Three foreign nationals were arrested at Phuket International Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle 38 mobile phones into Thailand without paying import tax.
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Customs officers at Phuket Airport arrested the suspects on 28 May inside the international arrivals terminal at Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao, Thalang district, Phuket. The operation was carried out by officers from the Phuket Airport Customs Office after suspicious items were detected inside the group’s luggage.
The suspects were identified as Okunju Faizullayev, 35, from Uzbekistan, Nodir Atabekov, 24, from Uzbekistan, and Bekruz Mukhtorov, 20, from Kazakhstan. Officers seized a total of 38 smartphones discovered during a detailed inspection of three suitcases belonging to the group.
Authorities said the incident began at around 10am when the suspects walked through the “Nothing to Declare” customs channel on the first floor of the international arrivals terminal. Customs staff became suspicious after screening the luggage and conducted a more thorough search.
During the inspection, officers found dozens of foreign-made smartphones concealed inside the bags. All three suspects admitted the luggage belonged to them, according to officials involved in the arrest.
The group was charged with illegally bringing goods into the kingdom without paying customs duties and with importing items that had not been properly cleared through customs procedures. The charges also cover goods classified as restricted or prohibited under customs regulations.
The suspects and the seized phones were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal action. Authorities have not yet disclosed the estimated value of the confiscated devices or whether the phones were intended for resale inside Thailand.
The Daily News reported that the case highlights continuing efforts by Thai customs authorities to monitor international arrivals for undeclared goods and tax evasion. Phuket International Airport remains one of Thailand’s busiest gateways for foreign travellers.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 30 May 2026