A Chinese national has been arrested in Chiang Mai in connection with the murder of another Chinese citizen, whose body was found in a forested area after a failed ransom attempt. The incident, which unfolded over the past week, has raised fresh concerns over transnational criminal activity involving Chinese gangs operating in the region.
The victim, identified as Yang, 24, was discovered on July 14, 2025, near Ban Pa Heo Village in Mae Raem Subdistrict, Mae Rim District. Yang had been reported missing on July 8 after his family received a ransom demand for 3 million baht. The body was found wrapped in black bags and bedsheets, concealed with plastic sheeting. Authorities believe he was murdered after refusing to comply with the kidnappers’ demands.
Investigators found that Yang had entered Thailand through the Chiang Saen border checkpoint in Chiang Rai after leaving the Kings Romans Special Economic Zone in Laos. He was accompanied by another Chinese national, Hu, who later told police he was also kidnapped and held for ransom by the same group.
Hu claimed he was coerced into luring Yang to Chiang Mai under the pretense of discussing business related to online scams. After traveling by taxi to Chiang Mai, the group met at a rented house in San Phak Wan Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, where Hu said he was tied up and threatened. He eventually transferred 1.5 million baht to secure his release. According to Hu, Yang was killed in a separate room after refusing to cooperate.
On July 10, police located Hu at a hotel in Chiang Mai. He was detained on immigration charges for entering and staying in the country without permission and was taken for further questioning.
Police arrested one suspect, identified as Sang, at a market in Hang Dong District on July 11. A search of the rented property revealed significant bloodstains in both the bedroom and garage. Sang claimed another accomplice, Wang, was responsible for the killing. Wang remains at large, and a manhunt is ongoing.
Police are awaiting autopsy results to confirm Yang’s identity and establish the cause of death. The case remains under investigation and has underscored persistent issues linked to cross-border organized crime in northern Thailand.
Senior police officials, including the Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, Major General Krittapon Yeesakorn, and officers from Mae Rim Police Station, are overseeing the investigation.
