Chinese and Thai Suspects Arrested
Authorities arrested a group of Chinese and Thai nationals operating an illegal livestreaming studio in a Bangkok mall, selling unlicensed Thai products to Chinese customers. The bust, conducted on Ratchadaphisek Road, exposed a sophisticated operation generating an estimated 30 million baht daily.
Undercover Studio Uncovered
Makeshift Setup in Rented Space
The suspects had transformed a second-floor shop into a transparent studio adorned with posters promoting Thai goods like herbal shampoo and soap. A sign reading “For VIP customers only” masked the operation, which included a dedicated backroom for livestreaming to Chinese audiences.
Complaints Spark Investigation
Substandard Products Prompt Action
The Immigration Bureau, led by Pol Lt Col Suriya Puangsombat, acted on complaints about the group’s online sales of substandard Thai products. The operation used a Chinese IP address, restricting access to viewers in China and evading local scrutiny until authorities intervened.
High-Stakes Livestreaming Scheme
Millions in Daily Revenue
Investigations revealed the livestreaming venture’s immense popularity in China, with a daily turnover of approximately 30 million baht. The group employed Chinese influencers to promote the products live, amplifying their reach and profitability within the targeted market.
Unlicensed Products Detected
Health Ministry Finds Violations
The Ministry of Public Health confirmed that many products lacked proper registration numbers, while others bore mismatched or fraudulent identifiers. These findings underscored the operation’s disregard for Thailand’s regulatory standards, posing potential risks to consumers.
Legal Action Underway
Case Transferred to Huai Khwang Police
The arrested suspects, including Chinese nationals on tourist visas and Thai accomplices, face charges for illegal business operations and selling unlicensed goods. The case has been handed to Huai Khwang police for further investigation and legal proceedings, with authorities pursuing all involved parties.
