Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed provincial governors and district officials to act quickly against foreign nationals who break the law or engage in conduct authorities consider harmful to public order.
Speaking during a nationwide video conference on September 17, Anutin said officials should use the country’s newly introduced deportation procedures fairly and decisively when foreigners meet the legal criteria for removal.
The order focuses on cases involving foreigners accused of illegal land occupation, operating businesses or working without the required permits, and other unlawful activities. Officials in provinces including Phuket and Surat Thani were specifically urged to step up enforcement.
Thailand’s new Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on Deportation took effect on August 28, 2026. Government guidelines cover six categories, including illegal entry or overstaying, unauthorised employment, unlawful business operations, forged official documents, offences carrying prison sentences of at least five years, and involvement in those offences.
Under the new procedures, authorities can coordinate deportation after a foreign national completes a prison sentence. If the person cannot afford a ticket home, government funds may be used for repatriation, subject to the applicable rules and approvals.
Anutin also told officials not to delay deportation because of concerns about travel costs or appeals. He said provincial authorities could initially cover the cost of a flight and seek reimbursement later where permitted.
The prime minister’s comments come after Thailand recently used the new regulations in cases involving an Israeli national and a French national, both of whom were ordered to leave the country. Police said the two remained in Thailand while their appeals were being considered as of September 17.
At the same time, government guidance says the new framework is intended to target foreign nationals who violate Thai law while continuing to welcome visitors, workers and residents who comply with the country’s legal requirements.
