Thailand’s Interior Ministry has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to take firm action against unruly foreign tourists, warning that offenders could face visa revocation and immediate deportation. The move follows reports of foreign visitors breaking laws, intimidating local residents and misusing tourist visas in several provinces.

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Interior permanent secretary Arsit Sampantharat, while supporting duties linked to the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, stated that inappropriate tourist behaviour had damaged Thailand’s tourism image and caused concern among residents. He said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed administrative officials, security agencies and tourism authorities to improve understanding of Thai culture and local ways of life among visitors and tourism operators.

Anutin also ordered provincial governors and provincial police commanders nationwide to direct local officials, police and related agencies to strictly enforce the law and strengthen preventive measures against illegal activities. Arsit said any legal violation must be dealt with decisively and without exception.

“Everything is already governed by law. No one can break the law, whether Thai or foreign,” Arsit said. He added that foreigners entering Thailand could not act as influential figures, carry out illegal activities, bully local people or behave against Thailand’s morals, culture or traditions.

The ministry’s warning comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign residents and businesses in popular tourist destinations. Reports from Surat Thani said Governor Chumphote Wannachatsiri had taken action in cases involving Israelis staying long term on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

Some individuals were reportedly using tourist visas to work, while others faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour or activities. Authorities are also investigating suspected nominee-style businesses, in cooperation with security agencies, immigration police and the provincial employment office.

In Phuket, Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said authorities had worked with administrative and security officials, along with local business operators, to improve communication with tourists. The province has adopted a zero tolerance approach, with strict enforcement measures against offenders.

Officials said those found committing serious offences could immediately lose their right to remain in Thailand. Drivers caught operating vehicles without a valid licence would also be sent directly to court without exception.

The Nation reported that Nirat stressed that Phuket remained open to tourism, but visitors must respect local culture and the rights of residents. Authorities across Thailand are expected to continue monitoring tourist behaviour closely and coordinating enforcement efforts in the coming months.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 10 May 2026

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He looks ....so serious !

Hope it works .

The threat of visa revocation and immediate deportation should be enough to make most people behave, but if this is what it takes, then so be it.

While the majority of foreign visitors manage to enjoy the country without causing chaos, there are always those for whom this tough action is warranted.

In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could.

17 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:

The threat of visa revocation and immediate deportation should be enough to make most people behave, but if this is what it takes, then so be it.

While the majority of foreign visitors manage to enjoy the country without causing chaos, there are always those for whom this tough action is warranted.

In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could.

If drastic measures are needed, so be it. Thailand has the right to expel any foreigner that behaves badly.

The whole problem occur because Thailand has a lack of enforcing laws. The corruption is so huge and everywhere, so how can they expect that people follow the laws. Do in Rome as the Romans do... But as a foreigner it is not allowed. Maybe with a better law enforcement team for Thai and foreigners things would become better, but it will take many, many years. The image of Thailand is already declining, because of scams, outdated laws, and chasing foreigners. Improvement can only be reached if ALL people follow the rules and laws, and not only foreigners.

Simple example.. Thai scooters are not fined for not wearing helmets or driving at the wrong side of the road, but foreigners are fined.

And in illegal businesses of foreigners there are always Thai people involved.

And what to think about the many venues operating without the correct papers/ licenses/etc??

Thailand must start to clean up, from top to bottom, strip all persons, who are involved of their assets and revoke visas. But again for Thais as well as foreigners. and even the RTP corruption can not be spared

I would take the threat seriously. Thailand isn't the wild west where anything goes. Just reflect on how Thailand has responds to foreigner misbehavior in the past (bank deposit seasoning rules, overstay penalties, TM-30 rules), and you'll quickly realize that treating Thailand like a free-for-all playground rarely ends well for us, and only makes life more difficult for everyone.

I'd also recommend posters refrain from posting laugh emojis on the OP announcement. I strongly suspect English press reaction to government actions is monitored by the government, and this administration does not seem to be one you would want to antagonize. Recall, if you will, resentments and hard feelings voiced by Anutin towards foreigners who refused to wear masks during the Covid epidemic.

Edited May 10May 10 by Gecko123

45 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

I would take the threat seriously. Thailand isn't the wild west where anything goes. Just reflect on how Thailand has responds to foreigner misbehavior in the past (bank deposit seasoning rules, overstay penalties, TM-30 rules), and you'll quickly realize that treating Thailand like a free-for-all playground rarely ends well for us, and only makes life more difficult for everyone.

I'd also recommend posters refrain from posting laugh emojis on the OP announcement. I strongly suspect English press reaction to government actions is monitored by the government, and this administration does not seem to be one you would want to antagonize. Recall, if you will, resentments and hard feelings voiced by Anutin towards foreigners who refused to wear masks during the Covid epidemic.

Your last paragraph is good advice.

There are various Thai government "agencies" which monitor online non-Thai language media/discussions in Thailand, including ISOC's cyber army. I suspect with the increased adopting of AI technology by the Thai "security" agencies, this monitoring will increase.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“Everything is already governed by law. No one can break the law, whether Thai or foreign,” Arsit said.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Drivers caught operating vehicles without a valid licence would also be sent directly to court without exception.

