The Thai government warned that "problematic" tourists and foreign workers could be expelled from the country after new rules targeting foreigners convicted of illegal activities came into effect. The rules were published in the Official Gazette on Friday (28) and establish procedures for the expulsion of foreigners who have already served their sentences in the country.
The new rules cover various offenses, including illegal stay after visa expiration, illegal work, fraudulent business operations, use of forged documents, and crimes punishable by at least five years in prison. The measure aims to better control the presence of foreigners who commit irregularities in Thai territory.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul wrote on social media on Thursday that "problematic tourists or foreign workers who break the law must leave." The statement reinforces the government's position on the need to maintain order and safety for legal visitors.
Thailand is implementing these new rules in a context of growing tourist flow, seeking to balance the welcome of visitors with the need to curb illegal activities committed by foreigners in the country.
