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 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 onwards.

Thai police received information from South Korean police and intelligence authorities that Lee was hiding in Phuket. Immigration Bureau officers and officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board later located him at a luxury condominium in Mueang Phuket district.

Lee entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport on March 6, 2018, and was granted permission to stay on a tourist visa until June 3 that year, according to immigration records. Officers arrested him at about 7pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 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 a mobile phone and three debit cards for further examination in co-operation with South Korean authorities.

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.

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.