Police have arrested a 47-year-old British national in Chiang Mai who was wanted on theft charges and for overstaying his visa, authorities said. The suspect, identified only as Mr. James, was detained at a property on Kamphaeng Din Road in Hai Ya Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District.
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Officials said the arrest was carried out by officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), Subdivision 4, under the supervision of senior commanders. Authorities confirmed Mr. James was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court on February 10, 2026.
According to police, the warrant relates to a case involving alleged joint theft using a vehicle. Investigators also accused the suspect of remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired.
Police said the investigation followed cooperation between ATPD Subdivision 4, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and non-governmental organisations working under The Scientia Program. The joint effort focused on monitoring a Kik user suspected of involvement in distributing illegal sexual content involving children.
Authorities said intelligence suggested the user was living in Thailand. Further investigation reportedly linked the account to Mr. James. Officers also confirmed that the suspect matched the individual named in the Chiang Mai court warrant and was suspected of immigration violations.
Police later traced Mr. James to a building on Kamphaeng Din Road and obtained a search warrant from the Chiang Mai Provincial Court. When officers arrived at the property, the door was not immediately opened and police called for anyone inside to come out.
A woman eventually opened the door and confirmed that the foreign national officers were seeking was staying there. She then led officers to a room on the third floor of the building.
Police asked the occupant to identify himself and Mr. James came out and confirmed he was staying in the room. Officers showed him both the search warrant and the arrest warrant before informing him of the allegations and placing him under arrest.
Authorities said several items were seized during the search as evidence, including a mobile phone that allegedly contained obscene files. Investigators also reported that digital, obscene material was discovered at the property during the search.
Mr. James and the seized evidence were later transferred to investigators at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station for further legal proceedings. Police said the case remains under investigation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine the digital evidence seized during the search and determine whether additional charges may be filed. Officials have not released further details about the case at this stage.
Pictures courtesy of CIB
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Adapted by ASEAN Now CIB 13 Mar 2026
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