Chinese Interpol fugitive held after decades living as Thai in Pattaya

A Chinese man wanted by Interpol for a murder in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, was apprehended in Pattaya, Thailand, on September 13, 2023, after living there under Thai citizenship for over three decades. The 67-year-old individual, Zhu Zhishan, who had adopted the Thai name Suchat Surachai, was initially sought in China for an alleged murder and also under suspicion for using false information to gain Thai nationality. Zhu was apprehended at his residence in Pattaya by law enforcement.

According to Thai authorities, Zhu had fled China for Myanmar before entering Thailand in 2021. During his time in Thailand, he procured Thai nationality and an identification card, under the name Suchat Surachai, by paying approximately 50,000 baht to officials in Phop Phra district, Tak province. Subsequently, Zhu relocated to Pattaya, where he established businesses in the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, and coffee cafes.

He married a Chinese woman and is the father of twins. His name appeared in five companies with a combined registered capital of approximately 89 million baht, operating in Pattaya for more than three decades.

During the investigation, police uncovered a secret underground room containing a substantial collection of antiques and Buddhist amulets at Zhu's residence. They also seized land title deeds for 11 plots, with nine of them registered under company names. Moreover, six vehicles were seized, with an estimated value of around 89.5 million baht.

The captured individual was handed over to Bang Lamung Police, who will consider China's request for his extradition. Further investigation will focus on the alleged involvement of Thai officials in Zhu's acquisition of Thai nationality and the citizenship applications of his family members.