Report Phuket Immigration Cracks Down on Visa Overstays, Arrests Four Foreign Nationals

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of Phuket Immigration Facebook

 

Phuket has become the latest focal point in Thailand's intensified campaign against visa overstays, as Immigration officers conduct a strategic crackdown to reinforce the nation's immigration laws. Launching the operation on Monday, May 19, the Phuket Immigration department, in collaboration with local agencies, apprehended four foreign nationals accused of remaining in the country beyond their legal allowances. This initiative is part of a broader, nationwide effort to eliminate illegal immigration and bolster security within the kingdom.

 

The arrest operation, which underscores the commitment of authorities to uphold Thailand's strict immigration regulations, captured four individuals: two Nigerian nationals, an Italian, and an Icelander. Among the violators, Nigerian national "Wisdom" was identified as the most extreme case, having overstayed his visa by an extraordinary 761 days. His compatriot, Izuchukwu, had surpassed his permitted stay by 33 days. Davide, the Italian national, overstayed by 236 days, whereas Eireannach from Iceland had remained in Thailand 15 days past his visa expiration.

 

 

Phuket Immigration Chief Police Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying emphasised the importance of this operation in maintaining the island's reputation as a safe haven for both residents and tourists. "Phuket Immigration is dedicated to tackling illegal activities involving foreigners to ensure the safety and confidence of residents and tourists alike," he asserted. He highlighted that such enforcement is crucial not only for legal compliance but also for preserving the province’s image as a dependable and secure destination for international visitors and expatriates.

 

All four individuals have been charged under Thailand’s Immigration Act 1979 for overstaying their visas and are currently undergoing legal proceedings. They were promptly informed of their rights and are now in the custody of investigative officers, who will determine the next steps in accordance with Thai law.

 

 

Authorities have stressed that these arrests are part of an expansive policy framework aimed at reducing foreign-related crimes in the region. This includes not only visa violations but also unlawful employment practices under the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers 2018 and unauthorized business activities, as delineated in the Foreign Business Act 1999.

 

In their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, the Immigration Bureau is actively encouraging the public to participate in these initiatives by reporting any suspicious or illegal activities involving foreigners. This collaboration between the authorities and the community is intended to promote a lawful environment that is welcoming and safe for everyone.

 

 

This crackdown serves as a reminder to foreign nationals about the importance of adhering to visa regulations and the stringent measures that the Thai government is willing to enforce to ensure compliance. As part of this continued vigilance, the authorities are set on maintaining Thailand’s integrity as a lawful and appealing destination, underscoring their commitment to addressing and rectifying immigration-related challenges.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-21

 

 

[hotchilli]

We want your money.... not you

[ronster]

Why do some get only 4 people standing behind them and not 8 🙄

[Ricky Koh Samui]

Four = wow thats a big number = not! Do a check in Bkk Soi 11 & surrounding Sukhumvit area and all the colorful individuals selling whatever??

[Taboo2]

Only 4?  The immigration folks better up their game!

[Taboo2]

56 minutes ago, Ricky Koh Samui said:

Four = wow thats a big number = not! Do a check in Bkk Soi 11 & surrounding Sukhumvit area and all the colorful individuals selling whatever??

Agree, I was walking be that area and saw more "homies" on the block that is reminded me of the South Bronx or Chicago.  We need Big Joke to come back.  55555.  I do not see those folks as quality tourists...and this has nothing to do with race.

[Hakuna Matata]

1 hour ago, Ricky Koh Samui said:

Four = wow thats a big number = not! Do a check in Bkk Soi 11 & surrounding Sukhumvit area and all the colorful individuals selling whatever??

 

Thailand has become a safe heaven for criminals and fugitives from all over the world! What a shame.

 

Stricter visa rules are required!

 

 

[ujayujay]

1 hour ago, ronster said:

Why do some get only 4 people standing behind them and not 8 🙄

This depends on the length of the overstay

[ujayujay]

19 minutes ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

Thailand has become a safe heaven for criminals and fugitives from all over the world! What a shame.

 

Stricter visa rules are required!

 

 

Hakuna Matata, the hate poster again and again👎

[terryofcrete]

I thought they were detained for wearing those shirts

[CANSIAM]

4 foreigners, "crackdown" again wrong choice of words.........

[wensiensheng]

“Phuket Immigration is dedicated to tackling illegal activities involving foreigners to ensure the safety and confidence of residents and tourists alike," he asserted.”

 

Phew! I’ve been unable to sleep at nights worrying about that Icelander and his 15 day overstay.

[wensiensheng]

2 hours ago, Ricky Koh Samui said:

Four = wow thats a big number = not! Do a check in Bkk Soi 11 & surrounding Sukhumvit area and all the colorful individuals selling whatever??

Yeah but that’s BKK. This article is about the Phuket crackdown and its stellar results.

[ericthai]

3 hours ago, Ricky Koh Samui said:

Four = wow thats a big number = not! Do a check in Bkk Soi 11 & surrounding Sukhumvit area and all the colorful individuals selling whatever??

keep wishing, most of them pay a protection fee. brown envelopes all around!

[Jiggo]

Good to see  Thailands major crimes unit catching these dangerous overstayers, yet any news on the British guy who was stabbed multiple times and chucked out a vehicle last week.

[Reddavy]

A nigerian overstaying for over 2 years wow shock horror 😱😱

[sambum]

Wow! All that manpower to arrest 4 people for being here longer than they should!

 

Now what about the "proper" criminals? Or is that too much work?

[hotandsticky]

3 minutes ago, sambum said:

Wow! All that manpower to arrest 4 people for being here longer than they should!

 

Now what about the "proper" criminals? Or is that too much work?

 

 

Many who overstay are 'proper' criminals.

 

 

Who woulda thought it?

[sambum]

9 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Many who overstay are 'proper' criminals.

 

 

Who woulda thought it?

 

Would more stringent checks before they let them in not go some way towards solving that problem? Oh, sorry, that would affect TAT's figures - can't have that!

[hotandsticky]

1 minute ago, sambum said:

 

Would more stringent checks before they let them in not go some way towards solving that problem? Oh, sorry, that would affect TAT's figures - can't have that!

 

Now you are trying to talk common sense....... stop it, you won't get far doing that 🙂

[sambum]

5 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Now you are trying to talk common sense....... stop it, you won't get far doing that 🙂

They could always nick people for buying booze in between 2pm and 5pm from..... Shhh - hush my mouth!

[Beat666]

Quote

Nigerian national "Wisdom"

Well, Mr. Wise Guy, what tells you your wisdom now??? 😂

[simon43]

Wow!  They removed the right side of the head of the first guy!  Brutal!!!

[hotandsticky]

25 minutes ago, sambum said:

They could always nick people for buying booze in between 2pm and 5pm from..... Shhh - hush my mouth!

 

Or...... they could apply commonsense and scrap the bl00dy stupid rule completely.

[sambum]

59 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Or...... they could apply commonsense and scrap the bl00dy stupid rule completely.

 

"Now you are trying to talk common sense....... stop it, you won't get far doing that 🙂" (I knew that "Copy & Paste trick would come in handy sometime!)