The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration declared that foreigners entering Thailand must abide by Thai law. He revealed that "deportation" is only one measure and that there are much stronger ones. He pointed out that if officials are involved in profiting from the Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, full legal action will be taken.
At 09:50 on 9 September 2026 at the Parliament, Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, spoke about the Prime Minister's order to deport foreigners causing problems in Thailand. He said this follows the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation, B.E. 2569 (2026). He explained they try to understand everyone entering Thailand and welcome them, but once inside, they must obey Thai law. Anyone causing trouble or disturbing social peace and public well-being must be dealt with according to the law.
When asked whether deportation will be the sole method used against foreigners causing trouble for Thais, Mr. Narucha said there are actually many offenses defined by law. Asked if many foreigners have caused disturbances, he replied that according to reports so far, nothing significant has occurred. He noted that the known cases have been reported with clear behaviors, but others have had no issues.
Asked whether the presence of Israelis is a worrying phenomenon, Mr. Narucha said many foreigners live peacefully in Thailand, so each case must be considered individually. Overall, they appear to be living normally. However, during their activities, communication is needed so society understands the nature of their expressions. Without this, problems can arise. In some areas, they coexist peacefully with Thais. If they plan activities, they notify authorities in advance about the event type and activities. The current concerns may be due to recent news causing public alertness. He viewed their activities as normal and noted some have legally settled in Thailand for a long time.
When asked whether the Ministry of Interior must instruct provincial governors and relevant agencies to supervise these areas, Mr. Narucha said monitoring exists throughout Thailand, so problems are unlikely. He emphasized the importance of public understanding and wished to avoid disturbing the atmosphere, hoping everyone can live peacefully together. He urged the media to help foster understanding rather than turning minor issues negative. There are also positive aspects. He considered the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation, B.E. 2569, clear and effective for maintaining order nationwide.
Asked if deportation is the harshest measure, Mr. Narucha said there are many harsher laws. Deportation is only one measure to maintain social peace.
Regarding Jews establishing a cemetery in Chachoengsao Province, Mr. Narucha said they have obtained legal permission under the Burial and Cremation Act B.E. 2528 (1985), and have been operating accordingly.
When asked about the case where the Chachoengsao governor sent officials to the cemetery but the landowner was not found, and how the Ministry of Interior would handle this, Mr. Narucha responded:
He said permission issues must be referred back to the original authority who granted it. If within a municipality or subdistrict administrative organization, it falls under local jurisdiction. In Chachoengsao, if the landowner cannot be found, they must locate the owner, as an unknown owner is impossible. Officials will notify the landowner through official channels even if the owner refuses to acknowledge it; an official summons will be issued. The landowner might not accept it now, but the case is currently in court since the Ministry did not approve an appeal to continue using the land because it no longer meets current criteria. Regarding past permissions, it must be reviewed under what standards they were granted. Current standards cover public health, environment, and proper land management, which are all considered. Thus, no current permit has been issued, preventing ongoing operations there. If past actions were wrong, they must be rectified.
When asked what will happen if officials are found to facilitate or receive benefits, Mr. Narucha said that would be illegal without question, and full action will be taken against such officials. Asked if the laws are already strict, he said they are indeed stringent with comprehensive criteria and practices, so no legal amendments are needed. Such issues are uncommon elsewhere. This cemetery is privately owned by another religion or nationality in Thailand, and many such cemeteries exist peacefully without problems.