Thaland –
On August 27th, 2026, the Royal Gazette published a new Prime Minister’s Regulation on Deportation, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on August 26, 2026. The regulation takes effect from August 28th, 2026, and grants the Ministry of Interior expanded authority to order the deportation of foreign nationals who violate Thai law, while also imposing entry bans.
The regulation is to streamline deportation procedures, ensuring faster and more effective enforcement to safeguard public order, morality, and national security. It responds to concerns over foreign nationals, both legally and illegally residing in Thailand, engaging in unlawful activities for personal gain.
Under the new framework, the Permanent Secretary of the Interior, or an authorized delegate, must report cases to the Interior Minister, who has the power to issue deportation orders against foreigners whose conduct threatens public order. This includes not only offenders themselves but also those who facilitate or support such behavior.
For foreign nationals convicted of crimes, the Interior Minister may order deportation before their release from prison. Offenses subject to deportation include illegal entry or residence, unlawful employment or business operations, forgery or use of false official documents, and crimes carrying prison sentences of five years or more. Accomplices, instigators, and supporters of such crimes also fall under the regulation.
Coordination with the Department of Corrections is mandated: Prison officials must provide the Interior Ministry with offender details at least 15 days before release, enabling swift deportation decisions. Deportation orders may also specify the duration of entry bans. In cases where courts impose fines or suspended sentences, the judiciary must promptly notify the Interior Ministry for further action.
The regulation is in compliance with Thai law, Cabinet resolutions, and international human rights obligations. Deportees are generally returned to their country of nationality, or if stateless, to their last place of residence before entering Thailand. However, if another country or international organization requests custody within seven days of a deportation order, citing safety concerns such as risk of torture, inhumane treatment, or enforced disappearance, and agrees to cover all costs, deportees may be transferred there with their written consent.
Requests from foreign governments must be processed within 30 days, though the Interior Minister may extend the deadline twice, each by up to 30 days. If deportation cannot be completed within the timeframe, authorities must proceed with returning the individual to their country of origin or nationality.
Costs associated with deportation will follow regulations set by the Interior Ministry with approval from the Ministry of Finance. In cases of dispute or ambiguity, the Interior Minister’s decision will be final.
The Pattaya News noted that this has been issued a few days after the Ministry of the Interior has ordered the cancellation of a tourist visa belonging to an Israeli national accused of threatening to kill the owner of Samui Exotic Park in Surat Thani and attempting to intimidate staff by threatening to burn down the zoo.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
