Koh Pha Ngan/Surat Thani—
Thai Immigration Police have arrested a German man in Bangkok who was accused of defacing public property with spray-painted slogans across Koh Phangan, a popular tourist island in southern Thailand.
The suspect, identified only as Mr. Tom, Called Mr. Spray by Thai media, 57, was taken into custody at a hotel near the Giant Swing in Bangkok following a coordinated investigation by the Immigration Bureau’s Special Investigation Division.
On February 3rd, images circulated widely on social media showing a foreign man spray-painting English phrases such as “FREE GAZA” and “LIBRE GAZA” on public infrastructure including utility poles, road surfaces, trash bins, and traffic signs. The graffiti sparked public outrage, with local authorities filing complaints over damage to government property and harm to the island’s image as a tourist destination.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, ordered investigators to track down the suspect after Koh Phangan police issued a warrant. Using biometric identification systems, officers confirmed Mr. Tom’s identity and traced his movements from Koh Phangan to Bangkok.
A team led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanop Worathanachakul, Commander of the Immigration Bureau’s Special Investigation Division, located the suspect hiding in a Bangkok hotel.
He was arrested and charged with damaging or defacing public property and illegally spray-painting or inscribing on public structures. Mr. Tom has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for prosecution. He will then be deported after facing his charges and sentences said police.
