FBI-wanted American arrested by Phuket Immigration

Phuket Immigration arrested a 33-year-old American man identified only as Ronald at a villa in Chalong on 13 November, following an investigation coordinated with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration Division 6 said.

The man was wanted in the United States in connection with a human trafficking case, according to the division. Investigators said intelligence indicated that he had entered Thailand and registered his residence in Phuket before tracing him to the villa.

Officers confirmed his identity and told him that his permission to remain in Thailand had been revoked under an order issued by the Commander of Immigration Division 6 because of the outstanding US arrest warrant.

Ronald was taken to the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, where officers checked his details against Immigration Bureau records, explained his rights and prepared a formal arrest record ahead of further legal proceedings.

The arrest was carried out by Phuket Immigration officers led by Pol Lt Col Adisorn Boonchum, following instructions from Phuket Immigration Chief Pol Col Khemchat Wattananapakasem and Deputy Superintendent Pol Lt Col Wisarut La-iad-ong.

Immigration Division 6 spokesperson Pol Col Charoenpong Khantilo said the arrest was part of a nationwide crackdown on foreigners staying in Thailand illegally or wanted under overseas arrest warrants. The division said officers were using Immigration Bureau computer records, investigative intelligence and information from local communities to identify suspects.

The division also reminded accommodation operators of their duty under Section 38 of the Immigration Act to report the residences of foreign nationals. Members of the public with information about suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals can contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.