Two Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly tricking their countryman into buying an antique cup before shooting him.

The alleged gangsters - female Li Min, 37, and male Wang Yu - reportedly lured another Chinese ex-pat Wang Xiaoye, 54, into their home so they could sell to him a valuable tea cup in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, on July 5.

However, the antique sellers had an argument with their buyer during the transaction before Wang Yu allegedly pulled out a gun on Wang Xiaoye and shot him in the buttocks.

The injured Chinese then fled the property by jumping into the Ping river and swimming across before calling for help.

Police Major General Worapong Khamlue said: ‘We are coordinating the matter with the immigration and other relevant agencies to begin the due process.'

The injured Wang Xiaoye was taken to the Rajavej Chiang Mai Hospital where his gunshot wound was treated. He then led police to the house of the two gang members from China but they were gone.

Police later tracked them down hiding at a property in Chiang Rai province and took them to Mae Ping Police Station where they would be remanded in custody during the investigations.

They were charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.