Bangkok: A 67-year-old Chinese man, who has been on the run for over 25 years by impersonating a Thai national and accumulating significant wealth through his business endeavors, has been arrested by the Police and Department of Provincial Administration. Authorities are now considering the seizure of nearly 100 million baht in assets and his deportation from Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, led a team to arrest Mr. Suchat, also known as Mr. Su San, a Chinese national who had been using a fraudulent Thai ID card to operate a full-service tour business in Pattaya. He was apprehended in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Mr. Su San, who originally fled a murder charge in China, had been living under the alias "Suchat Surachai" and had established a number of tourism-related businesses in Thailand.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Su San was wanted by Chinese authorities for a premeditated homicide committed in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, with an arrest warrant issued on January 9, 1990. After fleeing China, Mr. Su San initially entered Myanmar before crossing into Thailand. In 2001, he acquired a Karen national identity card in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, using the name "Suchat Surachai," which enabled him to run various businesses in Pattaya. His enterprises, including hotels and restaurants, reportedly have a combined registered capital exceeding 89 million baht.
During his time in Thailand, Mr. Su San married a local woman, Ms. Yunhua Ren, with whom he had twin children who hold Thai citizenship. The arrest was triggered when Mr. Su San applied for a visa to visit China, raising suspicions due to irregularities in his documentation. Chinese authorities, upon investigation, confirmed his true identity and past criminal record, prompting coordination with the Thai Ministry of Interior.
The Department of Provincial Administration instructed local law enforcement to issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Suchat Surachai, charging him with providing false information for identity documentation. He was captured at his residence on September 12, 2026. Authorities also seized valuable items from his property, including antiques, land deeds, and vehicles, collectively valued at nearly 90 million baht.
Mr. Narucha Khosasilvilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, announced plans to enforce the recently enacted Deportation Act of 2026 to address offenses committed by foreigners more stringently. A fact-finding committee has been formed to further investigate the matter. Pol. Gen. Samran assured that efforts to dismantle nominee networks and recover assets for Thailand will be pursued vigorously.