The three women, named as Wang Jianlan, 31; Zhang Jingjing, 30; and Jiang Yuemei, 32; were presented to the press in Bangkok by Immigration Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn on Monday (Aug 29).
However, Gen Nathathorn reported that the three women were found in hiding in central Phuket and arrested a week earlier, on Monday, August 22. (See story here.)
The women had entered Thailand on tourist visas, Gen Nathathorn noted.
The three are wanted by Chinese authorities for their alleged involvement in a major tax fraud case, Gen Nathathorn said.
An investigation also found the trio were alleged members of a transnational crime gang that smuggled hazardous substances into several countries.
Phuket Immigration Chief Col Kantawat Pongsatabordee denied to comment at all about three Chinese women, who were arrested in his jurisdiction.
Pol Lt Col Archeep Jareonsanthisuk, Deputy Chief of Phuket Immigration, however, offered, “They were arrested in Phuket, but this case does not involve the Phuket Immigration Office – just Bangkok only.”