Thailand to Expedite Foreigner Deportation Under New Regulation

The Thai government is moving forward with legal amendments to more strictly manage foreign residents and expedite the removal of those who deviate from social norms. A draft regulation, principle-approved by the cabinet on July 14, is currently under review by the Office of the Council of State. This new draft regulation addresses practical issues that have arisen during the long-standing implementation of existing deportation laws. The current law stipulates that deported foreigners must be repatriated via the same route they entered, with transportation operators bearing the cost. However, many undocumented migrants have resided in Thailand for extended periods, making self-repatriation difficult, and airlines are often reluctant to cover the expenses. Under the proposed amendments, foreigners deemed to have "significantly contravened" Thai morals or social norms may be deported immediately. Those convicted of serious crimes will also be obligated to be deported within 30 days of completing their sentences. Regarding deportation costs, which were previously largely at the discretion of immigration authorities, the government has indicated a policy to allocate state funds, reasoning that repatriation is less expensive than prolonged detention. The regulation categorizes deportable offenses into six areas, including illegal entry or overstay, unlawful employment, illegal business operations, and document forgery. Furthermore, it includes procedures for the Corrections Department to notify the Ministry of Interior before a foreign inmate is released, facilitating the issuance of a deportation order. This legal amendment aims to maintain public order in Thai society and curb inappropriate behavior by foreigners, particularly with the intention of preserving the image of a tourism-dependent nation and harmonizing with Thai moral values.