Thailand has moved a step closer to sending Australian resident and refugee Melbourne footballer Hakeem al-Araibi to Bahrain, where he faces imprisonment and possible torture.

Police in Thailand have announced Araibi has been officially arrested for a court to rule on his extradition to the country he fled, after a request from Bahrain's government. However, despite earlier fears from human rights groups, he was not expected to be immediately extradited, pending further hearings.

Hakeem al-Araibi (right) with AFC president Shiekh Salman, a member of the royal family who Araibi has been critical of in the past. Credit:Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy

"This might be my last message," the Pascoe Vale FC defender was quoted as saying on Friday morning. "I still don’t know whether I will be deported to Bahrain tomorrow. I appeal to the United Nations, individual states, FIFA, footballers, and all people, as my fate is now in danger and my future will soon be over.

"If I am deported to Bahrain, don’t forget me, and if once I’m there you hear me saying things, don’t believe me. I know what will happen to me and I know I will be tortured to confess things that I have never done. Please continue your fight to save me.”