Phuket Immigration confirmed the arrest was made at about 5:30pm on Saturday (Jan 17) at a condominium in Kathu, following a joint operation with Kathu Police and the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division.
The suspect was wanted under a warrant issued by the Lampang Provincial Court on charges of conspiracy to defraud the public and fraudulently inputting false or distorted data into a computer system in a manner likely to cause public damage.
Officers said the offences were linked to the use of so-called “mock accounts” used to withdraw money obtained from victims of online fraud, resulting in significant financial losses.
The operation was carried out under the direction of Phuket Immigration Chief Pol Col Khemachat Wattananapakasem, with the investigation team led by Phuket Immigration Deputy Superintendent Pol Lt Col Wisarut La-iad-ong, and Pol Maj Adisorn Boonchum, Inspector of Phuket Immigration Police.
Phuket Immigration said they received intelligence from Ngao Police Station in Lampang Province indicating that a foreign suspect wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant had fled south and was hiding in Phuket. Investigators were able to identify the suspect’s residence as a condominium in Kathu District.
Officers conducted surveillance at the location before moving in when the suspect appeared in the condominium parking area at about 5:30pm. Police identified themselves, took the man into custody and formally presented the Lampang Provincial Court arrest warrant.
During the arrest, officers seized more than 60 items, including electronic devices, mobile phones and electronic cards. Police believe the items were either obtained through criminal activity or used in the commission of the alleged offences. All seized items have been taken for further forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Phuket Immigration Police said the arrest forms part of the Immigration Bureau’s broader policy to prevent and suppress crimes committed by foreign nationals, particularly transnational crime networks. These include online fraud operations, call-centre scams, nominee business arrangements and other illegal activities that cause damage to the public.
Pol Col Khemachat confirmed that Phuket Immigration would continue to apply strict screening and enforcement measures against foreigners who pose a risk to public safety or national security.
“Phuket Immigration Police remain committed to proactive enforcement to ensure safety of life and property for Thai citizens and for foreign tourists who enter the country legally,” he said.
The suspect has been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. Additional charges may follow as the investigation expands.