Police busted a Chinese gang running an illegal real estate agency in Thailand.

The suspects - five Chinese nationals and an undocumented individual - reportedly worked as property brokers despite lacking valid working permits. They earned commissions by renting out or selling properties in crime-ridden Pattaya.

Tourist police acting on arrest warrants detained the gang in their office opposite a mall in the Bang Lamung district on December 16.

The suspects were identified by officers as Liang Yuting, Su Zhixiang, Xi Sansan, Ting Tengyun and Zhang Zhikang, and 'stateless' worker Supachai Saeliao.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn of the Tourist Police said: 'The raid is part of our crackdown on foreigners who illegally enter Thailand to work.

'As for this group of Chinese people, the Tourist Police have been monitoring their behaviour for some time. They secretly work as real estate agents, offering to sell and rent out houses, condominiums, and land in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province and nearby areas to Chinese clients via social media.'

Some of the properties were found to have been used as scam hubs for Chinese call centre gangs in Thailand.

The suspects were charged for working without valid permits and illegally entering the country. They were handed over to the inquiry officer at the Nong Prue District Police Station for further legal action.

The case comes amid a crackdown on Chinese-run crime gangs in Thailand.