Belgian Interpol suspect held at Patong condo

Thai immigration police have arrested a Belgian national wanted on an Interpol Red Notice at a condominium in Patong, Phuket, after Belgian authorities sought assistance to locate him.

The man, identified by police only as Mr Reid, was detained outside his room at the condo in Patong, Kathu district, on 18 July. He had entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport on 21 May and had permission to remain until 18 August.

Red Notice linked to serious Belgian allegations

Belgium had asked Thailand's Immigration Bureau to trace Mr Reid, who is accused of attempted murder as a joint offender, carrying and possessing firearms, and membership of a criminal organisation as a leader allegedly planning murders.

Investigators from the Immigration Bureau's Special Crime Operations Division and Phuket Immigration checked his travel and accommodation records before locating him at the Patong condominium. Officers kept the property under observation and approached him when he appeared outside his room.

Police said they identified themselves, checked his passport and confirmed that he was the person named in the Interpol Red Notice.

A Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a person sought by another country. It is not itself a finding of guilt.

Permission to stay revoked

Immigration officers revoked Mr Reid's permission to stay in Thailand under Sections 12 and 36 of the Immigration Act 1979. Section 12 concerns prohibited persons, while Section 36 allows authorities to withdraw permission to remain in the kingdom in certain circumstances.

He is being held for legal proceedings and eventual removal to his country of origin, according to the Immigration Bureau.

Pol Lt Gen Phanumas said the bureau would continue working with domestic and international security agencies to pursue people wanted under international notices and warrants.

Thailand, he said, would not be a hiding place for fugitives or transnational criminals, and officials would act firmly against foreign nationals considered a threat to national security or public order.

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

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20 July 2026