Chinese fugitive held after 25 years as Thai citizen

Thai police and administration officials have arrested a Chinese man wanted on an Interpol red notice, alleging he spent more than three decades in Thailand, even improperly obtaining Thai nationality and an identity card.

The suspect, named as Suchat Surachai, also known as Mr Zhu Zhishan, was arrested at a house in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, on 13 September. He was taken to Bang Lamung Police Station for further legal action.

Police said the operation was ordered by Pol Gen Samran Nuanma, deputy national police chief, and led by Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, attached to the Office of the National Police Chief, alongside police, administrative officers and the DOPA N.I.C.E. registration-security unit.

China seeks extradition

According to Pol Gen Samran, Chinese authorities contacted Thailand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking checks and extradition proceedings for Mr Zhu, who is wanted in connection with an alleged intentional assault and death, in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on 19 January 1990.

Authorities said he subsequently fled China and is believed to had entered Thailand, about 36 years ago. The current investigation suggested the Interpol red notice for Mr Zhu, for murder, could be the same person as Suchat Surachai, who had acquired Thai citizenship unlawfully and held a Thai passport.

Police said a Pattaya Provincial Court arrest warrant, number 509/2569, had also been issued. The Office of the National Police will consider China's extradition request under the relevant legal procedures.

Thai nationality revoked

The Department of Provincial Administration said its retrospective checks found that Suchat had been entered into the Thai nationality system improperly through a highland population status-registration process in Phop Phra district, Tak province.

He received his first Thai identity card on 1 November 2001, officials said. The department has since revoked the nationality entry and associated registration records, and filed a complaint for legal proceedings.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly told officers that obtaining the Thai identity card in Phop Phra had cost about 50,000 baht. Investigators will examine who received the money, whether any officials or other people were involved, and whether similar arrangements were used for others.

Property and businesses under review

After obtaining Thai status, the suspect allegedly lived and worked in Thailand, initially as a guide and in tourism businesses before settling in Pattaya. Police said he has a Chinese wife and twin children.

Investigators found links to several companies and said he held 17 plots of property in Bang Lamung worth more than 100 million baht, as well as several cars and motorcycles. Officials will now examine how the assets were acquired and their legal status.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Join the discussion?

14 September 2026