Thai cyber police announce southern crackdown on online fraud and gambling networks
Thai cyber police said raids across southern provinces led to 14 arrests, more than 15 million baht in asset seizures, and the dismantling of online fraud and gambling networks tied to nearly 1 billion baht in damages and illicit funds.
Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau said coordinated raids across the southern provinces between June 1 and mid-June led to 14 arrests and the seizure of assets worth more than 15 million baht, as officers targeted online fraud, gambling, illegal firearms and loan shark operations.
At a press briefing on Sunday, June 21, at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Pol. Maj. Gen. Tinnakorn Rangmat, deputy commissioner of the bureau, said the operations dismantled major networks with damages and illicit funds totaling nearly 1 billion baht.
Investigators said one case involved a fraudulent investment scheme promoted through Facebook advertisements and Line chat groups. The operation allegedly used a fake trading platform presented as a legitimate stock exchange and falsely claimed links to the daughter of investor Dr. Niwes Hemvachiravarakorn. Victims were directed to the website apps.cshkl.vip, deposited money and then could not withdraw funds.
Police said losses from that scheme exceeded 7.6 million baht, while 117 linked cases totaled 173 million baht. Officers executed search warrants at five locations and obtained arrest warrants for nine suspects. Two suspects have been detained and six remained at large, according to the bureau.
Authorities also said they dismantled three major online gambling rings with combined cash flows of more than 700 million baht. Raids in three provinces led to the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of cash, luxury cars, gold, mobile phones, computers and betting equipment.
The bureau identified PARTY168, UFAZEED and MT8WIN SITE as key platforms, saying they handled more than 500 million baht in wagers combined. Police said the crackdown comes amid intensified enforcement against illegal betting tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In parallel operations, police arrested three suspects linked to illegal firearms and underground lending. Seized items included 10 guns and 100 rounds of ammunition. Investigators also examined loan shark activity and social media posts promoting weapons.
Tinnakorn said cyber police would continue targeting online crime networks by cutting off financial channels and pursuing accomplices. He urged the public to verify information before transferring money or making online investments.
