UPDATE Thailand deportation rules take effect on August 28 Picture courtesy of The Nation Thailand's new regulations on deporting foreign nationals take effect on Friday, August 28, following their publication in the Royal Gazette a day earlier. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had signed the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 on August 26. The measures set out a formal process intended to speed up deportation decisions and coordination between agencies where foreigners have broken the law or are considered a threat to public order. The regulation says Thailand welcomes people entering legally for tourism, residence, employment or business. It also says some foreigners break the law, undermine public order or good morals, or enter illegally for personal gain. Interior Minister's role and offences Under the regulation, "minister" means the Interior Minister. Where a foreigner's conduct is considered contrary to public order, good morals or public welfare - including as an instigator or supporter - the Interior Ministry's permanent secretary or an authorised representative must submit the case to the minister for a deportation decision. The Interior Minister may order the removal of foreigners who have completed sentences under final court judgements in these six categories: Entering or remaining in Thailand unlawfully under immigration law. Working unlawfully under the law governing the employment of foreign nationals. Operating a business unlawfully under the Foreign Business Act. Forging an official document or using a forged official document. Committing an offence carrying a prison sentence of at least five years. Acting as a principal offender, instigator or supporter in any of the first five categories. A deportation order may also bar the person from returning to Thailand for a set period. Advance notice before prisoners are released The Department of Corrections must give the Interior Ministry permanent secretary the name, nationality and case records of a foreign prisoner covered by the regulation at least 15 days before release. That information must be reviewed promptly, allowing the minister to consider a deportation order without delay. If a court suspends a sentence or imposes a fine, the Office of the Judiciary must notify the permanent secretary immediately for consideration of the case. Repatriation and safety safeguards Decisions must comply with applicable laws, Cabinet resolutions and Thailand's international obligations. A deportee will normally be returned to their country of nationality, or, where nationality cannot be established, to the country where they last reported living before entering Thailand. Another country or international organisation can request, through diplomatic channels within seven days of an order, that the person be received there or in a third country. The request may cite risks including torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, treatment violating human dignity, or enforced disappearance. The requesting party must cover all care and transfer costs, and the deportee must provide written consent. Transfers must be completed within 30 days, with no more than two extensions of up to 30 days each. Otherwise, normal repatriation procedures apply. 28 August 2026
