Last Updated on October 2, 2026 by Jeff Tomas
CHIANG RAI – Lao authorities have handed over 76 Thai nationals to Thai Immigration police in Chang Khong, Chiang Rai following a major crackdown on illegal scam operations. The group included 37 men and 39 women linked to cross-border call center gangs.
Officers also seized various pieces of equipment, including computers and mobile phones, used in the operations. The official handover took place at the 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which connects Chiang Rai to Bokeo province.
Key Takeaways
- Laos deported 76 Thai nationals involved in telecom fraud and call center scams.
- Authorities discovered and arrested eight suspects who already had active criminal warrants.
- Most of the group voluntarily crossed the border after seeing fake ads for high-paying jobs.
Thai immigration and cybercrime units were waiting at the border to process the group. According to police, the suspects faced charges in Laos for telecom fraud and illegal entry.
After crossing the border, the group will go through a national screening process. However, early reports show that these individuals are likely not victims of human trafficking.
Most of the suspects freely admitted to traveling across the border to Laos for work. They were tempted by online ads promising monthly salaries of 18,000 to 25,000 baht, alongside free food and housing.
Eight Wanted Criminals Arrested
During the screening, police found that eight people in the group had active arrest warrants in Thailand. This group of four men and four women faced several serious criminal charges back home.
The pending charges included public fraud, theft, money laundering, and running illegal mule bank accounts. One 25-year-old man had four separate warrants for tricking the public and entering fake computer data.
Another suspect, a 30-year-old woman, faced serious charges for being part of a transnational crime ring. The police also caught one young man who was actively hiding from his mandatory military service.
Police officers quickly separated the eight wanted criminals from the rest of the returning group. They will be sent to the local police stations that issued their warrants to face trial.
Meanwhile, the remaining 68 individuals are currently undergoing deep background checks with local immigration officers. Authorities will question them further and record their statements as part of the standard legal process.
Authorities continue to warn the general public about fake job offers posted on social media. They urge people to be careful before traveling abroad for work that seems too good to be true.
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