BANGKOK — Thai Immigration Police have arrested a 29-year-old Japanese man suspected of trafficking a Japanese high school student into a scam operation in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The victim was successfully rescued and returned to Japan earlier this year.
On February 13, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, revealed that the suspect, identified only as “Tom” (alias), was found to be wanted by Japanese authorities on multiple charges. These include kidnapping for profit, illegal detention, breaking and entering, assault, and robbery.
Authorities apprehended the suspect at Don Mueang Airport upon his return from Myanmar. Immigration officials immediately revoked his permit to stay in Thailand and are preparing for his deportation to Japan to face charges.
According to Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, the National Police Inspector General and Director of the Center for Protection of Children, Women, Family, and Anti-Human Trafficking, Tom befriended the boy through an online game before convincing him to travel to Thailand. The student left Japan without informing his family, who later lost contact with him.
Thai authorities located and rescued the victim within 24 hours of receiving the missing person report on January 17, working closely with the Japanese Embassy to ensure his safe return.
The Immigration Commissioner added that National Police Chief Police General Kit-ratt Panpetch has instructed officers to take strict legal action against foreign nationals who commit crimes or pose threats to society. Such individuals will face prosecution, deportation, and be blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.
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