A British fugitive wanted on robbery and overstay charges was arrested while trying to reach a notorious drug-infested island in southern Thailand.

Muhammed Khan, 29, reportedly committed robbery and assault in the capital Bangkok before fleeing to Surat Thani province some 400 miles (640 kilometres) away in early August.

The suspect, from London, was preparing to depart for 'White Lotus' island Koh Samui, a drug haven which has recently seen an influx of narcotics smugglers due to its lax enforcement, but was intercepted by police on Wednesday, August 6.

Officers said Muhammed, from London, was seen 'acting suspiciously' while walking along Na Muang Road. They detained him and investigated his room before hauling him to the Surat Thani Provincial Police Station for further legal action.

Acting Police Lieutenant Colonel Akkarawin Intamusik of Immigration Division 6 said: 'The suspect was a fugitive who overstayed in Thailand for 659 days. He entered Thailand in mid-2023 on a tourist visa but failed to depart the country as scheduled.

'He also committed a robbery and assault in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok in early August 2025 before fleeing to Surat Thani province, where he was preparing to hide on Koh Samui.'

Police Colonel Wutthiphat Naphachote, superintendent of Immigration Bureau Division 6, added: 'All tourists and foreigners entering Thailand are warned to strictly respect and abide by the law. Security officials will take strict action against foreigners who violate laws in the Kingdom of Thailand.'

Authorities said Muhammed was set to be deported to his home country after investigations.

Last month, Brazilian couple Diego Dos Santos Silva, 36, and Fernanda Gabriele Lorenco De Andrade, 24, were caught with 6.63 kilos (14.6 pounds) of cocaine in their luggage at the Koh Samui International Airport.

The pair claimed they were promised 35,000 BRL (around 4,700 GBP) once the drugs were handed over to a contact on the island - known for its party scene among well-off young holidaymakers.

Koh Samui has seen a surge of tourism among US, British and European travellers following the success of The White Lotus's third season.

The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which serves as the show's fictional setting, saw a tenfold increase in demand, its executive vice president Marc Speichert said. The spike in interest, called the 'White Lotus Effect', also boosted tourism in the previous filming locations of Hawaii and Sicily.

However, there is a dark underbelly to the island, which claimed the life of cricket star Shane Warne in Kamagra-fuelled romp with sex workers at a luxury villa in March 2022.

While Australian law firm boss Christopher Saines, 42, died on the island last month when he passed out in a massage parlor, where middle-age women charge 1,000 Baht (23.18 GBP) for sex.

The tropical climate and secluded locations has also seen it become a popular destination for growing cannabis legally. Dozens of Brits have been arrested while trying to smuggle the drug back to the United Kingdom.