Tourist Police on patrol on Bangla Rd made the arrest yesterday (Mar 30).
Police confirmed the suspect, a 27-year-old French man (not named by police), was flagged by an AI-powered facial recognition system installed in a mobile patrol vehicle.
The system is linked to a database of foreign nationals with expired visas, allowing officers to detect overstayers in real time, Phuket Tourist Police explained.
Following the alert, officers moved in and apprehended the man.
The Frenchman has been charged with remaining in the Kingdom beyond the permitted period and was handed over to investigators at Patong Police Station for legal proceedings and deportation, Tourist Police confirmed.
Tourist Police Division 2 Superintendent Pol Col Naraphon Wattanakornthavee said the use of AI and mobile facial recognition cameras represents a major upgrade in security operations, particularly in high-density tourist areas.
He said the technology enables officers to quickly and accurately screen individuals, enhancing enforcement efficiency while helping maintain safety and confidence among visitors to Phuket.
The case is being highlighted by authorities as a demonstration of how modern technology is being used to strengthen law enforcement capabilities in key tourist zones such as Bangla Rd.