BANGKOK, Thailand – Foreigners who commit offences in Thailand face deportation to their home countries or third countries under a new order from the Prime Minister’s Office that took effect following its publication in the Royal Gazette, taking a tougher approach towards unruly foreign nationals amid increasing complaints about public disturbances caused by some tourists and nominee businesses operated by foreign businessmen in violation of Thai law. The order comes as authorities have stepped up enforcement particularly on Phuket, Samui, and Pha-ngan islands, as well as in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province, where complaints have been most prevalent.

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According to the order, while the Thai government welcomes all bona fide foreign visitors who come to Thailand to travel, reside, work, or conduct business, they are required to obey Thai law, but some foreigners, despite entering the country legally, have been found to have violated Thai law for illicit gains or behaved in ways that contravene public order and the good morals of the Thai people. Others have entered the country illegally, and it has therefore been deemed appropriate to deport these undesirable foreign nationals, the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Foreigners subject to deportation include those who entered the country illegally, worked or conducted businesses illegally, were found guilty of falsifying official documents, or were sentenced to more than five years in prison, with deportation carried out after they have been convicted by a Thai court, served their sentences, and been released from prison. Under the procedure, the interior permanent secretary will be responsible for submitting the names of foreigners to be deported to the interior minister for approval, and deported foreigners may also be blacklisted and barred from re-entering Thailand for a specified period to be determined by the interior permanent secretary.

Tourism Ministry to deport misbehaving foreign tourists as new regulation takes effecthttps://t.co/Ex3n4bWIi7 pic.twitter.com/5Itz7LEsX4

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The order represents a significant hardening of Thailand’s stance on foreign offenders, reflecting growing public and official concern over the behaviour of some expatriates and tourists in popular destinations. While tourism remains a cornerstone of the Thai economy, authorities have signalled that maintaining public order and upholding the rule of law will take precedence over any economic considerations when it comes to addressing criminal conduct by foreign nationals. The new measures are expected to be applied rigorously, with officials given clear authority to identify, process, and deport those deemed undesirable.

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The order also serves as a clear warning to foreign visitors and residents that compliance with Thai law is not optional and that violations will carry serious consequences, including permanent exclusion from the kingdom.

-Thailand News (TN)