A South Korean man wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice has been arrested by Thai immigration police at a condominium in Bangkok after allegedly fleeing to Thailand following a methamphetamine smuggling case. Kim Jin Deok is accused of involvement in the illegal import of approximately 1.31 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, into South Korea, with the drugs valued at more than 131 million won.

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The arrest was announced on 6 July by Pol Lt Gen Phanumat Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. The operation was directed by senior Immigration Bureau officers, including Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, Pol Maj Gen Thanit Thaiwatcharamas, Pol Maj Gen Phanop Worathanatchakul, Pol Col Ratchot Chotikhun, Pol Col Chitdecha Songhong and Pol Col Chai Phanakit.

Thai immigration investigators worked alongside officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and South Korean authorities to trace the suspect. Intelligence-led enquiries led officers to a condominium in Bangkok’s Seri Thai area in Bueng Kum district, where Kim was believed to be hiding.

According to investigators, Kim and his accomplices travelled to Thailand to obtain the drugs before arranging for around 1.31 kilogrammes of methamphetamine to be smuggled into South Korea. The drugs were allegedly concealed inside underwear, wrapped in plastic bags and placed in a cardboard box to avoid detection.

Authorities said one of Kim’s alleged accomplices later carried the drugs on a flight to South Korea, where officials intercepted the shipment and arrested the courier. After learning that an arrest warrant had been issued against him in South Korea, Kim allegedly fled back to Thailand, prompting South Korean authorities to request an INTERPOL Red Notice to locate and arrest him worldwide.

Thai investigators later confirmed his whereabouts through surveillance at the condominium. When Kim appeared, officers checked his passport, confirmed he was the subject of the INTERPOL Red Notice and found that he had overstayed his permission to remain in Thailand since 30 May 2026.

Kim was initially arrested on the Thai immigration charge of remaining in the Kingdom after his permission to stay had expired. He was transferred to investigators at the Immigration Bureau to face legal proceedings under Thai law.

Thaitabloid reported that Thai authorities said they will coordinate with South Korea to deport Kim so he can face the outstanding charges there. Investigators also plan to expand the inquiry as they continue efforts to dismantle the remaining members of the alleged transnational drug trafficking network.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 7 July 2026

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“Let’s smuggle 1.31kg of meth… where will they never look?”

“Inside my underwear.”

“Brilliant. Nobody has ever tried that before.” 🤦‍♂️