Bangkok: A 29-year-old Japanese man, identified as Mr. Tom, was arrested by the Immigration Bureau for deceiving a fellow Japanese high school student into crossing the border to Myawaddy, Myanmar, to work in a call center gang. His residence permit was revoked, and he now faces immediate deportation.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest followed an investigation led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonnalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, alongside other senior officials. The investigation revealed Mr. Tom's involvement in manipulating a high school student into working in a call center scam. This case dated back to January 17, 2015, when Japanese authorities coordinated efforts to assist the victim's return to Japan.
Mr. Tom, who was found to have an arrest warrant from Japanese authorities for crimes including kidnapping for profit, illegal detention, and robbery, was intercepted at Don Mueang Airport upon his return to Thailand from Myanmar. Officials promptly notified him of the revocation of his stay and proceeded with legal actions to deport him back to Japan.
The Immigration Bureau's chief emphasized the directive from Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, to rigorously prosecute foreigners involved in crimes or activities threatening societal safety. Such individuals are to be prosecuted to the fullest extent and deported, ensuring they remain barred from re-entering Thailand.