I think drivers with Thai nationality caught operating vehicles without a valid licence will not be sent directly to court without exception.

1 hour ago, JimHuaHin said:

There are various Thai government "agencies" which monitor online non-Thai language media/discussions in Thailand, including ISOC's cyber army. I suspect with the increased adopting of AI technology by the Thai "security" agencies, this monitoring will increase.

I don't think anonymous usernames offer protection anymore either, if they ever did, even with burner email accounts.

It's a great idea.

Like the other 'great ideas' in Thailand, this one will have several meetings, lots of news coverage at the meetings, plenty of photo ops, but without cops on the streets, it's just more talk.

So many different things ruin the 'Thai tourist image,' with the majority of them done by Thais or Thailand itself, and not tourists. It would be wonderful if one of them were actually corrected and not just talked about... over and over again.

17 minutes ago, davb said:

I don't think anonymous usernames offer protection anymore either, if they ever did, even with burner email accounts.

Big Brother is everywhere watching for any misstep.

3 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could.

A few public canings with their shorts down around their ankles would do the trick. Tourists in Singapore are remarkably well-behaved 🙄

Ship them out. Israeli guy blowing out snot and boogers at a street vendor on Bangla, Phuket? Sorry pal, we got you on video and you need to go, don't come back.

Break the rules off to the airport a**h** we don't want you here. Lets go Thai authorities, lets go.

3 hours ago, Gecko123 said:

Thailand isn't the wild west where anything goes.

do you live in a different thailand?

from what i see, thailand feels like the wild west for many foreigners. that’s exactly why some badly behaved, and in some cases criminal people come to thailand in the first place ...

27 minutes ago, Priorexpat said:

Ship them out. Israeli guy blowing out snot and boogers at a street vendor on Bangla, Phuket? Sorry pal, we got you on video and you need to go, don't come back.

Break the rules off to the airport a**h** we don't want you here. Lets go Thai authorities, lets go.

Care to share how you know it was an "Israeli" guy? And why would you even mention it? The video and the people who observed said that he was a French language speaker. Patong does have a problem with French Mahgreb hooligans. Seems that you keep spawning with new user names to continue your propaganda campaign. It's tiresome.

6 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The whole problem occur because Thailand has a lack of enforcing laws. The corruption is so huge and everywhere, so how can they expect that people follow the laws. Do in Rome as the Romans do... But as a foreigner it is not allowed.

It is, just a bit more pricey. Dual pricing applies here as well.

Edited May 10May 10 by Yumthai

What happened to the 30 day visa ?

Knew they wouldn't go ahead with it.

Same every year for years now. They make this proposal but simply can't go ahead with it.

5 hours ago, Priorexpat said:

Ship them out. Israeli guy blowing out snot and boogers at a street vendor on Bangla, Phuket? Sorry pal, we got you on video and you need to go, don't come back.

Break the rules off to the airport a**h** we don't want you here. Lets go Thai authorities, lets go.

Except usually all that happens is he pays a little 'fine' (equivalent to the price of a drink of beer in his own country) promises not to do it again and is on his way.

The system is way out of date.

Then the usual 'oh we haven't received a complaint' type retort.

We never ever really hear about the punishments either do we.

8 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

The threat of visa revocation and immediate deportation should be enough to make most people behave, but if this is what it takes, then so be it.

While the majority of foreign visitors manage to enjoy the country without causing chaos, there are always those for whom this tough action is warranted.

In those cases, make it quick and highly publicised. A few deportations and bans should send a clear message far louder than polite warnings and tolerance ever could.

I often repeat .. but these trash visitors do not misbehave in Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or even China.

Yet come to Thailand, and feel embolded to blow nasal phlegm at a hard working street food worker, engage in violence smash some heads, drugs, everything without any fear.

They have opened up visas and legalised marijuana, but have not kept up with policing for a modern age. The days of old age pensioners staying here long term are now gone, the country is full of criminals.

At least you know who the criminals are in Phuket. 1) Myanmar laborers without work permits 2) Russian mafias taking over job sectors 3) British thugs involved in fights and other drunken behavior and 4) French motorcycle gangs. https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/09/foreign-nationals-face-over-3000-criminal-cases-in-phuket-so-far-this-year-drunk-driving-tops-list-of-offenses/

5 hours ago, John Drake said:

At least you know who the criminals are in Phuket. 1) Myanmar laborers without work permits 2) Russian mafias taking over job sectors 3) British thugs involved in fights and other drunken behavior and 4) French motorcycle gangs. https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/09/foreign-nationals-face-over-3000-criminal-cases-in-phuket-so-far-this-year-drunk-driving-tops-list-of-offenses/

5 hours ago, John Drake said:

At least you know who the criminals are in Phuket. 1) Myanmar laborers without work permits 2) Russian mafias taking over job sectors 3) British thugs involved in fights and other drunken behavior and 4) French motorcycle gangs. https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/09/foreign-nationals-face-over-3000-criminal-cases-in-phuket-so-far-this-year-drunk-driving-tops-list-of-offenses/

Economically the Russians and Isrealis are destroying parts of Thailand through work and business practices.

