Chinese fugitive wanted over casino case arrested while hiding in Thai jungle

A Chinese fugitive wanted for allegedly running an illegal casino in China was arrested while hiding in a Thai jungle.

Wang, 55, reportedly ran an underground gambling den in his home country, where gambling is outlawed, before fleeing to Thailand to evade arrest.

He had allegedly been living in a secluded rental house in a forest in Phuket, keeping a low profile to avoid drawing attention from immigration officials.

But police tracked him down following a tip-off that a Chinese national was living illegally on the Thai holiday island.

Police raided the property, accessible only by a steep, dead-end track, where Wang was arrested on October 14.

Footage shows the shirtless fugitive appearing to argue with police before being placed in handcuffs.

Officers seized five mobile phones, four knives, Thai bank passbooks, passports and Chinese national identity cards belonging to other people.

They said Wang entered the country on April 2, 2019 and obtained an extension until November 2021.

He had overstayed in Thailand by 1,793 days or almost five years.

Police Colonel Charoenphong Khantilo, spokesman for Immigration Division 6, said: 'After coordinating with Interpol, we confirmed that he is wanted by Chinese authorities in connection with operating a casino. This may explain why he was reluctant to return to China and chose to hide in remote forest areas, where he was difficult to track down.

'We have now ordered a wider investigation to identify other foreign nationals wanted under Interpol warrants or who have overstayed their visas. We will also step up immigration checks to prevent illegal activities and maintain public order.'