Australian man, Helio Taiyang Richardson, arrested in Thailand Island paradise

Thai authorities cracking down on holiday goers overstaying their welcome have stumbled across an Australian man on the Interpol wanted list over a number of sex charges.

An alleged Australian rapist has been arrested on a tropical island by immigration authorities who were unaware of his allegedly depraved past.

Australia’s Helio Taiyang Richardson, 62, disappeared from Queensland after failing to appear in a Brisbane court in 2021 over sexual assault charges, including rape, dating back to 2017.

Helio Taiyang Richardson, a 62-year-old Australian wanted for sexual assaults, was arrested in Thailand on visa overstay charges. Picture: Asia Pacific Press

But his reported plans to retire on the Thai island of Koh Phangan in Thailand – home of the iconic full moon parties – were cut short on September 12 during a run-of-the-mill roundup by the local immigration officers of holiday-makers overstaying their visas.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanguansap Lapsanong from the Surat Thani Immigration Bureau told Asia Pacific Press: “The suspect has been charged with overstaying, and the inquiry officer of Koh Phangan Police Station will proceed with legal action.”

He had been living on the island of Koh Phangan – famous for its full moon parties – since June but was caught by local immigration officers on September 12. Picture: Istock

“He will be deported and black-listed from the Kingdom (of Thailand) for visa offences.”

The Surat Thani Immigration Bureau said Mr Richardson entered Thailand on June 16 through a standard visa exemption for Australians before applying for a visa extension, which expired on August 14.

Thai authorities discovered Mr Richardson (left) was the subject of an Interpol Blue Notice and informed Australian authorities. Picture: Asia Pacific Press

Immigration authorities came looking when it was flagged that he had not departed the country when due.

Images from his arrest show Mr Richardson had inhabited a modest yet tranquil beachside villa, and appeared bemused to see authorities.

Richardson will be deported and extradited to Australia, where he is expected to face formal charges. Picture: Asia Pacific Press

Once in custody, Thai authorities discovered that Mr Richardson, a kinesiologist, had been the subject of an Interpol Blue Notice, which is issued to gather information on fugitives suspected of involvement in a crime.

Thai police then contacted the Australian authorities and discovered that what seemed like a relatively simple visa issue had escalated into a matter worthy of international extradition.

Queensland Police Service said Mr Richardson was deported to New South Wales on Thursday and is expected to be extradited back to Queensland in the coming days.

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