A fugitive German drug dealer was finally caught - after setting up a roadside chicken stall in rural Thailand.

Fernsebner Maximilian, 34, was wanted by the German authorities for online drug trafficking. Interpol issued a warrant in 2017 that included also charges for theft, robbery and child porn.

The German fled to Thailand's Sin City of Pattaya - a notorious haven for foreign criminals - where he met a local woman.

Maximilian moved to her home town and in May he became a local hero after being seen helping her with a grilled chicken stand in rural Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand.

Unfortunately, Maximilian's minor fame caused his downfall when authorities began investigating whether he had a work permit - necessary for any foreigners to do any kind of work in the country.

Foreigners are also banned from service industries such as bars, restaurants, cafes and front desk jobs where they have direct contact with members of the public.

The immigration office quickly probed Maximilian's background and found that he was wanted in Germany.

Immigration chief Lieutenant General Sompong Chingduang said that the tourist managed to escape into Thailand and avoid detection for two years.

The chief said: ''Maximilian came into Thailand in 2017. At the time, the Interpol had not yet informed to the Thai police about the arrest warrant in Germany.

''But when the warrant was ready, he travelled to the border at Nakorn Phanom and left Thailand before he paid a Laotian fixer to bring him back through the Mekong river illegally.''

The drug dealer then resumed his low key profile in Pak Chong district - until someone spread his face all over social media selling chicken.

Immigration police went to his house last Saturday (June 29) but Maximilian escaped into a swampy area, where he stayed hiding in the water for eight hours.

But the suspect finally surrendered after starving in the woods for two days. He is now under the custody of the immigration police.

''Maximilian has been charged with traveling and staying in the Kingdom without permission. He will be blacklisted and sent back to his home country to face charges there,'' the immigration chief added.

A fugitive German drug dealer was finally caught - after setting up a roadside chicken stall in rural Thailand.

Fernsebner Maximilian, 34, was wanted by the German authorities for online drug trafficking. Interpol issued a warrant in 2017 that included also charges for theft, robbery and child porn.

The German fled to Thailand's Sin City of Pattaya - a notorious haven for foreign criminals - where he met a local woman.

Maximilian moved to her home town and in May he became a local hero after being seen helping her with a grilled chicken stand in rural Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand.

Unfortunately, Maximilian's minor fame caused his downfall when authorities began investigating whether he had a work permit - necessary for any foreigners to do any kind of work in the country. Foreigners are also banned from service industries such as bars, restaurants, cafes and front desk jobs where they have direct contact with members of the public.

The immigration office quickly probed Maximilian's background and found that he was wanted in Germany.

Immigration chief Lieutenant General Sompong Chingduang said that the tourist managed to escape into Thailand and avoid detection for two years.

The chief said: ''Maximilian came into Thailand in 2017. At the time, the Interpol had not yet informed to the Thai police about the arrest warrant in Germany.

''But when the warrant was ready, he travelled to the border at Nakorn Phanom and left Thailand before he paid a Laotian fixer to bring him back through the Mekong river illegally.''

The drug dealer then resumed his low key profile in Pak Chong district - until someone spread his face all over social media selling chicken.

Immigration police went to his house last Saturday (29/06) but Maximilian escaped into a swampy area, where he stayed hiding in the water for eight hours.

But the suspect finally surrendered after starving in the wood for two days. He is now under the custody of the immigration police.

''Maximilian has been charged with traveling and staying in the Kingdom without permission. He will be blacklisted and sent back to his home country to face charges there,'' the immigration chief added.