Canadian Man Facing Drug Charges Abroad Arrested in Thailand

Canadian Man Facing Drug Charges Abroad Arrested in Thailand

BANGKOK, April 24, 2026 — Thai immigration police have arrested a Canadian man wanted in an international drug trafficking case at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as he allegedly attempted to flee the country, authorities said.

The 37-year-old suspect, identified only as Mr. Wesley, was detained on April 22 by officers from Immigration Police Division 3 after being tracked from Pattaya to the airport.

Thai authorities said the man was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of South Korea, where he is wanted over alleged involvement in cross-border narcotics smuggling.

Police said officers had moved to arrest the suspect at his residence in Pattaya, a major tourist city southeast of Bangkok, but he fled by car toward Bangkok’s main international airport.

Investigators later located him in the international departures hall, where he was reportedly blending in with other travellers while preparing to check in for an outbound flight.

Immigration officers conducted biometric checks that confirmed his identity matched records linked to the Interpol notice, authorities said.

Following the arrest, officials revoked his permission to remain in Thailand under Section 12(7) of Thailand’s Immigration Act, which bars entry or stay by individuals considered a threat or wanted abroad.

Thai police said the operation was part of a broader campaign against foreign criminal networks using Thailand as a base while posing as tourists or long-term visitors.

The suspect remains in custody while Thai authorities coordinate with South Korean officials on procedures for deportation or extradition, depending on legal requirements.

Thailand has stepped up cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in recent years as it seeks to curb transnational crime involving narcotics, cyber fraud and money laundering.