Law
New Deportation Regulations for Foreigners Enacted in Thailand
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a new regulation aimed at streamlining the deportation process for foreign nationals who violate Thai laws.
On August 27, 2026, the Royal Thai Government Gazette published a new regulation regarding the deportation of foreign nationals, signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. According to Khaosod Online, this measure is set to take effect on August 28, 2026, with the stated goal of maintaining public order, morality, and social safety.
The regulation empowers the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to report foreign individuals who engage in illegal activities to the Minister of Interior, who may then issue a deportation order. Targeted behaviors include illegal entry, unauthorized employment, illicit business operations, document forgery, or committing crimes punishable by five or more years of imprisonment. Notably, the regulation allows for immediate deportation orders for those released from prison after serving sentences for such offenses.
For residents and travelers, this development signals a stricter enforcement environment regarding immigration and criminal compliance. The regulation establishes a formal coordination process between the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Interior to identify and process foreign offenders. While the regulation provides a clear framework for administrative action, the specific operational protocols for how these deportations will be executed on a case-by-case basis remain to be confirmed. Individuals are encouraged to ensure full compliance with all local laws and visa conditions to avoid potential administrative scrutiny.