A Russian fugitive wanted for illegal weapons charges was arrested in Thailand.

The 27-year-old suspect, whose identity was not disclosed by police, was detained on resort island Phuket on August 14.

Police said the man had fled from Bangkok after the Phra Khanong Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for alleged illegal firearms possession on July 31.

Investigators later traced him to Phuket and worked with immigration officers to intercept him. He was caught after arriving on the island, with officers presenting the outstanding warrant.

Police Lieutenant General Panumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said: ‘The suspect denied all charges. We handed him over to the inquiry officer following legal procedures. We will coordinate with the Russian Embassy for further action.'

Officials said the arrest was made in line with the policy to crack down on tourists and illegal immigrants engaging in illicit businesses and transnational crimes in Thailand.

The once-pristine island of Phuket has been marred by over-tourism as the Thai government implements a visa-free scheme to boost revenue following the barren pandemic years.

The island saw 800,000 foreign visitors last year alone - including tens of thousands of Russian 'draft dodgers'.

Angry locals claim the push for tourist dollars has attracted crowds of 'low-quality' visitors from Russia, India and Australia. There are also fears that the island has become an enclave of criminal activity, with police unable to control street fights and more organised ruffians setting up rackets among local businesses.

Phuket officials said they are implementing tighter immigration controls and screening processes amid a wave of drug-related crimes and illegal activities on the island.