Phuket, Dec 14: Thai immigration authorities have successfully apprehended a Chinese murder suspect attempting to flee to Thailand after allegedly killing his uncle in China. The arrest took place at Phuket International Airport on December 13.
Police Lieutenant General Choengron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, confirmed that Thai authorities received an urgent request from Chinese police to intercept Quan Guofeng, a Chinese national wanted for murder. The suspect had boarded Shanghai Airlines flight FM831 from Shanghai to Phuket, intending to enter Thailand.
Immigration officers were alerted and stationed at the arrival gate, where the flight was scheduled to land at 11:15 PM. Upon arrival, they worked with Shanghai Airlines staff to identify Quan’s seat number. The suspect was safely detained in accordance with security protocols.
Quan was denied entry into Thailand under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act, which applies to individuals considered a threat to society or those subject to arrest warrants from foreign governments. The suspect was placed in custody for deportation back to China, where he will face prosecution.
Lt. Gen. Choengron highlighted the role of strict surveillance measures, such as the APPS system, which connects Thai immigration to Interpol notices from over 190 countries. “We maintain close international coordination to prevent cross-border escapes, especially during the holiday period,” he said.
The arrest exemplifies successful cooperation between Thai and Chinese authorities in preventing Thailand from becoming a safe haven for international fugitives.