Two foreign nationals, an Indian and a Pakistani man, were arrested in Patong, Phuket, on Monday, March 10th, for significantly overstaying their visas. The arrests were made by Phuket Immigration officers during a routine inspection at a local restaurant.

Nigerian Overstayers Arrested in Bangkok, Implicated in Cocaine Smuggling Ring

The Phuket Immigration Bureau identified the individuals as Mr. J., a 34-year-old Indian national, who had overstayed his visa by 668 days, and Mr. S., a 29-year-old Pakistani national, who had overstayed by 92 days. Both men were found working in the kitchen of a restaurant in Patong, though authorities did not disclose their specific roles or the name of the establishment.

Immigration officers conducted the raid as part of an ongoing crackdown on visa violations in Phuket, a popular tourist destination that has seen a surge in foreign workers in recent years. The two men were taken into custody and transported to the Phuket Immigration Office, where they now face charges of overstaying their visas, a violation of Thailand’s immigration laws.

Under Thai law, overstaying a visa can result in fines, deportation, and bans on re-entering the country. For overstays exceeding 90 days, individuals may face a ban of up to 10 years, depending on the duration of the violation.

The arrests highlight the Thai government’s increasing efforts to enforce immigration laws and regulate the growing number of foreign workers in the country. Authorities have urged businesses to verify the legal status of their employees to avoid penalties, including fines and potential closure.

Phuket Immigration officials have not released further details about the case but confirmed that both men will be processed according to standard legal procedures. They also reiterated their commitment to cracking down on visa overstays and other immigration violations to maintain order and security in the region.

British Man Arrested in Chiang Mai After Overstaying Visa by Staggering 25 Years

Note: Patong is one of Phuket’s most popular areas, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and diverse international community.

-Thailand News (TN)