The suspect, identified only as ‘Mr Fezal’, 46, was apprehended at a residence in Rawai yesterday (Mar 12) following a request for cooperation from the French Embassy in Thailand through the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police.
Phuket Immigration officers launched an investigation after being alerted that the fugitive had fled France and was believed to be hiding in Phuket.
The arrest was carried out by a team led by Pol Lt Col Adisorn Boonchum, an inspector with Phuket Immigration Police, together with Pol Lt Theerapol Nitichat, a deputy inspector.
According to Phuket Immigration, Fezal is wanted under an arrest warrant issued in France and an Interpol Red Notice for attempted murder with a weapon. The case stems from a violent altercation in France during which a firearm was used, leaving a victim injured. Authorities believe Fezal was the gunman before fleeing the country.
Following the request from French authorities, the case was forwarded to Immigration Division 6 for action. Officers subsequently located the suspect at a residence in Rawai.
Immigration officers approached the property and found a man matching the description of the wanted suspect. After identifying themselves, they questioned the man, who admitted he was Fezal and confirmed he was the person named in the arrest warrant.
A check of immigration records showed Fezal had last entered Thailand on Jan 23, 2026 under a visa exemption scheme, with his permit to stay due to expire on Mar 23.
Authorities then moved to revoke his permission to stay in the Kingdom under the Immigration Act, citing the outstanding international arrest warrant.
Fezal was taken to the Phuket Immigration Office, where officials informed him of the visa revocation through a translator before placing him in custody for further legal proceedings.
Officials said the case will proceed in accordance with Thai law and relevant international procedures regarding the handling of foreign fugitives wanted in other countries.