Deportation rule receives cabinet nod

The cabinet has approved the first official rules on deporting foreigners, establishing a framework for the swift expulsion of those violating immigration and criminal laws. The draft deportation rules from the Prime Minister's Office, presented by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, were endorsed by the cabinet on Tuesday, according to government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek. The new rules detail six categories of offenses for which foreigners can be deported if deemed necessary to protect public peace and morality. These categories include illegal entry or overstaying in Thailand, working illegally in violation of the Foreigner Working Law, conducting illegal business in violation of the Foreigner Business Law, forging or using forged government documents, committing criminal offenses punishable by three years or more imprisonment, and being involved as a planner, instigator, or conspirator in any of the above offenses. The rule stems from a cabinet resolution on June 16, which assigned Mr. Pakorn to coordinate with relevant agencies to amend immigration laws and procedures for the swift expulsion of offenders or illegal entrants. Previously, Thailand lacked a unified set of administrative rules for deportation procedures, leading to delays and requiring close coordination among multiple agencies on a case-by-case basis. The new rules aim to establish standard operating procedures to make the deportation process more efficient and faster. (Translated by Koto from Bangkok Post's "Deportation rule receives cabinet nod")