinese victims. Further investigations identified “Mr. Ya” as Mr. Suriya, the latest suspect. Authorities gathered evidence, obtained an arrest warrant, and apprehended him. During questioning, Mr. Suriya denied all charges and was transferred to Phop Phra Police Station for further legal action.