Krabi, Thailand — June 26, 2025
An Irish fugitive wanted for serious crimes including violent assault, cocaine trafficking, and the unlawful detention of women and children has been arrested in Krabi province after evading authorities for over a year, Thai immigration officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The suspect, identified only as Mr. Lee, 25, was apprehended on June 25 outside Breaking Bad Budz, a cannabis dispensary in the Sai Thai subdistrict of Mueang District, following a coordinated undercover operation by the Krabi Immigration Bureau.
According to Police Colonel Sorathat Iamla-or, Chief of the Krabi Immigration Office, Mr. Lee had overstayed his visa by 415 days and is now facing extradition to Ireland, where a significant prosecution file awaits him under orders from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Thailand welcomes foreign visitors,” said Major General Songprot Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Bureau 6. “But we will not tolerate those who abuse our hospitality or endanger society.”
Arrest at Cannabis Shop
The arrest followed a tip-off from informants who had been tracking Mr. Lee’s movements in the Krabi area. Immigration officers had been conducting covert surveillance in Sai Thai, suspecting that the fugitive was hiding there to avoid detection.
Undercover officers spotted Mr. Lee entering Breaking Bad Budz on the afternoon of June 25. Once inside, the officers identified themselves and demanded his documents. Checks confirmed Mr. Lee had overstayed his visa by more than a year. He was taken into custody without resistance and transported to Mueang Krabi Police Station for processing.
An interpreter was present during questioning to facilitate communication. Police say Mr. Lee offered no resistance during the arrest.
Wanted for Violent and Organised Crimes
Irish authorities had been seeking Mr. Lee on multiple charges, including:
- Violent disorder and physical assault
- Cocaine trafficking
- Money laundering
- Unlawful detention of women and children
Ongoing investigations also link Mr. Lee to other alleged crimes committed in Ireland during 2023 and 2024, including:
- Drug possession
- Theft
- Fleeing lawful custody
- Stalking and harassment
- Defying police orders
- Possession of knives or other weapons while in custody
- Use of unauthorized mobile devices in detention
Officials believe Mr. Lee deliberately fled to Thailand to evade arrest, living covertly in Krabi Province. Immigration records revealed no legal entry or exit stamps since his arrival, suggesting he had remained hidden for an extended period.
Extradition Process Underway
Authorities confirmed that extradition proceedings have begun, involving coordination between Thai prosecutors, the Irish Gardaí, Interpol, and the Foreign Affairs Division. Mr. Lee will also face immigration charges in Thailand for overstaying his visa.
The Krabi arrest was part of a wider sweep between June 19 and 25, during which Immigration Bureau 6 intensified crackdowns on foreign fugitives and overstayers across southern Thailand.
“If anyone has information about illegal behaviour by foreign nationals, please contact us,” urged Police Colonel Sorathat. He encouraged the public to call the immigration hotline at 1178 or reach out to the Krabi Immigration Office directly.
Heightened Enforcement
The arrest underscores Thailand’s ongoing efforts to prevent foreign criminals from using the country as a safe haven. Immigration officials have pledged increased undercover operations in tourist areas and border provinces in the coming weeks.
“This is a message to all fugitives that Thailand will not serve as a hiding place,” said Major General Songprot. “Law enforcement cooperation between nations is stronger than ever.”
Mr. Lee remains in Thai custody pending legal proceedings related to his overstay and potential extradition to Ireland, where he faces prosecution for a range of serious and violent offenses.
