Pictures courtesy of Chiang Mai Immigration Bureau

 

A French national has been arrested in Chiang Mai for overstaying by 60 days following an immigration inspection of the area. Officers detained the man on Huay Kaew Road in Sri Phum Sub-district, Mueang District, on 8 November. The operation was part of a province-wide campaign to identify foreigners residing illegally in Thailand.

 

The arrest followed directives from Pol. Gen. Kitrat Panphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, who has instructed immigration units nationwide to monitor and act against foreigners involved in unlawful behaviour or overstaying their visas/permission stay. The Immigration Bureau, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, has intensified investigations into overstayers, illegal entrants, and transnational crime groups using Thailand as a base for illegal activities.

 

Under the supervision of Pol. Col. Surachai Iamphueng, Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration and Pol. Lt. Col. Passonporn Sukrasorn, Deputy Superintendent, officers from the provincial immigration investigation unit conducted the operation in coordination with Division 5 immigration investigators. During the inspection, they found the French man, who admitted to remaining in the country beyond his authorised stay.

 

The man told officers that he had entered Thailand on a “Visa Exemption” allowing a maximum stay of 60 days for tourism or short-term business. He failed to extend his stay or leave Thailand before that permission expired. He was charged with “being a foreigner residing in the Kingdom without valid permission” under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and transferred to investigators at Chang Phueak Police Station for prosecution and deportation proceedings.

 

Authorities emphasised that overstays are a criminal offence that can lead to fines, detention, deportation and bans on re-entry. Immigration officers continue to conduct surprise inspections, particularly in tourist and expatriate zones, to detect illegal residency. Similar arrests have recently been made across Thailand as part of a national crackdown on overstayers and unlawful foreign activity.

 

The French national remains in custody pending completion of legal procedures. Following prosecution, he will be deported to France. Immigration officials urged all foreign nationals in Thailand to verify their visa status and comply with immigration laws. Immigration stated that anyone wishing to report visa violations or seek information can contact Chiang Mai Immigration directly through its website, Facebook page or hotline at 0 5320 1755.

 

 

Key Takeaway

 

• A French man was arrested in Chiang Mai for a 60-day overstay.

• He was charged under the Immigration Act and awaits deportation.

• Officials reaffirmed a nationwide crackdown on foreign visa violations.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Khaosod 2025-11-10

 

 

 

 

 

Good news for to attrack tourists...What would happen if the same happened with Thais in the other countries?? 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The French national remains in custody pending completion of legal procedures. Following prosecution, he will be deported to France.

Au revoir

There is another Dutchman in the Bangkok area who is also awaiting arrest for long-term overstaying. He complains in a Dutch newspaper, complete with photo (how stupid can you be?), that he is stranded and cannot even afford a plane ticket because he has been robbed by his Thai wife.

Stupid is as stupid does, he just had to get an extension.

One more idiot, why overstay? It is very easy to apply for the correct visa and extend it.

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Good news for to attrack tourists...What would happen if the same happened with Thais in the other countries?? 

It does happen every day. Thais overstaying and illegally working in S. Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Gulf States.  What happens?  Same as here: Deported.

Maybe just a simple tourist who fell in love with a sexy bar girl, forgetting everything else. 

What a stupid guy.To lazy to get a new extension!Im sure he woke up that morning had his coffee and smiled and thinking this is another perfect start of a new day.OOOPPSS...Who is these guys in uniform?

Well..now he know why they r.Goodbye..sayonara and so on

You missed the boat, frenchie.

Thailand isn't the laid-back, easy going place it once was.

60 days ? What a pretender

On 11/10/2025 at 1:47 AM, hotchilli said:

The French national remains in custody pending completion of legal procedures. Following prosecution, he will be deported to France.

 

Was it worth it, ??  If rhat was the case, I can't blame him..

On 11/10/2025 at 9:46 AM, JJ-Thailand said:

One more idiot, why overstay? It is very easy to apply for the correct visa and extend it.

Tell me what VISA (or extension) you think a guy under 50 with no money can get?

8 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Tell me what VISA (or extension) you think a guy under 50 with no money can get?

No money? He should stay home.

40 minutes ago, JJ-Thailand said:

No money? He should stay home.

Spot on.

Thailand has enough skint farangs already.

More aren't needed.

1 hour ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

Spot on.

Thailand has enough skint farangs already.

More aren't needed.

+1.

Their presence here and the trouble they often get into spoils the scene for those of us who don't have a lot of money. but enough to stay legal - sometimes just barely.

Another quality tourist.

On 11/10/2025 at 5:46 AM, ikke1959 said:

Good news for to attrack tourists...What would happen if the same happened with Thais in the other countries?? 

 

Example: I can tell you that Thais who have entered Australia on various visas (very difficult to get) are monitored closely and if they don't exit Australia by the due date a professional well organized search for them starts immediately.

 

They are apprehended and deported very quickly, and banned, especially if they are caught working (often on farms).

 

Singapore basically the same. And no doubt dozens of other countries the same. 

 

It's not just Thailand.