Thailand expands probe into scam and drug networks linked to 2.5 billion baht

BANGKOK — 9 October 2026, The Justice Ministry said that authorities are expanding investigations into transnational scam, drug trafficking and money laundering networks linked to more than 2.5 billion baht in alleged damages.

Permanent Secretary for Justice Piyasiri Wattanawarangkun announced the operation alongside senior officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Immigration Bureau and the Customs Department.

The inter-agency operation focuses on investigating suspected crimes, tracing financial transactions and seizing assets linked to transnational criminal networks.

The investigation began on 23 June 2026, when Mae Sai Customs officials in Chiang Rai discovered 23.023 million baht in cash hidden inside a vehicle driven by a Myanmar national identified as Sai. He was unable to explain the source of the money, prompting officials to seize it for investigation.

AMLO subsequently ordered the seizure of the cash after finding reasonable grounds to suspect it was linked to criminal activity.

Further investigation found that Sai allegedly also held Thai nationality under the name Luang Yilong. He reportedly maintained multiple bank accounts with transactions totalling at least 55 million baht and was linked to online scam and money laundering networks associated with more than 2.5 billion baht in alleged damages.

Investigators also uncovered links between Sai and a transnational drug trafficking network allegedly associated with a man known as Nu Chen, also identified as Thapanan. Financial trails linked to drug trafficking reportedly passed through bank accounts in Myanmar and accounts held by nominees, involving more than 1 billion baht.

More than 200 million baht in transactions was also found to be linked to Sai’s accounts. Authorities said the case would proceed through the process of returning funds to victims.

Investigators further identified alleged connections to a network involved in forging national identity cards and impersonating people without Thai nationality. The information was allegedly used by groups linked to online gambling websites and call-centre scam gangs to conduct financial transactions. The case falls under the DSI’s jurisdiction.