Report Dutch Expat Arrested in Phuket for Alleged Fraud in Crime Crackdown

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of สวพ.FM91

 

A Dutch expatriate has been arrested in Phuket, accused of defrauding a German woman of hundreds of thousands of baht. This arrest is part of a nationwide crime crackdown initiated by the Royal Thai Police (RTP).

 

The 65-year-old suspect, wanted under a Phuket Provincial Court warrant for fraud, was apprehended by Tourist Police in the Pa Klok area of Thalang district. His arrest follows a tip-off about his whereabouts.

 

According to Tourist Police Division 3, the suspect had been avoiding arrest since the warrant was issued on 9th July 2024. He was caught on 17th June during an operation targeting fugitives wanted for serious charges, including firearms, ammunition, and fraud.

 

This operation is part of a broader RTP campaign, running from 14th to 20th June, to tackle crime and apprehend fugitives across Thailand.

 

Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, instructed all units to act decisively. In Phuket, Police Major General Phopphon Chakkaphak and Police Colonel Naraphon Wattanakaratwi coordinated the efforts, with Police Lieutenant Colonel Pitiya Thepmuang leading the arrest team.

 

The case began when a German woman reported being swindled by the Dutch national, who allegedly also runs a restaurant in Patong. She claimed he deceived her into handing over approximately 350,000 baht, leading her to pursue legal action.

 

Acting on an informant’s tip, officers discreetly investigated before arresting the man without incident. Following his detention, he was taken to Phuket Provincial Court for further proceedings.

 

This arrest marks a significant success for the nationwide crackdown, underscoring that foreign suspects cannot escape justice in Thailand. The police continue to encourage the public, including expats and tourists, to report any suspicious activity to help maintain safety and order in tourist hotspots like Phuket.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-18