A 23-year-old Lao national has been arrested in Ubon Ratchathani after authorities discovered he had remained in Thailand for 2,256 days beyond his permitted stay, equivalent to approximately six years and two months. Immigration officers have transferred the suspect to police for legal proceedings and eventual deportation.
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The arrest took place on 5 June 2026 as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Pairat Phukcharoen, Commander of Immigration Division 4, together with Pol. Col. Samran Klanma, Superintendent of Ubon Ratchathani Immigration, and Pol. Lt. Col. Nopparat Yangdamrong, Deputy Superintendent of Ubon Ratchathani Immigration.
Authorities said investigation teams were instructed to inspect high-risk locations across the province to prevent and suppress offences linked to the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and other crimes affecting national security.
The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Ying Wasana Thepprasit, Inspector at Ubon Ratchathani Immigration, supported by an investigation team directed by Pol. Capt. Pricha Praking. Following intelligence gathering and field investigations, officers located and arrested Mr Khamphouan, who has no surname recorded, a ladyboy and Lao citizen aged 23.
A detailed examination of his passport and immigration records through the immigration information database confirmed that he had overstayed his permitted period of stay in Thailand. Officials confirmed that the overstay period totalled 2,256 days.
Officers formally informed Mr Khamphouan of his rights and the charge of remaining in the Kingdom beyond the period authorised. The suspect was subsequently handed over, together with supporting evidence and database records, to investigators at Chong Mek Police Station in Sirindhorn district, Ubon Ratchathani province, for further legal action.
Naewna reported that after completing the legal process, Mr Khamphouan will be transferred back to immigration authorities for deportation. His details will also be entered into the immigration blacklist system, preventing his return to Thailand for 10 years as specified under Thai law.
Picture courtesy of Naewna
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 6 June 2026