Cover image via Thairath
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A 33-year-old Chinese national is facing a permanent entry ban to Thailand after authorities discovered he had fabricated a dramatic robbery story in an attempt to secure an insurance payout
The suspect, identified as Xiao, allegedly filed a report with the Chiang Mai City Police on 18 March, claiming he had been targeted by two unidentified men on a motorcycle.
According to Thairath, he claimed the incident occurred at about 11.40pm the previous night on Kamphaeng Din Road, a popular area near the city's Night Bazaar.
According to Xiao, the assailants snatched his brown shoulder bag while he was walking towards the Kad Kom area
The bag purportedly contained high-value items, including a Sony A7M4 camera, a 2024 iPad Pro, designer clothing from Ralph Lauren and Zegna, and a DJI wireless microphone.
He also claimed he lost about 5,000 baht (RM615) and 3,500 yuan (RM2,055) in cash.
However, a review of local CCTV footage by investigators told a completely different story.
Police reviewed all available footage along the alleged escape route and alleyways Xiao mentioned
No suspicious activity, motorcycle chases, or signs of a struggle were detected. Investigators also said Xiao became unreachable shortly after pointing out the crime scene to officers, as reported by HK01.
When police tracked him to his hotel, staff said he had left in a private car without formally checking out.
By 6.30pm on the same day, immigration records confirmed that Xiao had departed Thailand from Chiang Mai Airport bound for Hong Kong
Ironically, he presented the very Chinese passport he had reported as "stolen" earlier that morning.
Authorities now believe the report was a premeditated attempt to obtain official police documentation to support a travel insurance claim for lost property.
Chiang Mai City Police have since coordinated with the Chinese consulate and immigration officials to blacklist the individual, ensuring he cannot return to the country.
Under Thailand's Computer Crimes Act, individuals found spreading false information that impacts public safety or causes alarm can face up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht (RM12,300)
Authorities stressed that hospitality should not be exploited for personal benefit, especially as the region works to maintain its reputation as a safe destination for international travellers.
