Chinese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Phuket Condo Ahead of Deportation

Immigration officers in Phuket have detained a Chinese national wanted for fraud after receiving a request for assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The arrest took place on April 1 following an investigation into the suspect’s whereabouts.

The man, identified as 32-year-old Wang, was believed to have been hiding in the province. Authorities eventually tracked him down to a condominium in the Patong area of Kathu district, where he was taken into custody.

According to Chinese law enforcement, Wang is wanted under a fraud warrant issued in Xinmin district, part of Shenyang in Liaoning province. Investigators allege that he posed as a seller of billiard equipment, claiming to have goods available for delivery. To gain trust, he reportedly used videos of shipments and provided misleading information, convincing more than 30 victims to enter into contracts and transfer funds.

After receiving payments, Wang allegedly failed to deliver the promised products, avoided communication with buyers, and eventually disappeared before leaving China. Authorities estimate total damages at over 1 million yuan, equivalent to approximately 4.7 million baht.

Thai immigration records showed that Wang had entered Thailand legally on a tourist visa and had not yet overstayed. However, due to the active arrest warrant issued abroad, officials moved to revoke his permission to remain in the country.

Once approval was granted, officers located Wang outside his condominium in Patong. After identifying themselves, they questioned him and confirmed his identity. He was then taken to Phuket Immigration, where authorities formally canceled his visa and initiated deportation procedures.

In a separate operation, Immigration Division 3 conducted a coordinated effort across multiple provinces, from Pattaya to Mae Rim, to apprehend another Chinese suspect accused of fraud. This individual is alleged to have lured investors into a durian plantation scheme before fleeing.