French 'fugitive wanted for kidnapping and armed robbery' arrested in red underwear in Thailand
A French fugitive allegedly wanted over kidnapping and armed robbery was arrested in his red underwear in Thailand.
Yanis Chirrane, 29, was near-naked in bed when police raided his room at the Phuvaree Resort on holiday island of Phuket on July 2.
Photos show officers detaining the shocked Frenchman who was wearing only red boxers as they pulled him out from under the sheets.
He was accused of participating in a criminal organisation, laundering money obtained through criminal activity, kidnapping, unlawful detention, hostage-taking, armed robbery committed by two or more offenders, as well as extortion and blackmail.
Police said he was issued an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of Luxembourg authorities.
Acting Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerachai Hasso of Provincial Police Region 8 said the suspect was taken to the Phuket Immigration office and is facing deportation.
He said: 'We took the suspect to Phuket Immigration after the arrest to complete the necessary legal procedures before extraditing him to Luxembourg, where he will face prosecution in line with the request from Luxembourg law enforcement.'
The once-pristine island of Phuket has been marred by over-tourism as the Thai government implements a visa-free scheme to boost revenue following the barren pandemic years.
It has become one of Asia's most popular destinations, with an estimated 14 million visitors in 2025 - almost half of the total number visiting the country.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said the top five markets were Russia, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
However, angry locals claim the push for tourist dollars has attracted crowds of 'low-quality' visitors. There are also fears that the island has become an enclave of criminal activity, with police unable to control street fights and more organised ruffians setting up rackets among local businesses.
Phuket officials said they are implementing tighter immigration controls and screening processes amid a wave of drug-related crimes and illegal activities on the island.
