Thai authorities have arrested a 26-year-old Italian fugitive who had been hiding in Bangkok under Thailand’s newly launched Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a five-year visa program designed for remote workers and digital nomads. Immigration Police confirmed the arrest on Tuesday following a request for assistance from Italian law enforcement.
The suspect, identified as Simone, was wanted in Italy under a warrant issued by a court in Asti for serious drug-related offenses. According to officials, the Italian Embassy’s Police Attaché alerted Thai Immigration after discovering that Simone had entered the country and was residing in Bangkok.
Italian investigators spent months tracking a drug distribution ring that operated across several countries. Between September 2024 and June 2025, the group allegedly smuggled heroin, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, and other illegal substances into Italy using international postal parcels. Italian authorities had already arrested two individuals who received the drug packages. Evidence collected during the investigation reportedly identified Simone as the supplier responsible for providing narcotics to an Italian gang that redistributed the drugs to customers.
In Thailand, Immigration Police determined that Simone had legally entered the country in October 2025 on the Destination Thailand Visa. The DTV is a new multiple-entry visa that allows foreign nationals to stay for up to 180 days per visit and remain eligible for reentry for a total period of five years. The visa was created to attract long-term visitors such as freelancers, remote workers, and “digital nomads” seeking an extended stay in the country.
Authorities believe Simone attempted to use the flexibility of the DTV program to evade European law enforcement. Immigration Police stated that fugitives often exploit tourist-friendly visa schemes to move undetected across borders, making international cooperation essential for identifying suspects who may be legally residing abroad despite facing criminal charges at home.
After receiving the notice from Italian officials, Thai Immigration quickly moved to locate and arrest Simone in Bangkok. Officers emphasized that the suspect had not committed an offense within Thailand, but his outstanding arrest warrant and the severity of the charges justified immediate action. He will now be processed for extradition to Italy, pending the completion of legal procedures between both countries.
Thai authorities used the case to highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen background checks and international coordination, especially as new long-stay visas like the DTV become popular among foreign visitors. Officials said that while the Destination Thailand Visa was created to boost tourism and attract remote professionals, it will not be allowed to serve as a loophole for individuals attempting to escape justice.
Immigration Police reassured the public that Thailand remains committed to working with global law enforcement agencies to track down fugitives who attempt to hide within its borders. The arrest of Simone is being treated as a notable example of how international cooperation can help prevent criminals from exploiting cross-border mobility.
