Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered legal amendments to accelerate the deportation of foreign criminals in Thailand, aiming to prevent offenders from returning to criminal activities while awaiting removal from the country.
Get today's headlines by email 
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Tuesday 16 June 2026, following the cabinet meeting, that Mr Anutin had instructed Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Interior to draft amendments to immigration laws and related regulations.
The proposed changes are intended to address concerns that the current deportation process is too slow. Under existing procedures, foreign nationals facing criminal charges in Thailand must complete the legal process before deportation can take place.
Authorities say that suspects are often released on bail during legal proceedings and are usually required to surrender their passports. However, some individuals are alleged to resume criminal activities while their cases are ongoing.
Once criminal proceedings have concluded, foreigners subject to deportation orders are transferred to an immigration detention centre until their removal is carried out.
According to Ms Rachada, the prime minister instructed officials to prepare the legal amendments as quickly as possible while ensuring compliance with national security requirements, public interests and Thailand’s international obligations.
“Thailand is glad to welcome foreign tourists, investors and business operators,” Ms Rachada quoted Prime Minister Anutin as telling the cabinet meeting. “For those who arrive and violate laws or cause damage to the country, they must be prosecuted decisively and deported as soon as possible.”
The move comes as authorities continue efforts to tackle transnational crime, call-centre scams, proxy business operations and other illicit activities involving foreign nationals.
Police have said foreign criminal suspects are often concentrated in major tourist destinations, where they can more easily blend into expatriate communities and business networks. In recent months, authorities have expanded surveillance and investigative operations in several locations, including Koh Phangan in Surat Thani, Phuket, Pai in Mae Hong Son and Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The Bangkokpost reported that the proposed legal amendments will now be drafted by the relevant agencies before being considered through the legislative process. Officials have indicated that the changes are intended to strengthen law enforcement measures while maintaining Thailand’s obligations under international law.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 17 June 2026