French man wanted in Belgian drug case detained in Phuket

Phuket immigration officers detained a 40-year-old French man in Patong on 20 October 2026 after Belgium issued an Interpol Red Notice for alleged drug trafficking.

The man, identified by the pseudonym Brahim, was wanted over the alleged illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, according to Phuket Immigration. Officials said they received an alert that he was believed to be living in Thailand and worked with Satun Immigration to locate him.

Officers found a man matching his description outside a room at an accommodation in Patong. He confirmed his identity and was taken to the Phuket Immigration investigation office for further checks.

Immigration officials said database checks and a comparison of his documents with information supplied by Interpol confirmed that he was the person sought by Belgium.

Immigration Division 6 subsequently revoked his permission to remain in Thailand under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act 1979, which applies to foreigners considered a threat to public safety or national security. Officials said they informed him of the decision and his legal rights before taking him into custody for further proceedings.

Immigration Division 6 said it would increase efforts to locate foreign nationals wanted under Interpol notices or suspected of overstaying in Thailand. Police urged people with information about foreigners suspected of breaking Thai law to contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.