A high-profile police operation titled “Thailand-Korea Breaking Chains” has led to the arrest of 11 South Korean nationals after they allegedly converted luxury residences in Bangkok into sophisticated scam bases. The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), in a coordinated effort with the South Korean Embassy, executed the raids yesterday, 30 March, targeting two specific locations within the capital.
The crackdown follows a year-long intelligence-sharing initiative throughout 2025 between Thai authorities and South Korean investigators. Police confirmed that the group of scammers had recently fled from a neighbouring country into Thailand, renting high-end properties to establish a new operational hub for their fraudulent activities.
During the raids, officers seized a significant amount of evidence, including computers, multiple mobile phones, internet signal equipment, and detailed scripts designed to manipulate victims. The suspects allegedly impersonated South Korean government officials or attorneys, using high-pressure tactics to convince victims in their home country that they were under legal investigation and must transfer funds to settle the matters.
All 11 individuals have been transported to the Khok Kham Police Station and currently face charges under Section 8 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree for working without a permit. Convictions under this decree carry fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht, followed by mandatory deportation and a two-year blacklisting from seeking employment within Thailand.
While investigators stated that no Thai citizens or local victims appear to be linked to this particular syndicate, the TCSD is working closely with the South Korean Embassy to facilitate the transfer of the suspects. This ensures they will face further prosecution in South Korea for the financial crimes committed. This operation mirrors a similar crackdown in December last year, where 17 foreign nationals were apprehended in Bangkok and Pattaya for a scam that defrauded victims of over 500 million baht.
