Nonthaburi Hotel Raided for Alleged Chinese-Only Illegal Operations

NONTHABURI — More than 100 police officers raided a hotel in Nonthaburi on July 26, 2026, uncovering what authorities described as a base allegedly operated by Chinese grey capital, offering gambling, drug parties, and prostitution services exclusively to Chinese customers. The raid was conducted under a search warrant from the Criminal Court at a hotel on Ngam Wong Wan Road in Bang Khen subdistrict, Mueang district, Nonthaburi, following complaints from residents about suspicious round-the-clock activity and the premises being inaccessible to the general public. Police found over 40 individuals staying at the hotel, predominantly Chinese, Shan, and Myanmar nationals. Seized items included over 200 items, such as ketamine and Happy Water, drug packaging equipment, gambling materials like chips, cards, dice, and baccarat and hi-lo tables, along with cash, bank account records, ATM cards, mobile phones, and CCTV data. A 33-year-old Chinese man was arrested on suspicion of possessing and selling ketamine for commercial purposes. Three Myanmar nationals, aged between 24 and 31, were also arrested for allegedly entering and staying in Thailand without permission. Investigators noted the hotel's unusually tight security. Car park guards reportedly alerted staff via radio upon customer arrivals, escorting them to a key-card-controlled lift. Customers then proceeded to the seventh and eighth floors via stairs, where access was granted by someone with a key. Even cleaning staff were allegedly prohibited from entering these areas. Authorities believe a Chinese grey-capital group rented the entire hotel to cater exclusively to Chinese clients, converting the seventh and eighth floors into gambling venues and drug party spaces, while the second to sixth floors served as accommodation. The operation reportedly included airport van transfers and a comprehensive range of services covering accommodation, gambling, drugs, and prostitution. The predominantly Chinese staff allowed the group to maintain tight control over access. Records indicate that immigration officers had previously raided the hotel in 2023, arresting 26 Chinese gamblers and 23 Thai nationals, and seizing gambling equipment. The hotel was subsequently closed for renovations before reopening with enhanced security. During questioning, the arrested Chinese suspect claimed he was merely a foreman responsible for delivering drugs as instructed, denying ownership of the drugs and cash found. The Myanmar suspects reportedly confessed to illegally entering Thailand for construction work. Suspects and evidence have been handed over to Rattanathibet Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities plan to expand the investigation to identify other individuals involved in the alleged Chinese grey-capital network.