Chinese man arrested in Phuket after 2,823-day overstay

Police arrested a 52-year-old Chinese man wanted in China after he allegedly overstayed his Thai visa by 2,823 days.

The man, identified by authorities only as Mr Yong, was apprehended at about 7.30pm on Sunday, 13 September, near a residence on Chao Fah Road in Phuket Town. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division and Phuket Provincial Police acted on information provided by the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, which identified him as a fugitive linked to several court cases in China.

Police confirmed Yong’s identity using his passport and took him to Phuket City Police Station for processing. He was charged under Thai immigration law for remaining in Thailand beyond his permitted stay. Police said he admitted the offence after being informed of his rights through a Chinese interpreter.

Documents provided by Chinese authorities reportedly link Yong to several incidents in Langfang, Hebei province, in 2017. The allegations include forced demolitions of village homes, the takeover of company offices during business disputes, disruption of an inspection at a hotel and an assault in which a man was beaten with an iron bar near a district court and suffered injuries requiring the removal of his spleen.

Chinese records reportedly accuse Yong of directing or inciting some of the actions. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings in China. Thai authorities said Yong will first face penalties under Thai law for the overstay, after which his case will proceed through diplomatic and legal channels concerning extradition or further cooperation with Chinese officials.