PHUKET, Thailand – Immigration police have arrested a Belgian national in Phuket who was wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice after allegedly fleeing to Thailand to avoid prosecution in Belgium.
The Special Crime Operations Division of the Immigration Bureau, together with Phuket Immigration Office, detained the suspect, identified as Mr. R, outside a condominium room in Patong, Kathu district, on July 19.
The arrest followed a request from Belgian authorities seeking assistance in locating the suspect, who was listed under an INTERPOL Red Notice. He was wanted in connection with serious allegations including attempted murder as an accomplice, illegal possession and carrying of firearms, and alleged involvement as a leader of a criminal organization linked to planned killings. Immigration investigators traced the suspect’s travel and accommodation records after receiving information from Belgian authorities. Officers discovered that he had been staying at a condominium in Patong and monitored the location before making the arrest.
When officers approached him outside the room, they checked his passport details and confirmed his identity matched the INTERPOL notice. Authorities then revoked his permission to remain in Thailand and took him into custody for further legal procedures. Records showed that the suspect entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport on May 21 and had permission to stay until August 18. However, immigration officials said his status as a person wanted under an international arrest notice made him subject to removal procedures under Thailand’s Immigration Act.
Immigration authorities said legal procedures are underway to return the suspect to his home country. Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak said Thailand continues to cooperate with domestic and international security agencies to track down individuals wanted on international arrest warrants, stressing that the country will not be a safe haven for fugitives or transnational criminals.
