Thai immigration police have arrested a 20-year-old Israeli national wanted in his home country on fraud and document forgery charges, as authorities prepare to deport him to face legal proceedings in Israel. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place at around 3.30pm on 10 June 2026 after officers from the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division tracked down Niki Soko, whose visa had been revoked following a request from Israeli authorities. According to officials, he is the subject of an Israeli arrest warrant for fraud and document forgery offences and has also been the subject of an Interpol Green Notice, identifying him as a person who may pose a threat to public safety and could reoffend. The operation was carried out under the direction of senior Immigration Bureau commanders, including Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau; Pol Maj Gen Pratchaya Prasansuk, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau; Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau; and Pol Maj Gen Phanop Worathanatchakul, Commander of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division. The Israeli Public Security Office had formally requested cooperation from Thai authorities to locate and deport Niki Soko to face prosecution in Israel. Investigators found that Soko had entered Thailand legally and that his permission to remain in the country had not yet expired. However, following a review, the commander of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division approved the revocation of his visa and ordered officers to locate him. Police later learned that Soko had travelled to Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province with his Ukrainian girlfriend before returning to Bangkok. Officers traced him to a condominium in the Phetkasem area of Phasi Charoen district and later discovered he had visited IT Square to submit an application for an extension of stay in Thailand. Immigration investigators coordinated with officers from Immigration Division 1 and located him inside IT Square. He was informed of the visa revocation, taken into custody and transferred to investigators for processing ahead of deportation proceedings. The case forms part of the Immigration Bureau’s “Three No’s” policy - “No Entry, No Stay, No Escape” - aimed at preventing foreign nationals involved in criminal activity from using Thailand as a base of operations. Thaitabloid reported that authorities said they continue to intensify inspections and enforcement against foreign nationals who violate Thai laws or are wanted by authorities overseas. Further deportation procedures are now expected to follow, with Thai authorities preparing to return Soko to Israel for legal action. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 11 June 2026
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