Bangkok: Immigration Police Division 3 pursued a Canadian man in a thrilling chase after attempting to inspect him. He fled in a car from the Pattaya area before being cornered at the airport while trying to check in for his escape.
According to Thai News Agency, this operation was revealed on the afternoon of April 22, 2026, after Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, issued orders focusing on suppressing and arresting transnational criminals who have committed crimes and are using Thailand as a hiding place. Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprot Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, along with other officers, received information about a drug trafficking network in the Pattaya area involving Canadian nationals. They then ordered an investigation team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Ithithorn Prasertsak to conduct investigations and gather intelligence.
At approximately 12:00 PM on April 22, 2016, officers learned that the suspect had hailed a taxi and fled from his residence. A manhunt ensued, leading officers to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The suspect was found hiding amidst the crowded passengers attempting to check in for departure. Identified as Mr. Wesley, 37, a Canadian national with a tourist visa, a search revealed no drugs. However, international databases showed that Mr. Wesley was wanted by South Korean authorities for international drug trafficking and was listed as a Red Notice by Interpol. He was taken to the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division 3 for further identification. Biometric verification confirmed his identity, leading to the revocation of his permission to stay in Thailand under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, Section 12 (7).
The Immigration Bureau informed Mr. Wesley of his rights and the legal procedures for appealing the revocation before proceeding with deportation and coordination for extradition to the South Korean authorities.
The Immigration Bureau assures the public that proactive measures are in place to suppress and arrest transnational criminals. They encourage anyone with information about such activities to report directly to the Immigration Bureau or via the hotline at 1178, available 24 hours a day.