Chinese national arrested in Phuket after 1,793-day visa overstay

Immigration police arrested a 55-year-old Chinese national in Karon, Phuket, after finding that he had overstayed his Thai visa by 1,793 days, according to a report by Chiang Rai Times.

The man, identified as Mr Wang, was detained at an unnumbered rental property in a forested area of Karon, in Mueang Phuket District, on the morning of 14 October 2026. The operation followed information from a confidential informant, the report said.

Immigration records cited in the report show that Wang entered Thailand legally on 2 April 2019 on an elite privilege visa. His permission to remain expired on 16 November 2021 and was not renewed.

The report said coordination with international police networks found that Wang was wanted in China under an arrest warrant linked to alleged involvement as a casino owner.

Officers seized five mobile phones, four knives, a Thai bank account book and identification documents belonging to other Chinese nationals, according to the report. Police were investigating whether the items indicated links to a wider criminal network.

The arrest team was led as part of a Phuket Immigration Office operation directed by Police Major General Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul. Officers had to travel through steep terrain to reach the property, the report said.

Wang was handed over to local investigators for further proceedings under Thai immigration law.