Laos has deported 41 Thai nationals suspected of involvement in online gambling operations, following their detention in Vientiane. Local reports indicate that law enforcement apprehended the group before escorting them to the Thai border town of Nong Khai on August 10.
Thai authorities have identified these individuals as administrators for three online gambling websites, where they reportedly worked 12-hour shifts, receiving pay that varied from daily rates to monthly salaries based on the platform.
According to investigations, the deportees had previously been employed in Cambodia but opted to move to Laos due to disruptions caused by violent incidents along the Thai-Cambodian border that affected both their work and travel plans.
This deportation aligns with broader regional initiatives aimed at combating illegal gambling and telecommunications fraud. In July, state media disclosed that a significant police operation in Vientiane led to the arrest of 589 individuals linked to a network involved in online gambling and telecom fraud.
Earlier repatriations in 2026 included 307 Thai nationals in May and another 20 in July, all believed to be engaged in illicit gambling or scams. Laos authorities characterized these deportations as part of their strategy to dismantle major online gambling and telecom fraud operations, with suspects being sent back to Thailand for further legal action.
The crackdown on illegal gambling has intensified throughout Southeast Asia. In April, Thai police arrested a man known as Pei Min Si, described as a prominent figure in Myanmar’s online gaming ecosystem. Reports suggest that his network was managing operations across more than 239 platforms, with over 330,000 active members from 31 Chinese provinces.
China prohibits online gambling and restricts land-based gaming to Macau. Thailand has also been firm in its stance against gambling. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that his government does not support the establishment of legal casinos and will not revive dormant gaming legislation during his tenure.
