Chiang Mai, Thailand – February 25, 2025
Chiang Mai Immigration authorities, under the leadership of Police Colonel Surachai Eimpuang, Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration, have intensified efforts to crack down on immigration violations. On February 24, 2025, a British national was arrested for overstaying his visa by a staggering 9,135 days—more than 25 years—following a targeted operation in the city.
During the inspection, authorities apprehended the British man, charging him with “Being an alien who entered and resided in the Kingdom after permission had expired.” After informing him of the charges and his legal rights, officers transferred him to the Chiang Mai City Police Station for further legal proceedings. He is now awaiting deportation to the United Kingdom.
The suspect admitted to entering Thailand on January 9, 2000, under a 30-day visa exemption (Por.30). When his permit expired, he failed to apply for an extension and instead successfully managed to evade authorities for over two decades. He reportedly lived in Bangkok for 13 years before relocating to Chiang Mai, where he resided for an additional 12 years. During this time, he obtained a new passport, possibly in an attempt to avoid detection. However, Chiang Mai Immigration officers tracked him down and made the arrest.
Although overstay arrests and deportations are common in Thailand, one of this level of length is extremely unusual and even Immigration officers were shocked at all long the suspect, whose name wasn’t released to the press, has evaded authorities. His name was withheld as Immigration officials were further investigating the man and his connections to attempt to determine exactly how he had avoided them for so long and if he possibly had any criminal records or history in the UK.
