February 27Feb 27 A 56-year-old Chinese man has been arrested in Songkhla province for overstaying his visa by 335 days, as immigration police intensify a regional crackdown on foreign nationals residing illegally in southern Thailand. The arrest forms part of a coordinated enforcement operation which is running from 23 February to 2 March 2026. Authorities said the campaign aims to prevent transnational crime and maintain national security.Get today's headlines by email The suspect, identified as Mr. Li Lijun, was detained on 27 February 2026 outside a dormitory in Khao Rup Chang subdistrict, Mueang district, Songkhla. The operation was conducted by Investigation Unit 1 of Immigration Division 6 under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, Commander of Immigration Division 6. The team was led by Pol Lt Col Seksan Tangkhongnut, Inspector of Investigation Division 6.Passport checks confirmed that Mr. Li had remained in the Kingdom beyond the expiry of his permitted stay for 335 days. He was charged with being a foreign national who remained in the Kingdom after his permission had expired, overstay. Officers transferred him to investigators at Mueang Songkhla Police Station for legal proceedings.Following prosecution, he will be deported and placed on a blacklist barring re-entry to Thailand in accordance with regulations. Immigration officials reiterated that enforcement measures are being stepped up across all areas under Immigration Division 6’s jurisdiction in the South. The sweep specifically targets foreign nationals residing without valid authorisation.The crackdown aligns with national policy directives mandating strict checks on undocumented foreign residents. Authorities stated that the operation is designed to curb cross-border criminal activity and safeguard Thailand’s security image. Officers have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections throughout the designated enforcement period.Daily News reported that further arrests may follow as inspections continue through 2 March. Immigration Division 6 confirmed that operations will proceed across southern provinces within its area of responsibility. Officials have urged compliance with immigration laws and warned that violators will face prosecution, deportation and blacklisting.Key Takeaways• A 56-year-old Chinese national was arrested in Songkhla for overstaying his visa by 335 days.• The detention forms part of a southern enforcement drive running from 23 February to 2 March 2026.• Authorities confirmed he will face prosecution, deportation and blacklisting from re-entry.Related storiesNigerian-man-arrested-in-nonthaburi-for-overstayMalaysian-arrested-after-faked-kidnap-in-BangkokJoin the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 28 Feb 2026 View full record
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