Pattaya, Chonburi – Thai authorities have arrested a 32-year-old man identified as Mr. Pei Minsi, a key figure in a large-scale Chinese online gambling network connected to the notorious Shwe Kokko (ชเวก๊กโก่) crime syndicate in Myanmar.
The arrest took place earlier last week at approximately 8:30 a.m. on April 8th, 2026, at a luxury villa in Soi Jomtien 14. The operation was led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaowanasa, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division.
The operation stemmed from intelligence shared by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand. Pei Minsi is wanted by Chinese authorities as a significant operator in an extensive online gambling empire linked to She Zhijiang, identified as a major figure behind grey-area criminal activities in the Shwe Kokko region of Myanmar.
Investigations revealed that Pei Minsi played a central role in managing 239 online gambling platforms, attracting over 330,000 Chinese players. The network reportedly generated a massive turnover of approximately 13.18 billion baht or roughly $380 million USD at current exchange rates.
Authorities stated that the suspect evaded Chinese law enforcement by acquiring citizenship and a passport from the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Using this foreign identity, he frequently entered and exited Thailand without raising suspicion. He initially hid in luxury accommodation in Bangkok before relocating to Pattaya.
CIB investigators closely monitored his movements after learning he was vacationing in the Pattaya area, leading to the successful raid and arrest.
Following the arrest, immigration officials revoked Pei Minsi’s permission to remain in Thailand under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), citing him as a threat to society. He is now being held pending deportation to China to face charges there possibly including the death penalty.
The Central Investigation Bureau explained Thailand’s commitment to international cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies. Officials added that they will continue using advanced digital technology to track and dismantle transnational criminal networks, particularly those involved in online gambling and related cybercrimes.
This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat cross-border organized crime linked to the Shwe Kokko special economic zone, which has been widely reported as a hub for illegal online gambling, cyber fraud, and other illicit activities targeting Chinese victims.
