Anutin Warns Foreigners of Deportation for Misconduct

Thai Interior Minister and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned of intensified deportation measures for foreigners engaging in misconduct. On September 7th, he signed an order to deport a French national, Kevin Dimino, following a ruling by the Koh Samui Provincial Court that found him guilty under the Land Traffic Act. Dimino was sentenced to a fine of 10,000 baht, later reduced to 5,000 baht due to his confession and mitigating circumstances. Failure to pay the fine would result in further action under the Criminal Code. The order, signed in his capacity as interior minister, stated that Dimino's actions posed a threat to public order and morality. The Frenchman had allegedly behaved in a threatening, harassing, and aggressive manner, causing nuisance to others, creating racial and religious divisions, including among tourists, and engaging in reckless behavior that could endanger individuals or property. The Prime Minister emphasized that he focuses on the feelings of Thai people with anyone behaving improperly being considered to be someone Thailand does not wish to have in the country. This directive follows the recent deportation of an Israeli man, Mr. Yaacov Ohayon, for threatening behavior. Anutin also addressed a standoff between some villagers in Chachoengsao province and a Jewish company over a cemetery in their neighborhood. He announced that the permit for the land would not be renewed, with Deputy Minister of Interior Polapee Suwunchwee overseeing the matter. Thailand, a popular tourist destination, is signaling a stricter stance on foreigners who violate laws or disrupt public order, aiming to maintain domestic stability and respect national sentiment.