Chinese fugitive arrested in Pattaya after allegedly obtaining Thai nationality

PATTAYA, Thailand – A Chinese national wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice has been arrested in Banglamung district for allegedly obtaining Thai nationality unlawfully and living in Thailand for over three decades. Identified as Suchart Surachai, also known as Zhu Zhishan, the suspect is accused of building a business and property portfolio worth more than 100 million baht in Chonburi province. The arrest followed an investigation ordered by Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma, prompted by information from Chinese authorities passed through Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A joint team from the police and the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) investigated the case. Investigators discovered that the man named in the INTERPOL Red Notice could be the same individual as Suchart Surachai, who had previously held a Thai passport and appeared to have acquired Thai citizenship through illicit means. A retrospective investigation by DOPA’s N.I.C.E. unit revealed that Suchart had been registered as a Thai national via a process for recording the status of people living in highland areas in Phop Phra district, Tak province. He reportedly received his first Thai identity card on November 1, 2001. Authorities later revoked the nationality registration and related records, determining he was not legally entitled to Thai citizenship, and filed a complaint for further legal action. Investigators also found that he had subsequently applied for a Thai identity card in Bang Lamung, despite allegedly having no legal entitlement to Thai nationality. This led to a court arrest warrant and his apprehension in Chonburi. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to paying approximately 50,000 baht to obtain the Thai identity card in Phop Phra. Authorities stated they will investigate who received the money and whether officials or other individuals were involved in similar cases. After obtaining Thai status, the man reportedly worked as a tour guide before becoming involved in the tourism business. He eventually settled in Pattaya, forming a family with a Chinese wife and twin children. Investigators found he was associated with several companies and held 17 plots of real estate in Banglamung, valued at over 100 million baht. Several cars and motorcycles were also linked to him. Police will examine how these assets were acquired and their legal standing. The suspect was taken to Banglamung Police Station. The Royal Thai Police stated that the process concerning China’s request for extradition will be considered according to Thai law and applicable legal procedures. Investigations into the alleged unlawful acquisition of Thai nationality, potential involvement of individuals in the registration process, and the suspect’s assets will continue. Source: Pattaya Mail