Anutin harshly criticized foreign lawbreakers in Thailand, saying they should consider themselves lucky just to be here and should return home to die rather than cause trouble. He ordered a crackdown on mafias exploiting Thais and immediate deportation of offenders. He stressed that those unlawfully establishing religious sites must not be allowed.
On 17 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about the exploitation by foreigners in Thailand. He praised Minister Phip Suwannachawi, Deputy Interior Minister, for spearheading prosecutions and supporting the team combating such individuals, noting the positive response. He said that foreigners living honestly and not exploiting Thais by force, intelligence, capital, or systems can coexist. However, those showing aggressive, threatening, or undesirable behavior must be fully dealt with, especially in targeted provinces such as Phuket, Surat Thani, and others, urging all governors to strictly enforce the law.
Anutin said that establishing religious sites cannot be done arbitrarily; they must respect Thai society and culture. He mentioned recent reports of requests to build private cemeteries, which he called excessive. "You should consider yourselves lucky to be here, come to earn an honest living, and if you want to die, die at home, not here. Don't exploit others. Also, religious sites disguised as restaurants are unacceptable."
He expressed willingness to welcome foreigners only if it benefits both sides. Tourism brings spending and investment, but that doesn't justify exploitation or illegal activities. Such foreign offenders come from various regions: Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, Africa. Governors and district chiefs must supervise strictly. It’s not about catching every small violation but applying the law comprehensively to prohibit these actions. He signed the Ministry of Interior’s deportation decree, providing full authority to act, sending a clear message to miscreants that serious enforcement and deportation are underway.
"Don't ask how to pay for deportation airfare—that question seems thoughtless and like evading responsibility. Deportation means once processed, the person must leave the country. I handle expenses myself but don't use that as an excuse. Sometimes it feels like underestimating our wisdom. If you can't sign deportation orders due to ticket costs, just send them away first; reimbursement can be arranged later. If I were you, I’d pay upfront since these people bring bad luck to your province. Why keep them? So don't worry about costs. If behavior qualifies, act immediately. Prosecuting them domestically wastes our resources—food, water, accommodation—with no benefit. If behavior is undesirable, there’s only one choice: get out." He added there’s no problem if they appeal. The Interior Minister signs the deportation; appeals can be made to the Prime Minister. Authorities have full advantage in enforcement. He urged strict law enforcement. Ministry orders have been issued per recommendations. Once issued, use them fully. He instructed Deputy Interior Minister to monitor and coordinate with governors and the Department of Provincial Administration to ensure swift action.
Anutin said that yesterday there was discussion about some offenders needing to serve sentences first. He said that if they do, they lose assets and are deported to face consequences back home, which is better. Legal channels must focus on removing those displaying inappropriate behavior. He reminded governors to remain vigilant on drugs, urging screening with district chiefs. He said governors are paired with police commanders to work together, not just issue orders but actively implement them.
He praised efforts to restore social order, led by all deputy ministers and the Department of Provincial Administration director-general. He hoped for integrated cooperation across agencies. Previous governments had to work alone; now the Interior Ministry controls police, which should improve results. Confidentiality is vital because leaks disrupt operations.
"Last week, leaks caused problems. I want the Permanent Secretary and the Department of Provincial Administration director-general to discuss fully with the National Police Chief or nominee to set a clear joint work framework. Once targets are identified, control information carefully and act decisively. Leaks must be prevented. I hear that during warrant execution, officials shout loudly at the location—though I won’t say where—to intimidate; this is a tactic governors must detect. Once they yell, the place closes. We must uncover such tricks. I’ve worked with you for three years; no governor is here by luck or incompetence. It depends on whether you perform fully or stay idle. I believe in your abilities; work confidently and deliver results."
Anutin reaffirmed that Thailand welcomes foreigners who enter honestly, respect laws, customs, and Thai culture, allowing peaceful coexistence without racial or religious discrimination. Any sign barring Thai entry must be removed by governors personally. Except private homes, even if a foreign owner refuses Thai entry, the sign must be taken down. Such people are undesirable. If they dare this much, they must have committed offenses. Governors must investigate and use the law to expel them. He urged all governors to seriously monitor foreign violations, including nominee land ownership.
"You can ask Deputy Interior Minister, who attended training on nominee networks. Use nominee laws to act against fraud, unlicensed activities, and using Thailand as a base for crimes. The Prime Minister’s Office regulation on deportation is now in effect. Please proceed fairly, firmly, and decisively."