Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed governors across Thailand to act quickly against foreign nationals who break the law, exploit Thais or engage in what he described as undesirable behaviour.

Speaking at the Interior Ministry at about 8.30am on 17 September, Anutin said foreigners who earn an honest living, respect Thai law and do not take advantage of local people remain welcome. He specifically mentioned Phuket and Surat Thani, but said similar action was needed nationwide.

Deportation action without delays

For foreigners living in, investing in or visiting Thailand, the immediate message is not a change to legal immigration status or visa rules, but a tougher enforcement approach where authorities believe there is evidence of wrongdoing.

Anutin told governors and district chiefs to stop handling cases one at a time and use their full legal powers. He said he had signed an Interior Ministry deportation announcement and that officials should act immediately when a case met the criteria.

He told provincial authorities not to delay an expulsion because of uncertainty over the cost of an air ticket. Provinces could pay first and later arrange reimbursement, he said.

"If their conduct is undesirable, there is only one option: leave. That is all," Anutin said, adding that appeals would not be a problem.

He said keeping offending foreigners in Thailand for legal proceedings could leave the authorities responsible for food, water and accommodation, whereas deportation would remove them from the country.

Focus on land, nominees and illegal work

Anutin ordered closer monitoring of offences involving foreign nationals, including the use of Thai nominees, landholding, fraudulent business activity, working without permits and using Thailand as a base for crime.

He said the cases did not concern one nationality alone, referring to foreign nationals from Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and Africa.

The prime minister also told governors to investigate premises displaying signs barring Thai people from entering. Thai people should generally be able to enter establishments across the country, he said, with private residences the exception.

Even then, he said a private homeowner should not display a sign saying Thai people were not welcome. Anyone prepared to erect such a sign should face closer scrutiny for other possible offences, he added.

Religious sites and cemetery request

Anutin also raised concerns about foreign nationals establishing religious sites without approval, saying such places must respect Thai society and culture.

Referring to a recent request to establish a private cemetery, he said: "If they are going to die, they should go die back home, not here."

He also said a business licensed as a restaurant could not operate a religious site inside the premises. Thailand remained willing to welcome tourists and investors where the relationship benefited both sides, he said, but spending money in the country did not give anyone the right to exploit others or carry out illegal activities.

Picture courtesy of Khoasod

Join the discussion?

18 September 2026

View full article

Anutin’s line about foreigners needing to “go die back home” is completely detached from the demographic reality.

Thailand has tens of thousands of long‑term retirees, and every province is full of older expats who’ve bought homes, married locally, and contributed to the community for decades.

If the goal was to reassure people, then telling residents they’re welcome to spend, invest, and retire here — but not to die here — probably isn’t the winning message he thinks it is!

4 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:

Anutin’s line about foreigners needing to “go die back home” is completely detached from the demographic reality.

Thailand has tens of thousands of long‑term retirees, and every province is full of older expats who’ve bought homes, married locally, and contributed to the community for decades.

If the goal was to reassure people, then telling residents they’re welcome to spend, invest, and retire here — but not to die here — probably isn’t the winning message he thinks it is!

Yes, they have been given the sword of Damocles as a thank you!

hilarious how some foreigners are trying to happy face wash this.

29 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:

Thailand has tens of thousands of long‑term retirees, and every province is full of older expats who’ve bought homes, married locally, and contributed to the community for decades.

What he said was:

Referring to a recent request to establish a private cemetery, he said: "If they are going to die, they should go die back home, not here."

He wasn't talking about tens of thousands of retirees.

Due to Thai driving habits ...many foreign pedestrians and road users have no choice but to die here.

The government has AI now to use with cameras all across the country and up and down streets. If they can surveil you, they will do so. Better not have a bad day. And foreigners better think before they get angry at an overcharge or disputed service. It might be better just to stay inside your house or condo.

Edited 27 minutes ago27 min by John Drake

I understand what he is trying to do. However what may become an issue is the way his instructions are interpreted and actioned by the underlings in the provinces and particularly those seeking recognition or promotion.

Remember Thaksins war on drugs.

48 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:

Anutin’s line about foreigners needing to “go die back home” is completely detached from the demographic reality.

Thailand has tens of thousands of long‑term retirees, and every province is full of older expats who’ve bought homes, married locally, and contributed to the community for decades.

If the goal was to reassure people, then telling residents they’re welcome to spend, invest, and retire here — but not to die here — probably isn’t the winning message he thinks it is!

If only that was the full story. But, go ahead and use 1 line from him speaking about something totally different and use it for your agenda!

Maybe at the root of this is letting anyone in without any prior checks on them? Visa-free travel.

Exploit Thai's huh. Ha ha

Open borders policy since COVID where any tom dick or Harry can rock up without so much as a criminal background check and stay for 5 years without contributing one satang to the economy.Thailand reap what you sow

Sounds like boys in brown are getting some big tea money raises when Farangs cause a bit of mischief

Thailand is for Thais and visitors. Leave your politics and religion in your own country.

A Politician he may but but a diplomat he is not. Stiring up anti foreign sentiment will damage tourist spending long term.

Edited 6 minutes ago6 min by jippytum

As far as I can tell this is not aimed at all foreigners but at those who, one way or another, are breaking Thai law.