Indians are destroying the country due to extreme cheapness in general, but arriving in such huge numbers that it's turning away other tourists.

Culturally and safety wise the British Benidorm thugs and 'French' bike gangs are destroying the country.

Culturally, they are all decimating the country.

Edited May 10May 10 by DonniePeverley

5 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Economically the Russians and Isrealis are destroying parts of Thailand through work and business practices.

Indians are destroying the country due to extreme cheapness in general, but arriving in such huge numbers that it's turning away other tourists.

Culturally and safety wise the British Benidorm thugs and 'French' bike gangs are destroying the country.

Culturally, they are all decimating the country.

How are all these nationals destroying parts of Thailand? It's just a repeat of unfounded false claims. The crime data does not support the claim. The tax revenue data does not support the claim. The Indian tourists have kept the Thai tourism sector in clover for years, because they are most common during the season when the western and Russian tourists numbers are down. The Indians are not cheap. On the contrary, according to the Thai data, the Indians are some of the highest spending per capita.

Violent crimes committed by Russians tend to be focused on other Russians and the Russians keep to themselves. Their economic transgressions reflect their large numbers and the endemic corruption of Thailand. Israeli national crimes are at a lower incidence than other nationalities and when they do occur, they are almost always non violent and relatively minor. The crime data indicates that the Europeans and Australians are implicated at a higher incidence and greater severity than the Israelis. No mention of the Canadian investment crooks, or the Chinese and South Korean cyber and gambling gangs. And blissful ignorance of the millions of unauthorized African and Asian migrants, a large number of whom are involved in drug crimes, petty theft and economic violations. The latter all at an incidence many times higher that other groups.

The most troublesome demographic are adult males. They are age specific to certain crimes. And the winner hand down are the visitors to the farang ghettos that cater to the sex predators and exploiters.

Edited May 10May 10 by Patong2021

There was a list of tourist spend per tourist. Indians on average per person are some of the lowest spenders in Thailand.

To make up for one European visitor you need around 4 Indians to make that spend up.

Then you have to factor in the turn off they have towards other tourists.

8 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

There was a list of tourist spend per tourist. Indians on average per person are some of the lowest spenders in Thailand.

To make up for one European visitor you need around 4 Indians to make that spend up.

Then you have to factor in the turn off they have towards other tourists.

Yours and Patong21's appraisal of their spending are polar opposites, but clearly their spending power as a nation has to be significant......................in regard to the thread's title and unrulyness, are they?. I wouldn't know...

My impression of unruly tourists are that the younger generation, since legalisation of cannabis was introduced a few years ago, post covid; are the ones causing the problems nationwide that attract Thai media attention.......

6 minutes ago, Off Piste said:

Yours and Patong21's appraisal of their spending are polar opposites, but clearly their spending power as a nation has to be significant......................in regard to the thread's title and unrulyness, are they?. I wouldn't know...

My impression of unruly tourists are that the younger generation, since legalisation of cannabis was introduced a few years ago, post covid; are the ones causing the problems nationwide that attract Thai media attention.......

Fully agree. Whilst yes mobile cameras are around, they were also around 10 years ago, and we had none of this appalling behaviour. There have been two changes :

1) Legalising of marijuana which is attracting trash. Druggies.

2) Relaxed visa rules.

6 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Fully agree. Whilst yes mobile cameras are around, they were also around 10 years ago, and we had none of this appalling behaviour. There have been two changes :

1) Legalising of marijuana which is attracting trash. Druggies.

2) Relaxed visa rules.

To many Westerners that understand the demographic changes, it may seem obvious that the above are likely the cause of the unrulyness, but I'm not sure that the Thai powers that be, actually get it............and have joined up the dots.................

15 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Your last paragraph is good advice.

There are various Thai government "agencies" which monitor online non-Thai language media/discussions in Thailand, including ISOC's cyber army. I suspect with the increased adopting of AI technology by the Thai "security" agencies, this monitoring will increase.

As is anonymous forum, disagreement with hostile decision works only to your advantage in such case

(actual decision may be hostile or not)

15 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Care to share how you know it was an "Israeli" guy? And why would you even mention it? The video and the people who observed said that he was a French language speaker. Patong does have a problem with French Mahgreb hooligans. Seems that you keep spawning with new user names to continue your propaganda campaign. It's tiresome.

Mentioned because Israelis have been taking up the bad actors portion of the forum here.

Nope, my only user name. Did have a previous (GOM) but due to technical difficulties it was easier to open a new one. If you have a problem with my posts, don't read them. Have a nice day.

A great idea in theory. I'll believe it makes any difference only when I see it.

Swift visa revocation, deportation and banning without any additional proceedings and no appeal. If only it where to come true 🙏 rest assured things would change. But this would require real work be done by police and other administrative lackeys... Unlikely. Nice sound bite though 🥱