A 37-year-old Ghanaian national has been detained for deportation after Phuket immigration authorities revoked his permission to remain in Thailand following repeated public complaints about his behaviour. Officials said the action forms part of a wider effort to protect public order and maintain Phuket’s reputation as a tourist destination.

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The Phuket Immigration Office, working with Chalong Police Station, confirmed that the man’s visa was revoked after residents reported repeated incidents involving intoxication, harassment and sleeping at temples. Authorities identified him only as Mr. Boakye.

According to immigration officials, Mr. Boakye first entered Thailand in 2024 to work as a language teacher in Bangkok. In 2026, he moved to Patong, Phuket, where he continued teaching before losing his job following repeated problems linked to alcohol use.

Officials said the loss of employment left him without a source of income or permanent accommodation. He subsequently sought shelter at a local church before later staying at Wat Chalong.

Authorities stated that while staying at the temple, Mr. Boakye’s conduct included intoxication, intimidating local residents and causing disturbances involving tourists. Investigators concluded that his behaviour posed a threat to public safety.

Following a review of the case, Phuket Immigration applied to revoke his permission to remain in Thailand under Section 54 of the Immigration Act (1979). The request was approved, and he has now been taken into custody pending deportation to Ghana.

Immigration officials said the enforcement action reflects a broader policy of taking action against foreign nationals whose behaviour is considered harmful to public order and damaging to Phuket’s tourism image. The operation was carried out in cooperation with Chalong Police Station.

Mr. Boakye remains in immigration custody while arrangements are made for his removal from Thailand. Authorities have not announced any additional charges in connection with the case.

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket Express

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Adapted by ASEAN Now The Phuketexpress 4 July 2026

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Feels like every day there’s another “visa revoked and awaiting deportation” article. You almost don’t need to read past the headline anymore.

If only other countries followed Thailand's lead on these matters.

Good news....and glad to see they will kick him out.

Deport those foreigners staying in churches and temples where they have no business to be in the first place. Authorities should make it a law that places of worship should not harbor foreigners who abuse the hospitality.

I hope this poor man gets the help he needs, whether in Ghana or here.

The law brigade can never see themselves in someone else's shoes. Pitiful EQ. You should be ashamed.

3 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I hope this poor man gets the help he needs, whether in Ghana or here.

The law brigade can never see themselves in someone else's shoes. Pitiful EQ. You should be ashamed.

As you are admonishing people who approve of his treatment, it would be interesting to read what your answer to this apparently drunken lout's situation would be? Have a whip-round and organise a job and some accommodation for him, perhaps?

11 hours ago, Nemises said:

Feels like every day there’s another “visa revoked and awaiting deportation” article. You almost don’t need to read past the headline anymore.

There’s a lot more to deport. The police just need to open their eyes in Patong, Kata, Rawai etc, plenty for taking. Get rid of them, they spoil the lives of Thais and holidaying tourists. There’s lots of expats among them. Check their condos and homes too for additional reasons to arrest or deport.

Phuket haas a rotten reputation, and the islands and Pattaya because of these individuals.

4 hours ago, geisha said:

There’s a lot more to deport. The police just need to open their eyes in Patong, Kata, Rawai etc, plenty for taking. Get rid of them, they spoil the lives of Thais and holidaying tourists. There’s lots of expats among them. Check their condos and homes too for additional reasons to arrest or deport.

Phuket haas a rotten reputation, and the islands and Pattaya because of these individuals.

Beaches& Islands

Spot on.

Make a clean sweep regardless of race or nationality.

These slimebags spoil the scene for all of us.

What language was he teaching?

Anyone know?

Was it his native language?

What is the native language of Ghana, anyway?

17 hours ago, Nemises said:

Feels like every day there’s another “visa revoked and awaiting deportation” article. You almost don’t need to read past the headline anymore.

Love it.

Ship em out, don't come back. Go be a bum and petty criminal in your home country.

18 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Officials said the loss of employment left him without a source of income or permanent accommodation.

Doesn't loss of employment leave him without a valid visa?

6 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

As you are admonishing people who approve of his treatment, it would be interesting to read what your answer to this apparently drunken lout's situation would be? Have a whip-round and organise a job and some accommodation for him, perhaps?

Maybe. I was just saying he needs help not a bash 'round the head.

Can be here or in Ghana.

1 hour ago, GammaGlobulin said:

What language was he teaching?

Anyone know?

Was it his native language?

What is the native language of Ghana, anyway?

The official language of Ghana is English, which was inherited from the colonial era. Additionally, there are over 80 indigenous languages spoken in the country, with Akan, Ewe, and Dagbani being among the most widely used.

Welcome news.

A warning to the Benidorm Crew.

13 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Maybe. I was just saying he needs help not a bash 'round the head.

Can be here or in Ghana.

Here's a thought....why don't YOU volunteer to let him stay at your place, feed him, give monetary support, and help him get back on his feet. Keep the forum updated on his progress. And thank you in advance for your kind generosity 😉

15 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

What language was he teaching?

Anyone know?

Was it his native language?

What is the native language of Ghana, anyway?

For sure it was English. Oh the humor. Astounding. Imagine your kid gets this guy for a teacher. 55555555

2 hours ago, howlee101 said:

Here's a thought....why don't YOU volunteer to let him stay at your place, feed him, give monetary support, and help him get back on his feet. Keep the forum updated on his progress. And thank you in advance for your kind generosity 😉

No, the bleeding-hearts don't usually go that far.

Although it does happen occasionally.

A wealthy property developer with a big house on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills took in a homeless middle-aged black couple to "put them on their feet".

After months of handouts and freebies they became so demanding that the good man had to call the police and social services to get rid of them.

3 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

For sure it was English. Oh the humor. Astounding. Imagine your kid gets this guy for a teacher. 55555555

He would probably have invited them to enjoy Lao Khao during recess.