CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Authorities have issued a warning about the dangers of dating apps after police in Chiang Mai arrested a 31-year-old Chinese man at the airport. The suspect allegedly used a dating app to lure victims to hotels before robbing them and fleeing. Investigations revealed he had committed similar crimes across multiple countries in Asia.
Arrest at Chiang Mai Airport
A joint task force from Chiang Mai City Police Station and Immigration Police at Chiang Mai Airport arrested Zhou Kaiyuan, a 31-year-old Chinese national, as he was attempting to board a flight to Bangkok. He was taken into custody for questioning at the Chiang Mai City Police Station.
The suspect had targeted two tourists in Chiang Mai. The first victim, a 49-year-old Chinese man, lost 29,000 baht in cash, two credit cards, a passport, and a mobile phone. The second victim, a Northern Irish man, was robbed of 2,000 baht in cash, one credit card, and a laptop. After committing the thefts, Zhou fled the hotels on foot.
A Serial Offender Across Asia
During questioning, Zhou admitted to committing two thefts in Chiang Mai and was planning to continue his crime spree in Bangkok. His modus operandi involved using a dating app to target men with similar sexual preferences. He would gain their trust by inviting them to popular tourist spots before suggesting they continue the night at the victim’s hotel room. Once the victim was distracted, such as going to the bathroom, he would steal their belongings and flee.
Investigations revealed that Zhou had committed similar offenses in multiple Asian countries, including Taiwan and Hong Kong. In China, societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals often discourage open expression, which may have led him to travel and commit these crimes abroad. His latest crimes in Chiang Mai took place on March 16 and 18, targeting both a fellow Chinese national and the Northern Irish tourist.
Impact on Tourism and Legal Proceedings
Authorities are concerned that such incidents could harm Chiang Mai’s reputation as a tourist destination. Given that the victims were foreign tourists, police prioritized the investigation, using security camera footage to track Zhou’s movements. He was arrested while attempting to leave Chiang Mai.
Zhou has been charged with nighttime theft and will be brought before the court for further legal proceedings on March 21.
Cyber Police Warn Against Dating App Scams
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has warned the public about the increasing presence of scammers on dating apps. Fraudsters often use fake profiles to lure victims into scams, including romance fraud and financial deception.
Romance scams typically involve scammers gaining the trust of victims before manipulating them into making financial investments. They may introduce victims to fake investment groups on messaging platforms, gradually convincing them to invest money until they lose everything.
For individual scammers like Zhou, the goal may be direct theft or coercion through in-person meetings arranged via dating apps. These scams have evolved from traditional online romance frauds into more sophisticated schemes.
Statistics and Warning Signs
Between March 2022 and March 2025, Thai cyber police recorded 1,415 cases of dating app-related fraud, with financial losses exceeding 350 million baht.
Authorities provided tips to help users identify potential scammers:
Too Good to Be True Profiles: Scammers often create highly attractive profiles, claiming to be from wealthy or prestigious backgrounds.
Requests for Money: They may invent urgent financial crises, inheritance issues, or pretend to send expensive gifts that require victims to pay customs fees.
Inconsistent Social Media Presence: Fake profiles often have minimal activity, few friends, or suspiciously polished photos.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never share credit card details, ATM numbers, or personal identification with strangers online.
Be Cautious with Private Photos: Scammers may misuse personal images for blackmail or fraudulent activities.
Authorities urge dating app users to verify new connections thoroughly and remain cautious of individuals who seem too eager to establish trust. Many scammers are highly skilled at hiding their true intentions, making vigilance essential.
