Thai immigration police have arrested a 33-year-old South Korean former football coach who was allegedly on the run from a fraud case in Korea.
The man, identified only as Lee, was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Northern District Court. Immigration Bureau commissioner Lieutenant General Noppasin Poonsawat announced the arrest on 1 October.
Police said Lee was accused of deceiving six people by claiming he could secure them places at leading football clubs in South Korea. Each alleged victim reportedly lost 250,000 baht.
Wanted since leaving South Korea
According to immigration police, Lee fled to Thailand after the alleged offences in South Korea and entered the country illegally, as there was no immigration record of his entry.
Officers said subsequent checks and investigation indicated he may also have used similar methods to deceive football clubs in Thailand. Investigators are now seeking to establish the extent of any alleged activity in the country and whether other people were involved.
The case is being handled by Immigration Division 3, with senior immigration officers involved in the operation.
Thai authorities did not disclosed the exact location where Lee was arrested, but stated it was in Chonburi province. Authorities also gave no further information on whether any Thai football clubs have so far been identified as alleged victims.
Immigration crackdown continues
Lieutenant General Noppasin said the Immigration Bureau would continue measures intended to protect national security under government and Royal Thai Police policy.
He said the bureau was strengthening action against illegal foreign business networks and the use of Thai nominees to hold land or run businesses on behalf of foreigners. Investigations include scrutiny of company structures, financial flows and beneficial owners.
The Immigration Bureau says its wider enforcement strategy combines proactive security work, intelligence-led operations, dismantling networks and providing international-standard services for travellers and investors entering Thailand lawfully.
Picture courtesy of Matichon
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2 October 2026
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