A Singaporean fugitive wanted for alleged theft has been arrested on an island in southern Thailand.

The man, identified by officers as 'Muhamad', 34, reportedly stole a mobile phone and escaped on a runaway car in Ao Nang, Krabi province before fleeing to Koh Lanta island.

Police led by Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 6, obtained an arrest warrant and detained him on the island on January 10.

Muhamad was taken to the Ao Nang Police Station to face legal charges. He reportedly admitted to stealing a mobile phone from a shop in Krabi and said he had never been arrested before.

Authorities said he will be charged for 'committing a theft during the night using a vehicle'.

Tourism police urged foreign visitors to properly report their accommodations under Sections 37 and 38 of Thailand's Immigration Act of 1979.

Locals were also asked to report suspicious tourists in Krabi, a popular beach destination in Thailand.