A French national, Faisal, aged 46, has been arrested in Phuket, Thailand, on charges of attempted murder in France. The arrest follows a directive by senior Thai immigration officials to target foreign nationals evading criminal charges abroad and those attempting transnational crimes. Coordination between the French Embassy in Thailand and the Royal Thai Police was crucial in locating and detaining Faisal.
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Faisal was apprehended in the Rawai subdistrict, Muang district of Phuket. The arrest was part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal activities involving foreign individuals. The request for assistance came after Faisal was identified as the subject of a French arrest warrant and an Interpol red notice for attempted murder involving a firearm.
The criminal case against Faisal originates from an altercation in France that escalated into gunfire, injuring another individual. Authorities in France suspect Faisal as the gunman. Following the incident, Faisal fled to Thailand, prompting Thai officials to revoke his permission to stay and track his whereabouts.
Once his residence was identified, immigration officers moved quickly to arrest Faisal, who confirmed his identity and the charges against him. Records indicate that he entered Thailand on 23 January 2026 on a visa-exemption scheme valid until 23 March 2026. He is currently in Phuket Immigration custody, awaiting further legal proceedings and potential deportation to France, reported Khaosod.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 13 Mar 2026