China and Thailand Reinforce Joint Crackdown on Illegal Gambling and Transnational Crime
2026-07-21
China and Thailand have agreed to step up joint efforts against cross-border online gambling, telecom fraud, and money laundering, with Thai PM Anutin reaffirming his government’s opposition to casino legalization. The commitment follows concrete enforcement actions, including the arrest of a Chinese national linked to illegal gambling platforms.
China and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to combating illegal gambling and related transnational crimes, following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Shanghai on July 17.
The two leaders agreed to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and judicial agencies, including extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. A joint statement emphasized the need to defend the safety and security of citizens, targeting online scams, money laundering, and illegal gambling operations.
Strengthened Bilateral Commitment
The pledge marks a continuation of improved diplomatic ties between Beijing and Bangkok. According to the joint statement, both sides will increase cooperation to effectively tackle these challenges. China has long pressured Southeast Asian nations to curb gambling operations that target its citizens, linking such activities to broader criminal networks involving telecom fraud and money laundering.
Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to work with China in this effort, aligning with his government’s broader opposition to using casinos as an economic driver. During an earlier meeting with Xi in October 2025, Anutin stated that Thailand would neither legalize casinos nor use gambling to stimulate economic growth.
Anti-Casino Stance Reinforced
Thailand’s previous government under former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had approved an Entertainment Complex Bill in January 2025 that would have allowed casinos within large integrated resorts. However, the cabinet withdrew the proposal in July of that year following political turmoil and public opposition. Xi had warned that the casino plan could lead to social problems and increased crime, a concern that resonated with the subsequent policy reversal.
Anutin reassured Xi that his administration had no plans to pursue casino regulation, a move seen as improving bilateral relations and potentially reviving Chinese tourism to Thailand.
Enforcement Actions
In parallel with diplomatic commitments, Thai authorities have taken concrete enforcement steps. Earlier this year, police tracked down and arrested Bei Minsi, a Chinese national accused of being part of an illegal gambling network that served more than 330,000 Chinese players, generating turnover of 13 billion baht (approximately £300.9 million). Minsi is now being prepared for deportation to China.
China has also sought similar cooperation from other Southeast Asian nations. In April, Cambodia shut down 91 casinos accused of supporting online fraud, just days after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited and urged stronger action against cross-border gambling and online fraud.