BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Immigration Police have arrested a 57-year-old German national accused of defacing public property across Koh Phangan by spray-painting slogans on roads, signs, and public infrastructure, causing damage in key tourist areas.
The case drew widespread public attention after images circulated on social media on 3 February 2026, showing a foreign man spray-painting English-language messages such as “FREE GAZA,” “LIBRE,” and “GAZA” on lampposts, kilometer markers, road surfaces, rubbish bins, and traffic signs. The affected sites are considered public property, prompting relevant government agencies to file official complaints seeking legal action.
On 4 February, Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, together with Pol. Col. Surasak Surinkaew, spokesperson for the Immigration Intelligence Division, confirmed the arrest of Mr. Tom Heine, 57, a German citizen. He was detained at a hotel near the Sao Chingcha area in Bangkok.
The arrest followed direct orders from Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, instructing immigration officers in Surat Thani province and investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station to urgently track down the suspect. Using facial recognition and identity analysis systems, investigators identified Mr. Heine, obtained an arrest warrant, and confirmed that he had already left Koh Phangan for Bangkok.
Immigration intelligence officers coordinated surveillance and successfully located the suspect’s hiding place before making the arrest. Mr. Heine was charged with damaging, destroying, or rendering unusable public property, and with illegally writing or spray-painting on walls, lampposts, or public structures. He was transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities also reiterated a broader policy concerning foreign tourists whose behavior disrupts public order or negatively affects local communities in tourist destinations. Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak have instructed immigration offices in major tourist areas such as Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket to work closely with local authorities and community representatives to receive complaints regarding foreign visitors’ conduct.
Such cases may be reviewed by the Immigration Bureau, with recommendations made to revoke visas under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). In Mr. Heine’s case, officials confirmed that a formal meeting will be held on Friday, 6 February, to consider visa revocation and further immigration action. (TNA)
