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 today, following its publication in the Royal Gazette yesterday.
The new order takes a tougher approach towards unruly foreign nationals amid increasing complaints from Thai people about public disturbances caused by some tourists and nominee businesses operated by foreign businessmen in violation of Thai law, particularly on Phuket, Samui and Pha-ngan islands, as well as in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province.
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.
However, 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, according to the order.
It has therefore been deemed appropriate to deport these undesirable foreign nationals, the Prime Minister’s Office said in the order.
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.
The deportation of such foreigners will be 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.
Deported foreigners may also be blacklisted and barred from re-entering Thailand for a specified period, to be determined by the interior permanent secretary.
