BANGKOK – Thai police have shut down a well-run romance scam group operating in the Muang Thong Thani area of Nonthaburi province. The joint action led to 13 arrests. The case shows how organised online fraud rings are still targeting people across Thailand.
The raid was carried out by the Immigration Bureau and Pak Kret Provincial Police. Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck approved the operation after months of intelligence work.
Officers searched a condominium unit believed to be the group’s main base. Police said the suspects were actively tricking victims by posing as romantic partners online.
The case began late last year after a Thai woman in Nong Khai filed a complaint. She reported losses of more than 2 million baht. Police said she was persuaded by someone pretending to be a rich foreign engineer, using platforms such as Facebook and Line. The victim was told to transfer money into several Thai bank accounts linked to the scammers.
Investigators tracked the transfers and arrested early Thai suspects who acted as money mules. That trail then pointed to a larger network led by foreigners, working from Nonthaburi.
When officers moved in on the Pak Kret condominium, they found some suspects chatting with victims in real time. Police seized 34 electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Investigators said the devices held fake profiles, prepared chat scripts, and records of impersonating wealthy Europeans or Asians to build trust and demand money.
Visa Overstays, Illegal Entry Claims, and a Brief Chase
Police said the 13 suspects included 11 Nigerians and two nationals from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Eight were accused of overstaying their visas. Five Nigerians had no legal entry records and told officers they crossed into Thailand illegally through the Lao border.
The arrests turned tense for a moment when several suspects tried to run, some without shoes, as police entered the unit. Officers stationed around the building stopped them quickly.
Investigators believe the group worked like a team, with clear roles. Some handled online chats and emotional messages, others withdrew cash, and others arranged mule accounts to receive transfers.
Romance Scams Remain a Growing Problem in Thailand
Romance scams have become more common in Thailand in recent years. Police say many cases involve foreign-led groups that approach lonely or trusting people online. The scam often starts with affection, then moves to claims about business deals, travel problems, or urgent emergencies that need money.
Authorities have carried out repeated crackdowns, including cases linked to West African networks. In one widely reported 2024 case in Bangkok, a Nigerian man and five Thai partners were arrested over an 11.4 million baht romance fraud. Other cases have involved joint action with Malaysian authorities against similar groups operating across borders.
Police continue to warn the public about common warning signs. These include fast declarations of love, excuses for not meeting in person, and repeated requests for money. Anti-human trafficking units and cybercrime teams also stress the need to work with overseas agencies to disrupt cross-border fraud.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying more suspects and finding further victims. Those arrested may face fraud charges, immigration offences, and possible money laundering allegations. Police expect deportation steps for anyone found to be in Thailand illegally.
The raid is another reminder that online romance scams are still a serious threat. Residents in northern provinces such as Chiang Rai, where online chats and social media contacts are common, are being urged to stay alert and report suspicious behaviour to police as soon as possible.
