Picture courtesy of Benar News

 

In an ongoing effort to maintain order and safety for both locals and tourists, Phuket police recently arrested three foreign nationals in separate operations targeting immigration and employment law violations. Conducted on March 10, this swift crackdown underscores Phuket's commitment to strict law enforcement.

 

The first two arrests occurred during targeted inspections by Phuket's police force and Immigration Department. An Indian national known only as "Jay" was found to have overstayed his visa by an astonishing 668 days, while "Shah," a Pakistani national, had been in Thailand for 92 days beyond his visa expiry. Both individuals have been charged accordingly and are now facing legal proceedings.

 

In a separate operation, officers raided a Chinese restaurant in Soi Naka. A 33-year-old Chinese national, "Liquan," was discovered working as a chef without a work permit. He had entered Thailand on a tourist visa and was swiftly charged for working illegally. The restaurant owner also faces charges for hiring an alien without a work permit, as per Thai employment laws.

 

 

These enforcement actions are part of a broader mandate from the Royal Thai Police and the Immigration Bureau, guided by officials such as Immigration Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonnalak, to uphold the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and other relevant laws.

 

Phuket authorities encourage adherence to Sections 37 and 38 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, which require that the residency of foreign nationals be reported to the authorities. This vigilance is seen as vital for ensuring safety and compliance, furthering tourist confidence in Phuket as a secure destination.

 

Recent months have seen similar enforcement efforts, with several foreign nationals detained over visa overstays. Although records indicate multiple arrests, comprehensive data on the total number of foreigners apprehended annually in Phuket for overstays remains largely unspecified, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-11

 

 

Strict laws for foreigners... no laws for netizens.... excellent job RTP

At the end of each month the Immigration computer system almost certainly produces a list of visa holders who have not extended or have departed via an official Immigration point. It is unlikely to show a current location for each. I wonder how long that list is and who, out of the masses, is prioritised for investigation.

Beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable.  Albeit at my 76ers of age, not going out to night clubs, making sure my immigration status is up to date etc, but I am beginning to feel uncomfortable reading about all these crack-downs everywhere.  E-cigs, raiding night clubs where tourists and locals alike are, raiding for breaking immigration laws, I’m beginning to wonder if I have landed in a “police state”.  Personally, I don’t have anything to fear, I hope, but I am getting the feeling that the peace and quiet is being disturbed.  Maybe it’s just overzealous reporting?