Thai authorities have arrested a suspected kingpin linked to a major transnational online gambling network. This comes as the country continues to intensify enforcement against illegal gaming and organised financial crime.
The suspect, a 32-year-old Chinese national identified as Pei Min Si, was detained on 9 April during a dawn raid at a private pool villa in Pattaya’s Bang Lamung district. The operation was led by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in coordination with its Special Operations Division and the Immigration Bureau. This followed intelligence provided by the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok.
Network Allegedly Operated Hundreds of Gambling Platforms
Investigators believe Pei controlled more than 239 online gambling platforms, serving around 330,000 users across 31 Chinese provinces. Moreover, authorities estimate the operation generated illegal turnover of approximately CNY2.78 billion ($407 million), equivalent to roughly THB13.18 billion ($410 million). Profits reportedly exceeded THB2.4 billion ($74.6 million).
The case has also drawn attention due to alleged links between the gambling network and syndicates connected to Shwe Kokko, a Myanmar border development frequently associated with grey-market casinos and scam operations.
Suspect Used Multiple Identities to Evade Capture
Thai police said Pei attempted to avoid detection by switching identities and travel documents. After leaving Thailand in 2024 on a Chinese passport, he reportedly re-entered the country in 2025. He used a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport obtained through a citizenship-by-investment programme.
Authorities ultimately confirmed his identity using biometric facial recognition and classified him as a prohibited person under Thailand’s Immigration Act. Therefore, Pei is now undergoing deportation procedures and will likely face prosecution in China. Chinese authorities also want him under an active arrest warrant.
AMLO Freezes THB20bn in Criminal Assets
Alongside the arrest, Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has escalated its financial crackdown. It is freezing assets linked to the broader criminal network and related offences such as fraud, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
AMLO said it seized 34 assets in the latest action, including vehicles, bank deposits, cash, and securities, valued at approximately THB8.27 billion ($257 million). Including earlier actions, authorities have now frozen 102 assets worth around THB20.39 billion ($633.8 million).
Thailand Expands Strategy to Target Criminal Finances
AMLO said it will continue coordinating with the Royal Thai Police and the Securities and Exchange Commission to dismantle financial structures supporting illegal gambling and scam operations. Consequently, the case reflects Thailand’s increasingly aggressive strategy of targeting not only suspects, but also the funding networks and assets behind transnational criminal activity.
