Pattaya authorities arrested over 20 Chinese nationals were suspected of running online gambling and illegal money lending operations. The raid, conducted around 1:30 PM at a pool villa complex on Chaiyapruek 1 Road, was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchai Surachetphong, Deputy Commander of Region 2 Police, and Pol. Col. Navin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station. Officials seized 13 computers, over 100 mobile phones, and detained 20 Chinese men.
The operation followed a tip-off about a group of Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities. Police found the men living across three villas, with six Chinese men in the first villa taking phone calls to offer illegal loans. A Cambodian woman working as a maid was also present. In the second villa, authorities discovered eight Chinese men with nine computers and numerous phones. The third villa housed five men, two of whom shut down their computers as officers arrived.
Authorities suspect the group worked in coordination, with the first villa recruiting individuals for online gambling and the second handling illegal money-lending, particularly targeting Chinese nationals. The men from the third villa claimed it was used for food storage, but police remain doubtful and plan further investigations.
All 20 Chinese nationals and the Cambodian maid were taken into custody, along with the confiscated items. The suspects were charged with working without a legal permit, while additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
