UPDATE: South Korean man wanted under Interpol Red Notice arrested in Phuket

Thai authorities have arrested a South Korean man wanted under an Interpol Red Notice in Phuket over alleged drug trafficking and fraud, after finding that he had overstayed his permission to remain in Thailand by 2,992 days.

The suspect, identified only as Mr Lee, is accused by South Korean authorities of leading a transnational network that exported narcotics and cannabis from Thailand to South Korea. He is also alleged to have defrauded fellow South Koreans of more than 800 million won, approximately B20 million, from early 2018. The Phuket Express reported that the drugs were allegedly distributed through online platforms to domestic dealers.

Thai police received information from South Korean police and intelligence authorities that Lee was hiding in Phuket. Immigration Division 6 officers, working with officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and South Korean police intelligence, tracked him to a luxury condominium in Mueang Phuket district.

The Phuket Express reported that Lee was wanted under Interpol Red Notice No. A-8537/8-2018, issued on 13 August 2018, for fraud and illegal drug import-export.

Lee entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport on 6 March 2018 and was granted permission to stay on a tourist visa until 3 June that year, according to immigration records. During the operation on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, officers confirmed his identity using biometric records and arrested him at about 7pm after identifying him outside the condominium.

Authorities said Lee acknowledged that he was the person named in the Interpol notice. Officers searched his room and seized one mobile phone and three debit cards for further examination in co-operation with South Korean authorities. The Phuket Express reported that the items were believed to be linked to the alleged criminal activities.

Thai investigators also linked Lee to more than 23 alleged cases involving drug offences, prostitution-related offences, assault and fraud, according to the authorities. He was initially arrested on the charge of remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired and was transferred to an investigating officer after being informed of his legal rights.

Thai authorities are co-ordinating with South Korean counterparts to expand the investigation and pursue extradition. Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said Thai authorities would continue working with domestic and international agencies to locate people wanted under international notices.