Chinese fugitive arrested in Bangkok after two decades on the run (2025)

Thai police have apprehended a 52 year old Chinese national, owner of a popular mala restaurant in Bangkok, for allegedly shooting a compatriot in 2003.

The suspect, Zhang Lao Er, had been evading police for over two decades before being captured.

Yesterday, April 5, Police Major General Witaya Sriprasertphap directed the arrest of Zhang in connection with an outstanding warrant issued by the Criminal Court on May 17, 2567 (2024). The charges involve assault causing injury.

Zhang was detained in a residential area in Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district, where police also confiscated a Thai driving licence.

The arrest followed a request from Chinese officials seeking assistance in capturing Zhang, who allegedly used a firearm to seriously wound Zhou, a fellow Chinese national, in Shantou, Guangdong province.

After the incident, Zhang fled China, spending years in Vietnam and Cambodia before relocating to Thailand.

Upon receiving the request, the police conducted thorough investigations, confirming that Zhang was indeed hiding in Thailand.

He had assumed a Vietnamese identity using a fake passport under the name Ly Thanh and was living with his Chinese girlfriend, Deng. The couple operated a mala restaurant and resided in a luxurious village along Ratchaphruek Road.

During questioning, Zhang admitted to the shooting. Police have initiated proceedings to extradite him to China, where he will face legal consequences for his actions, reported KhaoSod.

In similar news, 27 year old Israeli fugitive was arrested in Pattaya after Thai immigration police discovered he was wanted for a violent assault in Tel Aviv and had overstayed his visa.

The suspect, known only as T, was taken into custody on February 3 following his identification on an Interpol Red Notice for a brutal attack in Israel. Thai police arrested him for visa overstay and revoked his right to stay in the country.

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