Thai immigration police arrested a 42-year-old French national in Pattaya on May 23, 2026, following an international arrest warrant linked to alleged transnational drug trafficking across six European countries. Authorities said the suspect was detained during a targeted operation by Immigration Bureau Division 3 investigators at a condominium in central Pattaya, Chonburi province.

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Pol Col Parinya Klinkesorn, deputy commander and spokesperson for Immigration Bureau Division 3, said the operation was conducted under the direction of Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, together with senior officers Pol Col Decho Sosuwannakul, Pol Col Chinawut Tangwonglert and Pol Col Suriya Puangsombat.

Investigators from the bureau’s intelligence unit, led by Pol Lt Col Ithithorn Prasertsak, launched coordinated operations in multiple locations on the same day to track international fugitives wanted by foreign authorities.

Police identified the suspect only as Mr. Martin, a 42-year-old French citizen wanted by French authorities on serious narcotics charges. According to investigators, the allegations included smuggling, possession, offering drugs for sale and distributing narcotics without authorisation.

Authorities said the suspect was accused of importing drugs from Belgium and exporting them to the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany and Italy. He also faced conspiracy charges linked to offences carrying prison terms of at least 10 years under French law.

Investigators received intelligence that the suspect had been hiding inside a condominium in Pattaya after entering Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport under a 60-day visa exemption. Officers moved into the area immediately and detained him before he could leave the property.

Police said checks on the suspect’s passport and biometric records confirmed a complete match with warrant information issued by French authorities.

Immigration Bureau Division 3 later revoked the suspect’s permission to remain in Thailand under the Immigration Act BE 2522. Authorities said the revocation was approved because the suspect fell under Section 12(7) of the law, covering foreign nationals wanted under international arrest warrants and considered a threat to society.

Officials informed the suspect of his legal rights and appeal procedures through a French interpreter before transferring him to Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division for deportation proceedings and coordination with French authorities.

Pol Col Parinya said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness and speed of Immigration Bureau Division 3 in enforcing laws against transnational crime. He added that Thailand would not serve as a refuge or safe haven for international fugitives attempting to evade arrest.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ฉลาม นิวส์ 25 May 2026

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Looks like he could do with missing a meal or two ✌

Off topic posts about the red bull case removed.

They never miss a chance to mention the 60 day visa exemption. But conveigniently forget to mention that they let him in at Suvanabhumi despite the fact that he was wanted internationally by France.

..."Investigators received intelligence that the suspect had been hiding inside a condominium in Pattaya after entering Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport under a 60-day visa exemption." ....