Thai Police Arrest Chinese National Behind 13-Billion-Baht Online Gambling Empire in Pattaya

Thai authorities have arrested a 32-year-old Chinese national suspected of leading a major transnational online gambling network. The suspect, identified as Pei Min Si, was detained on April 9, 2026, during a dawn raid at a private pool villa in Soi Jomtien 14, Pattaya’s Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), its Special Operations Division, and the Immigration Bureau. The arrest followed intelligence provided by the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok.

Pei Min Si’s 239-Platform Gambling Network Linked to Shwe Kokko Syndicate

Pei allegedly operated more than 239 online gambling platforms. The network drew over 330,000 members spanning 31 Chinese provinces. It generated an illegal turnover of approximately 2.775 billion yuan, which is around 13.18 billion baht.

Authorities link him to a criminal syndicate connected to Shwe Kokko, a development along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The network is said to have earned at least 2.4 billion baht in illegal profits. Pei is also connected to She Zhijiang, the head of Yatai International Holdings Group, the company behind the Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone.

How Pei Min Si Used a Second Passport to Re-enter Thailand Undetected

Pei deliberately hid his identity from law enforcement. In May 2024, he departed Thailand for Vientiane using a Chinese passport. He re-entered Thailand in August 2025 using a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport obtained through a citizenship-by-investment program.

A second passport and a new identity bought him a year. Biometrics cost him everything.

Biometric facial recognition checks ultimately confirmed Pei’s true identity. Police classified him as a prohibited person under Section 12(7) of Thailand’s Immigration Act 1979, which covers individuals considered a threat to public safety or those wanted by foreign authorities.

Thailand Freezes Over 20 Billion Baht in Assets Tied to Fraud and Trafficking Networks

Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) announced on April 9 that it had temporarily seized and frozen assets connected to fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. A total of 34 assets were confiscated, including cars, bank deposits, cash, loan contracts, and securities. Their combined value stands at approximately 8.269 billion baht. Including previously seized items, total confiscated assets in the case have reached 102, valued at around 20.39 billion baht.

AMLO said it will continue working with the Royal Thai Police and the Securities and Exchange Commission to dismantle fraud networks and strengthen efforts against financial crime.

Pei is currently being processed for deportation to face charges under a warrant issued by the Zhenjiang City Public Security Bureau.