An investigation into “Vientiane,” the new base for Chinese scammers, revealing tactics such as face-scan deception and a major money-laundering hub, posing a silent threat near Thailand’s border. The covert danger draws close to the Thai frontier where vigilance is critical to prevent victimization.
After the SEE TRUE team explored changes in the Thakhek port city in Laos and discovered infiltration by gray-area Chinese capital, the team proceeded to investigate the next target. "Vientiane" The capital city of Laos, which sources indicate has also become a new stronghold for scam gangs.
In early 2026, immigration investigative officers in Nong Khai discovered suspicious activity in a dormitory where a young couple rented a room but did not reside there. Further inspection revealed covert electrical wiring leading into the ceiling unknown to the landlord, used to install three SIM box devices. Each device can hold up to 32 SIM cards and is paired with two wireless internet signal boosters. All were linked to a local scam gang network cleverly hiding SIM boxes from authorities.
At the end of 2025, a video circulated on Laotian social media showing equipment believed to belong to a new scammer group in Laos, located in Vientiane near the 16-kilometer mark close to the National Stadium. Inside the building were office devices including computers and mobile phones.
The SEE TRUE team arrived in Nong Khai Province to plan their journey to Vientiane, receiving information from sources that the scam center was near the stadium and clearly identified as such on Google Maps. Crossing the Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge for about 10 kilometers, they reached the National Stadium as shown in the previously shared social media video.
While driving around the roughly 10-story building, the team noticed a quiet atmosphere, suggesting a private facility. Security guards controlled the entrance, barring unrelated individuals. Each floor featured glass walls with tightly closed curtains, occasionally revealing office desks and chairs matching those seen in earlier videos. Additionally, antenna towers were installed on the rooftop, and Chinese nationals were spotted inside the building.
Next to the building accused of being the new scammer hub was a construction site enclosed by concertina wire extending from the building to the main road, with corrugated metal walls blocking the entire stretch.
The SEE TRUE team interviewed Joseph, a Laotian political refugee living abroad, who provided crucial information confirming that the building opposite the National Stadium in Laos was used by scammers to defraud victims and launder money. This suggests that these scam centers may be linked to and overseen by certain Laotian political families.
Following that, the SEE TRUE team drove towards the city of Savannakhet, another city near Vientiane, aiming to explore the Sangjiang International Trade Center, considered one of Laos’ largest wholesale and retail centers for Chinese goods, with a significant Chinese population living there.
Upon entering the Sangjiang International Trade Center, the Chinese character of the city became clear, with signs blending Lao and Chinese scripts, and a wide variety of entertainment venues and hotels available.
Sources reported that previously, mule account suspects were arrested and investigations revealed victims were lured to scan their faces in several hotels around the city. The predominantly Chinese population may facilitate gray-area businesses. Inside the trade center, nearly all goods were Chinese-made, making the city effectively Laos’ Chinatown.
Amid the collapse of call center gangs relocating from Cambodia and Myanmar to Laos, this may be an undercurrent growing into a major threat. Gray-area Chinese capital is gradually advancing toward the Thai border. Awareness and vigilance against scammers before becoming victims is critical for Thais to prevent the spread of these malicious influences into Thailand.
Follow the SEE TRUE mission to reveal the truth with ongoing coverage from 13 to 14 July 2026 on Thairath News Show after 9:00 p.m.
