Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul used a briefing to officials on September 17 to order a broader crackdown on foreign nationals accused of breaking Thai law, spanning illegal land ownership and nominee business structures, unauthorized places of worship and private cemeteries, and signage barring Thai citizens from private premises. Anutin said he had signed an Interior Ministry announcement establishing a new deportation mechanism intended to let officials take “more decisive action” against violators, telling officials that once a deportation order is issued, “that person must leave,” and that they should not be deterred by the cost of flying offenders home.
The measures affect a wide range of foreign nationals in Thailand. Visa-free entry, previously available for up to 90 days to nationals of many countries, has been halved to 30 days. Authorities are also targeting foreigners who use Thai citizens as nominee shareholders to hold land, condominium units or otherwise-restricted businesses, as well as those operating unlicensed short-term rentals as de facto hotels. A Deputy Interior Minister, Polapee Suwunchwee, has been tasked with leading enforcement, with provincial governors, district chiefs and provincial police commanders directed to act. Bernama reported that an Israeli national was deported from Koh Samui on September 10 for threatening a zoo owner, in what was described as the first use of Thailand’s 2026 deportation regulations.
The order follows a string of incidents that officials say fuelled public backlash against foreign lawbreakers, including cases of unauthorized foreign-run cemeteries and religious sites, and businesses displaying signs excluding Thai nationals — which Anutin said governors must personally have removed, even from private residences. Anutin said foreigners “should not come here and take advantage of us,” adding that spending and investment by tourists does not entitle them to break Thai law.
Anutin said Thailand remains open to legitimate tourists and foreign investment, provided foreign nationals respect Thai laws, customs and traditions. Officials have not published a fine schedule, implementation timeline or enforcement quota alongside the new deportation mechanism.
References
Bernama – Thai PM Orders Crackdown On Foreign Offenders, Warns Of Deportation / The Nation Thailand – Anutin tells governors to act swiftly on foreigner deportations / South China Morning Post – ‘Gone too far’: Thai PM Anutin slams foreign lawbreakers as backlash builds
