Police confirmed that Liu Hongbo, 56, was taken into custody yesterday (Dec 23) following a request for assistance from Chinese authorities, who reported that he was wanted in connection with a major case involving a mine flood that reportedly killed dozens of people in China.
Officers from the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division and Immigration Bureau Region 1 received a tip-off about a suspicious Chinese national seeking medical treatment at a well-known hospital in the downtown area. Officers moved in and detained Liu at the facility.
Checks found that Mr Liu had overstayed his visa by 113 days.
Further investigation revealed that Liu was the former owner of a gold mine in China and had fled the country with his wife following the fatal mine incident. Phuket officers later traced both to the island, where Liu was subsequently arrested.
Police initially charged Liu with “being a foreigner residing in the Kingdom after the permitted stay had expired”. He was taken to Wichit Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities confirmed that after proceedings in Thailand are concluded, Liu will be deported to China to face legal action there.