Thai Immigration Chief Orders Crackdown on Foreign Nationals in Mae Hong Son

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Bunyaluck, visited Mae Hong Son on 14 March, to implement stricter measures against foreign nationals causing disturbances. He ordered immediate deportation and blacklisting for those found violating Thai laws or engaging in inappropriate behaviour.

 

At 10:30, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas conducted an inspection at the Mae Hong Son Immigration Office, the focus of his visit, being foreign nationals who may not be adhering to visa regulations or who have become a public nuisance.

 

He directed officers to conduct thorough document checks and take decisive action against any individuals not complying with Thai laws, including revoking their stay and deporting them immediately.

 

He specifically emphasised the need for tighter monitoring in Pai district, a well-known tourist destination popular with both Thais and foreigners. Reports of conflicts between locals and foreign visitors have surfaced frequently in the media, prompting authorities to collaborate with local administrative bodies. Officials are now updating records on individuals and accommodations to ensure accurate monitoring.

 

Certain nationalities, including Israeli and Russian visitors, are under heightened scrutiny due to a significant number of visa extension requests. Authorities are closely watching for any suspicious behaviour that may warrant further investigation.

 

“If any foreigner is found acting with disregard for Thai law or causing trouble for the local community, legal action will be taken. Their residency permits or visas will be revoked, and they will be added to the blacklist, barring them from re-entering the country,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas stated.

 

Additionally, immigration officers are enforcing strict compliance with Section 38 of the Immigration Act, which requires hotels and property owners to report foreign guests within 24 hours of their arrival. Any accommodation providers failing to comply will face legal consequences.

 

The crackdown is part of a broader directive from the national police chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, instructing immigration authorities to prevent foreign nationals from creating problems in Thailand. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Immigration Bureau via their official channels.

 

-- 2025-03-15

 

[ikke1959]

A very welcoming message for tourism in Thailand.... Not clear what is inappropriate behavior??? not wearing a Tshirt and being blacklisted and deported? Smoking on the street? Not wearing helmets on motorcycles?? 

 

Are all Thais in Pai angels and have a good behavior too and are they fined  too for sound pollution or things like that??

 

For me it seems  this is again an action against foreigners, as Thais could do what they want..So the easiest way is avoid the place..Tourism will be dying and the locals don't earn again and things will get back to normal... And than they start to complain again

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

A very welcoming message for tourism in Thailand

Yes, it is, as it refers to sorting out the people who can´t behave. All tourists that behave and adhere to Thai rules, laws and respect the culture are welcome.

[norsurin]

The tourists try to take over PAI,same as in Phuket.Get rhem out of Thailand and never let them enter again.

[NanLaew]

9 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

A very welcoming message for tourism in Thailand.... Not clear what is inappropriate behavior??? not wearing a Tshirt and being blacklisted and deported? Smoking on the street? Not wearing helmets on motorcycles?? 

 

Are all Thais in Pai angels and have a good behavior too and are they fined  too for sound pollution or things like that??

 

For me it seems  this is again an action against foreigners, as Thais could do what they want..So the easiest way is avoid the place..Tourism will be dying and the locals don't earn again and things will get back to normal... And than they start to complain again

 

Have you been to the area and witnessed the draft-dodging non-tourist foreigners and their obnoxious behaviour? No?

 

Thought not.

 

Anyway, if the Thai people's rights to make loud noises and flaunt road safety rules is boiling your piss so much, you know where the airport is. You can go straight back home and do anything you want, and that includes moaning about stuff you don't understand and cannot change, even if you did understand it.

[NickyLouie]

Good it's a filthy hippie shthole that needs a proper cleaning 

[black tabby12345]

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Not wearing helmets on motorcycles?? 

 

 

It is often the source of traffic cops' extra money.

So I presume penalty other than on-the-spot into-pocket fine will be unlikely...

[JimHuaHin]

From recent news reports on violence by "tourists", surely Pattaya will be the next target.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, norsurin said:

The tourists try to take over PAI,same as in Phuket.Get rhem out of Thailand and never let them enter again.

The local Thais have invited them in and turned the place into  a playground.

All in the name of a profit... 

[proton]

He needs to order a crackdown of foreigners paying bribes via agents to get extensions they are not entitled to

[norsurin]

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

The local Thais have invited them in and turned the place into  a playground.

All in the name of a profit... 

Thats why "the chosen ones"think they can do whatever they want Its been signs in many years already that says .no Arab..no Israeli.

[Watawattana]

Tourists go to any given country need some kind of visa.  That might be granted on arrival or pre-approved.  That visa doesn't give anyone the right to break any law.  Break it?  Expect to home immediately.  Simples.

 

As for a Thai who breaks a Thai law?  That's up to them and the police, nothing to do with any tourist, 2 wrongs don't make a right.