Thai immigration police have arrested two Swedish men at a condominium in Bangkok. One of them is wanted in Sweden over several alleged violent crimes.
Officers arrested the men at a luxury condominium in the Rama 9 area on 23 August. The operation followed a request for assistance involving the Nordic Police Affairs Division and the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police.
According to Thai immigration police, the primary suspect is wanted in Sweden in connection with alleged attempted murder, extortion and arson. Police also said he may be linked to a separate murder investigation.
The man entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport on 17 May. Investigators said he later stayed at several locations on Koh Samui and frequently changed accommodation.
Police found that his permission to remain in Thailand had expired on 14 August. He had therefore overstayed by nine days when officers arrested him.
The second Swedish man allegedly helped him obtain accommodation, food and other necessities. Thai police said Swedish authorities also wanted the second man, who had overstayed his visa by 195 days.
Officers seized three mobile phones and three credit cards from the condominium. Thai authorities said they would hand the items to Swedish police as part of the continuing investigation.
Both men will face legal proceedings in Thailand over their immigration offences. Immigration police said they would then be deported to Sweden.
Neither man has been convicted of the alleged crimes described by Thai authorities.
Sources: Bangkok Post, The Phuket News and ASEAN NOW
