A former FBI agent who spent a decade based in Thailand says lax visitor entry and law enforcement, combined with the country's appeal as a place to live, have made it attractive to international fugitives.
John Schachnovsky makes the argument in "Beyond the Badge", a memoir published in December 2025 covering his 10 years in Thailand from 2008 to 2019. One section is titled, "Why do fugitives go to Thailand", and answers: "Lax visitor entry and law enforcement," as well as Thailand being openly marketed as an attractive destination.
The book has emerged as Thailand revamps visitor visas and tightens action against nominee companies. The government has presented those measures as part of an effort to balance tourism's benefits against national-security concerns.
Cross-border cases and extradition
Schachnovsky writes that the FBI is commonly asked to assist in international fugitive cases because it has funding to return wanted people home and maintains offices worldwide. The US Marshals Service also has such funds, he says, but the FBI's global presence gives it wider resources for overseas cases.
His account describes cooperation between the FBI and Thai, regional and international agencies pursuing suspects accused of murder, terrorism, drug running, scams, child sexual offences, human trafficking, organised crime, counterfeiting and cybercrime fraud.
He says fugitives from the United States, Russia, China, Europe, Israel and India may believe they can avoid justice in Thailand. Pattaya and Phuket are both mentioned several times as places where suspects had become established.
The former agent was involved in several high-profile investigations during his Thailand posting, including Hollywood actor David Carradine's death by suicide in June 2009, the attempted assassination of Israeli diplomats in February 2012, and the August 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing. After retiring, he was also brought in to assist the investigation into the July 2024 poisoning at the Grand Hyatt Erawan.
Thai cooperation is central
Schachnovsky portrays the Royal Thai Police as committed professionals while acknowledging weaknesses within the system. He stresses that effective cooperation depends on understanding Thai culture, avoiding loss of face, building personal relationships, learning the language and, at times, the camaraderie developed over drinks.
The book describes how investigations can take years, particularly where international banking, financial systems and white-collar crime are involved. Arresting and extraditing a suspect can be more difficult still, with differing legal and regulatory systems across countries.
He also writes that criminal networks operate across borders and can relocate when one country becomes more restrictive. Laos and Myanmar can present particular challenges, he says, describing Myanmar as being under military government.
For foreign residents and visitors, the message is not that ordinary travellers are under suspicion, but that Thailand's visa and business-rule changes form part of a wider push against misuse of the country by criminal networks. Those living or investing here should ensure their visa status and company arrangements comply with Thai rules.
From investigator to educator
Schachnovsky says his work often ran from 0700 until late at night, putting pressure on private life. His wife is a former Drug Enforcement Agency operative, while his son began to understand his work after watching films featuring FBI agents.
Now a security consultant with a major company, he gives talks at universities and schools on avoiding risky behaviour, including drug use and underage drinking. The 200-page book is written as a personal diary and offers a human perspective on cases more commonly seen in news reports.
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19 July 2026
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