Bangkok: Immigration police in Thailand have successfully arrested a French man, known as Mr. Adonis, who was wanted for orchestrating a daring prison escape in France that resulted in the deaths of two guards. He had been hiding in Thailand before being captured.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest was announced by Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, alongside other high-ranking officials. The French Embassy in Thailand and the Royal Thai Police worked in coordination to locate and apprehend Mr. Adonis, who was wanted under a French arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice. Mr. Adonis was implicated in the abduction of a prisoner, Mr. Mohamed, on May 14, 2024, during which two prison officers were killed and three others were seriously injured.
The incident on May 14 involved a group of six armed robbers who attacked during the transportation of Mr. Mohamed, a major drug suspect, from the court to the prison. The assault resulted in the death of a guard and led to a massive manhunt involving over 120 police officers. Many suspects, including the prisoners, managed to flee to Romania, where some were arrested on February 22. Mr. Adonis, however, escaped to Thailand before an arrest warrant and an international red notice were issued against him.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Adonis entered Thailand via Phuket Airport on February 8, 2025, and was allowed to stay until April 8, 2025. He was eventually tracked down and arrested on March 26 in the Kamala and Patong subdistricts of Phuket Province. Pol. Col. Panthana described Mr. Adonis as a key figure in a notorious French mafia group involved in procuring weapons for the prisoner abduction. The group's leader had already been arrested in Romania, and Mr. Adonis was the last suspect to be apprehended. The suspect's previous visit to Thailand likely influenced his decision to hide there, believing it to be a safe haven. No evidence was found linking him to drug trafficking or other crimes during his time in Thailand.
Mr. Adonis faces charges of being part of a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit crimes, and aiding in a prison escape. Extradition proceedings to France for prosecution are underway.
Additionally, Pol. Col. Panthana addressed the issue of foreigners illegally working in Thailand, noting an increase in such activities. The Royal Thai Police have intensified efforts to crack down on these offenses, focusing on crimes impacting Thai citizens and other transnational criminal activities. Monthly operations are conducted to apprehend offenders.
Public concerns have been raised about foreigners taking jobs from Thais, with reports submitted to local and Immigration Police. Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana assured the public that any wrongdoing by foreigners would be thoroughly investigated. In instances where no action has been taken, the matter may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure justice is served appropriately.