Strengthening controls on the stay of foreigners in Thailand

Recently, law enforcement agencies in Thailand have faced an increase in offenses committed by foreign nationals on the territory of the kingdom. Increased tourist traffic and an influx of foreign visitors have been accompanied by unwanted cases of law violations. According to reports in the Thai media, some foreigners posed a real threat to public order and the well-being of Thai society.

In response, Colonel General Roy Ingpairoj, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, issued a directive requiring the Immigration Bureau to tighten enforcement of migration laws. Investigations revealed facts of illegal entry of certain foreign nationals, as well as concealment of the true purpose of stay in the kingdom. By ignoring local laws, some foreign visitors have harmed the Thai economy, political stability and national security.

Key measures to strengthen control over foreigners

In order to prevent offenses and ensure public tranquility, the following instructions have been issued to the Immigration Bureau:

1. Thoroughly check all foreign nationals entering and leaving the country, including processing applications for extension of stay, stamping and change of visa status. Strictly enforce applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
2. Investigate and prosecute foreigners who commit crimes, including violations of the Immigration Act, the Employment of Foreigners Act, the Entertainment Establishment Act, as well as illegal business schemes and cases of nominee ownership where Thai nationals nominally hold assets on behalf of foreigners. Investigate the possible influence of criminal gangs.
3. Revoke residence permits for foreigners who are in the country without legal grounds or who engage in lifestyles incompatible with the permit, in accordance with the Immigration Act.

Implementation and reporting on tightening control measures

A meeting on the control and supervision of foreigners arriving in Phuket was held at the conference room of the Provincial Immigration Office with the participation of representatives from relevant agencies. The meeting aimed to ensure an integrated approach to law enforcement through inter-agency cooperation.

Unprecedented measures have been taken to tighten control over the stay of foreign nationals in the Kingdom of Thailand. The authorities aim to protect the well-being of the local population by preventing violations of the law and threats to national security by foreign visitors.

The Immigration Bureau must develop an action plan and schedule for regular and comprehensive checks in all regions of the kingdom. After each arrest of a foreigner, a further investigation must be conducted and a report submitted by the 10th of the following month. The first such report is expected on April 10, 2024.