Nineteen Indian tourists were arrested for allegedly running an illegal online sales website in Pattaya.

The gang were detained at a rented luxury villa in the Thai 'Sin City', on December 12.

Officers launched an investigation following reports about 'suspicious behaviour' from the group of holidaymakers seen streaming through the property.

Cops swept into the villa, which was converted into a makeshift office. They found the men huddled around computers.

Some reportedly tried to flee when authorities arrived but all were caught.

Police also seized 27 computers, 19 mobile phones and internet equipment.

Officials said the gang had entered Thailand on tourist visas. They added that the suspected ringleader was an Indian national, identified only as 'Manit', 40, who lives in Dubai.

Manit was said to have sent his second-in-command to establish a base in Pattaya.

The tourists were charged with working in Thailand without a permit, while nine face additional overstaying charges, police said.

Police Major Kittiphat Hongchuwet of the Chonburi Immigration Police said: 'We handed them and the seized items to the inquiry officer at Nongprue Police Station for further legal action and to proceed with visa revocation and deportation.'