SATTAHIP, THAILAND – A 23-year-old Austrian wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for alleged cocaine trafficking and attempted murder was arrested at a hotel in Sattahip after nearly two weeks of surveillance by Thai immigration officers.
Arrest in Na Jomtien hotel
The suspect, identified by authorities only as Fabio, was detained on Wednesday afternoon at a hotel in Na Jomtien shortly after he had checked in. The arrest followed close to two weeks of monitoring and assessment of tips, according to Pol Maj Gen Cheongron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau.
International warrant from Austria
The Austrian Federal Police had requested assistance from Thai authorities after prosecutors in Wiener Neustadt issued an EU arrest warrant on 28 January. An Interpol Red Notice for the 23-year-old was then published on 30 January, an international alert typically used for suspects on the run.
Alleged cocaine network and violent offences
According to Austrian investigators, the man was suspected of being part of a cocaine smuggling network in Austria and of supplying several dealers who had already been arrested. During Austrian police operations, a total of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine was seized, and the Austrian also faced accusations of bodily harm and attempted murder.
Entry, visa revocation and extradition
Pol Maj Gen Cheongron said the suspect had entered Thailand under the visa exemption scheme before the Red Notice was registered in the system. His Thai visa was later revoked, and he was now awaiting extradition to Austria, where he was expected to face criminal proceedings.
Tighter controls on foreign offenders
The spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau stressed that the arrest formed part of an ongoing campaign against foreign offenders who believed Thailand was a safe refuge.
“Thailand must not become a supposedly safe hiding place for foreign criminals.”
said Pol Maj Gen Cheongron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau.
Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyalug, head of the immigration authority, had ordered tighter checks in areas with a high proportion of foreigners and closer cooperation with international security agencies.
“We have instructed our officers to step up inspections in high-risk areas and work closely with foreign partners to track down international suspects.”
said Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyalug, chief of the Immigration Bureau.