Bangkok/Pattaya, May 24th, 2026
In a high-profile operation showing Thailand’s crackdown on transnational crime, investigators from the Immigration Bureau’s Division 3 mobilized forces to arrest two foreign fugitives wanted by their respective governments on the same day, May 23rd, 2026, including a drug trafficking suspect from France hiding in Pattaya.
Pol Col. Priya Klin-ksorn, Deputy Commander of Immigration Bureau 3 and its spokesperson, announced the results of the coordinated raids.
Operation 1: Arrest of Chinese Fugitive in Bangkok
The first operation happened around midday in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. Acting on intelligence, officers located Mr. Wang (pseudonym), a 31-year-old Chinese national wanted by authorities in Nanjing, China, on charges of “joint theft” or related property crimes.
The suspect had entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport on a Non-Immigrant Visa. He was hiding in a hotel in the area. Officers moved in quickly, confirmed his identity against the Chinese warrant through passport and biometric checks, and took him into custody without incident.
Operation 2: Arrest of French Drug Trafficking Suspect in Pattaya
Later the same afternoon, a second team struck in Pattaya, Chonburi province. They arrested Mr. Martin, a 42-year-old French national, who was wanted by French police on serious drug-related charges. These included smuggling, possession, offering for sale, and distribution of narcotics without authorization.
According to the French warrant, the suspect was involved in importing drugs from Belgium and exporting them to the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, and Italy. He also faced charges of conspiracy to commit offenses punishable by at least 10 years’ imprisonment. He had similarly entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport on a Non-Immigrant Visa and was hiding in a condominium in central Pattaya.
Officers confirmed his identity and detained him before he could flee.
Legal Proceedings and Deportation
Following the arrests, both men were taken to the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3. The Commander of Immigration Bureau 3 exercised authority under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), Section 12(7), to revoke their permission to stay in the Kingdom, classifying them as prohibited persons due to active international arrest warrants and posing a threat to society.
Interpreters (Chinese and French) were provided, rights were explained, and appeal procedures were outlined. Both suspects were then transferred to the relevant unit at the Immigration Bureau for further processing, deportation, and handover to Chinese and French authorities, respectively.
