Thai immigration authorities arrested a 22-year-old Israeli in Koh Samui as he attempted to board a flight out of the country, local media reported on Tuesday.
The man, identified as Osher Farhi, is wanted in Israel for questioning for armed robbery, and the arrest was reportedly made at the request of Israel.
Farhi was described in Thailand as a "repeat offender with a history of drug trafficking and violent crimes," and was taken to a police station for questioning. Thai police are expected to transfer Farhi to Bangkok for deportation to Israel, while placing a permanent ban on the Israeli from being able to enter Thailand.
Thai authorities said that Farhi, who has a criminal record in Israel, including for violent offenses as well as drug trafficking, is currently wanted in connection with an armed robbery of an Israeli residence, during which he and two alleged accomplices threatened the homeowner with a firearm, before stealing jewelry, a passport, and a laptop.
Israeli investigators followed the signal from the stolen laptop, which led them to a trace in Koh Samui, Thailand. On October 27, police learned that Farhi had booked a flight, arresting him on Sunday at the island's international airport.
According to the reports, he was arrested without resistance before he could reach check-in counters. His visa was immediately revoked.
Thai media did not disclose where Farhi planned to fly or whether the two alleged accomplices were being monitored in other countries.
On September 15, the Israeli attaché for police and public security at the embassy in Bangkok reportedly made a formal request to Thai authorities.
The Thai police inspector-general of the Surat Thani immigration office praised cooperation with Israeli officials, saying that, "The embassy provided accurate intelligence and clear evidence, which supported the work of the Thai investigation."
Israeli delegations meet Surat Thani officials
The incoming police chief for the Surat Thani Province held a meeting with an Israeli delegation headed by Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm.
The police chief held the meeting in order to introduce himself and discuss the situation of Israeli tourists in the Surat Thani region, including guidelines for ensuring safety and taking action against tourists who commit crimes.
Last week, an Israeli delegation led by Israel Police Assistant-Chief Avi Biton, who holds a role as a special adviser at the Prime Minister's Office, met with the Surat Thani provincial police commander and expressed strong support for Thailand's need to take swift, firm, and unhesitating action against Israeli criminals, including those running illegal businesses.