Australian tourist flying from Bali to Phuket arrested at Bangkok airport over armed robbery warrant issued just a day earlier. Thai biometric alert system flagged him as he cleared immigration, marking an early success for new digital entry checks.
Perhaps the first public scalp for the new Thailand Digital Entry Card (TDAC) system was seen on Saturday. This happened when police at Suvarnabhumi Airport moved in to arrest an incoming Australian citizen on a Thai Airways flight from Bali. The middle-aged Australian, identified as ‘Mr Mc’, was wanted for an armed robbery in Phuket. Notably, the court warrant was only issued last Friday, May 2nd. Later on Monday, it was revealed that a 27-year-old American in Phuket was arrested for possession of a Category 2 psychotropic drug.
Thai immigration officers have arrested an Australian man wanted in connection with an armed robbery case in Phuket. The man, identified by officials only as ‘Mr Mc’, was detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday evening, May 3. He had arrived on Thai Airways flight TG432 from Bali and was transiting to Phuket on a connecting flight.
However, immigration systems flagged his name during routine biometric screening. According to the Immigration Bureau, the checks showed he was banned from entering Thailand.
Arrest tied to Phuket armed robbery as biometric check triggers warrant issued only one day before
Furthermore, he was listed as the subject of an active arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court.
Officials did not disclose the nature of the robbery or when it took place. However, sources confirmed that the warrant involved a serious armed robbery case currently under Thai criminal investigation.
In particular, the warrant alleged the Australian had committed “robbery with or using a firearm” and was simultaneously charged with “using a vehicle to commit an offence.”
Notably, the warrant was issued by Phuket Provincial Court on May 2nd. The coordinator of the case was Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaiwat Chansuwan from Chalong Police Station in Phuket. The senior officer confirmed the warrant was valid to police in Bangkok.
Because of the warrant, immigration authorities immediately revoked his entry rights. Officers escorted him from the transit area into police custody. He did not resist arrest.
Alert triggered by biometric watchlist system blocks further travel and landed the Australian in police custody
Although he had already passed immigration control, biometric data picked up red flags that triggered additional screening. This was part of Thailand’s real-time border alert system.
Notably, the alert was generated through the country’s biometric watchlist database. This system matches arriving passengers against outstanding warrants, entry bans, and Interpol red notices.
As a result, Mr Mc was prevented from continuing to Phuket. He remains in detention while Thai authorities process the case.
According to a spokesperson from the Immigration Bureau, the man’s identity is being withheld pending formal extradition or prosecution procedures. However, authorities confirmed that he would not be allowed to remain in the country.
If convicted, the suspect could face heavy penalties under Thailand’s criminal code. Armed robbery carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
American tourist arrested in Phuket for ADHD drug after routine stop over missing motorcycle plate
Thai police have not confirmed whether the Australian embassy has been contacted or involved in the proceedings. However, such contact is typical in foreign arrest cases.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, another foreign national was arrested in Phuket on Sunday for drug possession.
This time, Kamala police detained a 27-year-old American tourist after finding five methylphenidate pills in his possession.
The arrest occurred during a routine traffic stop in Kamala, a popular beach town in Kathu district. According to officers, the tourist was riding a motorcycle with no licence plate, prompting them to conduct a search.
During the stop, officers discovered a small quantity of methylphenidate, a stimulant used to treat ADHD, in the man’s shoulder bag. Because the man could not provide a prescription or permit, police charged him with illegal possession of a psychotropic substance.
ADHD drug listed as a Category 2 substance under Thai law leads to charges against detained US national
Importantly, methylphenidate is classified as a Category 2 psychotropic drug under Thai law. This means it has medical uses but is tightly restricted. Only authorised parties with approval from the Ministry of Public Health may possess or distribute it.
According to Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, the substance has a high potential for abuse. The Narcotics Control Division has issued repeated warnings to travellers about bringing restricted medications into the country.
Although ADHD medication is legal in many countries, possession without documentation is considered a criminal offence in Thailand. Tourists are advised to carry proof of prescription and to declare such substances upon arrival.
Photographs released by Kamala police show the American suspect sitting in the police station with the seized pills displayed in front of him. He is expected to face legal proceedings in the coming days.
Phuket authorities ramp up checks on foreign travellers as scrutiny increases over drugs and past warrants
The arrest follows a broader crackdown on drug-related offences involving foreigners. Thai authorities have increased random checks and patrols in tourist-heavy areas.
While both incidents are unrelated, they highlight the growing scrutiny of foreign nationals entering and travelling through Thailand. The government has stressed that foreign visitors must comply fully with local laws.
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Immigration and police officials continue to work closely to enforce entry regulations and maintain public safety. Cases involving drugs and violent crime receive particular attention, especially when involving foreign suspects.
Thailand’s enhanced biometric systems, introduced in recent years, have significantly improved law enforcement capabilities at borders. These tools allow authorities to act swiftly against known offenders.
As these recent arrests show, Thailand’s zero-tolerance policy on crime remains in full effect. Foreign nationals entering the kingdom are reminded to respect Thai law and cooperate with authorities at all times.
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Further reading:
French hood linked to deadly May 2024 prison escape in Normandy arrested in Phuket. Held in Bangkok
Trouble in cannabis paradise on Ko Phangan as two smiling thieves make off with a shop owner’s weed
Magic loses its touch: ‘invisible’ drug dealing Nigerian nabbed by cops in Ko Phangan Hotel swoop
Nigerian drug dealer betrayed in Phuket as local police receive tip-off that led them to his arrest
