Thai immigration police have arrested a German national wanted by authorities in Germany at a guesthouse in Mae Hong Son, following an investigation that officers said lasted more than two years. Juergen Herbert Schneider was detained on 1 September 2026 by Immigration Division 3 investigators. Police said he had moved between accommodation in an effort to avoid detection after entering and staying in Thailand. Schneider is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Memmingen District Court in Germany on 12 January 2024. The alleged offence is using violence against, and obstructing, an official carrying out their duties. German warrant led to Thai investigation The operation followed information shared by German police indicating that Schneider, a German citizen, was on a wanted list and believed to be living in Thailand after evading arrest. Immigration Division 3 commander Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha and deputy commander Col Chinnawut Tangwonglert ordered investigators to trace him. The investigation was led by Lt Col Pitipat Sritana-aphinan, deputy superintendent of the division's investigation unit, and Lt Col Jaturachok Phetkhong, an inspector. According to Col Suriya Puangsombat, superintendent of Immigration Division 3's investigation unit, officers located Schneider at a guesthouse in Mae Hong Son province and took him into custody. German authorities had also provided information alleging that he had displayed aggressive behaviour, could be prone to violence and had previously threatened embassy officials. Thai immigration police said they considered this could pose a risk to the public, public order and national security. Permission to stay cancelled pending legal action Following the arrest, Maj Gen Songprod issued an order revoking Schneider's permission to remain in Thailand. Police said the action was based on Immigration Act provisions covering foreigners considered potentially dangerous to society or Thailand's security, as well as those subject to an arrest warrant issued by foreign government authorities. Schneider was transferred to Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau's Investigation Division for detention and further legal procedures. Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies over his return to Germany under the required process. The case comes amid an Immigration Bureau campaign to identify suspected offenders and transnational criminals using Thailand as a place to hide. The drive has been ordered by Immigration Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck and deputy commissioner Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchnarot, with units instructed to intensively screen target areas nationwide and share intelligence with Thai and overseas security agencies. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? 2 September 2026
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