"Underground gold," a national treasure of Thailand, has been plundered by a small group who blast mountains and destroy protected forests. But why has this illegal activity been ongoing for nearly half a year? Behind this story, the SEE TRUE news team seeks to uncover the truth.
Regarding the case of the crackdown on the "Gray Chinese" who have been secretly conducting illegal gold mining in protected forest areas in Tha Li district, Loei province, on 3 December 2025. This case reflects the threat from foreigners destroying natural forest areas and stealing gold ore, a natural resource beneath Thailand’s soil. The team joined Border Patrol Police Unit 246 to investigate traces left by this transnational criminal group.
Interviewing the Border Patrol Police about when this operation began, initial information reveals the area is part of the Dong Khun Khaem protected forest adjoining Phu Khok Yai forest. Locals reported that previously some villagers panned for gold and that Chinese individuals showed interest, sending an operation team to survey and bring machinery to drill. Villagers then notified local authorities, leading to arrests of Chinese, Thai, and Myanmar nationals along with seized evidence.
The SEE TRUE team surveyed from the cave entrance, along the waterhole, and inside the cave, finding evidence such as cigarette butts, blasting detonators, and geological signs at the cave’s bottom suggesting the presence of gold. Observing locals living near the incident site, the team approached them to gather further clues.
Local residents said the area was originally a whole mountain before excavators arrived, blasting the cave and creating deep pits. During the day, many workers came and made loud noises. At that time, locals did not suspect illegal activity because they believed taxes had been paid and agreements made with authorities.
When asked if much gold was being transported out, villagers confirmed daily removal, packed in fertilizer bags and loaded onto pickup trucks twice a day. The workers were Chinese and Myanmar nationals, with a Chinese boss, as overheard in their conversations. Regarding why officials had not arrested anyone despite the prolonged activity, locals said authorities did come two or three times but did not make arrests, sometimes even arriving while work was ongoing but taking no action.
"We saw officials come two or three times, but they didn't arrest anyone. They just stood around whispering," a villager said.
After learning of possible neglect of duty, the team tried to contact local responsible agencies for case updates. Officials declined interviews, citing ongoing legal procedures, but confirmed suspects and evidence had been prosecuted. Although the Chinese ringleader was granted bail and fled, his passport was seized, making cross-border escape difficult. It is possible the "Gray Chinese" group may attempt to flee via natural routes to neighboring countries, so Border Patrol Police Unit 246 patrols vulnerable points along the Hueang River.
Border Patrol Police added that the Hueang River area is a high-risk border-crossing spot, especially during the dry season when the water is shallow enough to walk or drive across. Commonly intercepted cases involve smuggling consumer goods. Recently, a vehicle was caught using this route, with Lao individuals waiting to receive goods to cross into their country.
Reviewing evidence from the 3 December arrest, the SEE TRUE team noticed the name of a car dealership displayed on the back of the pickup truck used in the crime. The team visited the dealership to investigate possible Thai involvement in the operation but found the dealership had relocated. Nearby shops reported it had moved nearly a year ago.
Continuing their investigation for over an hour, the team found the new location of the dealership and inquired about any links to the illegal mining case. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle involved had been sold outright, with all rights transferred. The buyer was certainly Thai, as Chinese nationals cannot purchase vehicles there, reinforcing the belief that some Thais are involved in the operation.
This incident is likely neither the first nor the last time Thailand’s valuable resources are stolen openly. Mountains blasted, protected forests destroyed, and gold ore illegally extracted serve as evidence that some Thais sacrifice their dignity for scraps from these capital groups. This raises public questions about the integrity of certain state officials: Who exactly are they supposed to protect?The Thai people or the gray capital interests?
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