Background
A 60-year-old Swedish man, Reino Pentti Olavi Martin, has been arrested on Koh Samui Island after evading law enforcement for nearly two years. Martin was initially apprehended in 2020 in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok for illegal possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell. He was subsequently released on bail but fled, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Bangkok South Criminal Court on February 25, 2021.
The Arrest
The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon at a car park in front of a rented house in tambon Bo Phut on Koh Samui, a popular southern tourist island. The Surat Thani immigration police, led by Pol Col Suparuek Phankosol, were able to track down Martin based on information from the Immigration Bureau’s alert system. The system indicated that Martin was wanted in Bangkok and his visa had expired on December 22, 2021.
Utilizing Social Media
Officers utilized Martin’s social media activity, particularly his Facebook profile, to determine his whereabouts. They found that the suspect had been residing on both Koh Phangan and Koh Samui since his visa expired. With this information, the authorities were able to successfully locate and apprehend Martin.
Initial Charges and Further Procedures
Upon his arrest, Martin was initially charged with overstaying his visa. He was taken to the Bo Phut police station to answer the visa charge. Following this, he will be handed over to the Bangkok South Criminal Court to face the original drug-related charges.
Impact on the Local Community
The arrest of Reino Pentti Olavi Martin demonstrates the commitment of Thai authorities to track down and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to public safety. By working together and utilizing technological resources, the officers were able to ensure that the suspect will face the consequences of his actions. This arrest serves as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar criminal activities on the Thai islands.
