Thai premier orders swift deportations of foreigners violating law

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also heads the Interior Ministry, has ordered provincial governors to rigorously apply Thai law and expedite the removal of foreign nationals who engage in illegal activities or endanger Thai citizens. He signed an Interior Ministry announcement establishing a new deportation mechanism to act more decisively against offenders. Governors and district chiefs were directed to target nominee networks, fraudulent enterprises, illegal land ownership, unauthorised employment and drug trafficking, working closely with provincial police commanders.

The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreigners in tourist hubs such as Phuket and Koh Samui, where recent disputes involving Israeli tourists have drawn public attention. While the government stresses that lawful tourists and investors are still welcome, it warned that any breach of Thai laws, customs or traditions will trigger swift action, including deportation.