Thailand introduces faster deportation rules for foreign nationals, including in Phuket
A new Prime Minister’s Regulation on Deportation gives the Interior Ministry wider powers to remove foreign nationals who violate Thai law and impose entry bans.
Thailand has introduced faster deportation procedures for foreign nationals who violate Thai law, with the new rules applying to cases in Phuket and elsewhere in the country.
The Royal Gazette published the new Prime Minister’s Regulation on Deportation on 27 August 2026. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the regulation on 26 August, and it took effect on 28 August.
The Phuket Express reported that the regulation expands the Ministry of Interior’s authority to order deportations and impose entry bans. It is intended to streamline enforcement and protect public order, morality and national security.
Under the regulation, the Permanent Secretary of the Interior or an authorised representative must report cases to the Interior Minister. The minister may issue deportation orders when a foreign national’s conduct threatens public order, including cases involving people who facilitate or support unlawful behaviour.
For foreign nationals convicted of crimes, deportation orders may be issued before their release from prison. Offences covered by the regulation include illegal entry or residence, unlawful employment or business operations, forgery or use of false official documents, and crimes carrying prison sentences of five years or more. Accomplices, instigators and supporters may also be subject to deportation.
The Department of Corrections must provide the Interior Ministry with details of relevant offenders at least 15 days before their release, allowing deportation decisions to be made in advance. Deportation orders may specify the length of an entry ban. Courts must also promptly notify the Interior Ministry when they impose fines or suspended sentences in relevant cases.
The regulation states that deportation procedures must comply with Thai law, Cabinet resolutions and international human rights obligations. Deportees will generally be returned to their country of nationality, or, if stateless, to their last place of residence before entering Thailand.
A deportee may instead be transferred to another country or an international organisation if it requests custody within seven days of the deportation order because of risks including torture, inhumane treatment or enforced disappearance. The receiving party must agree to cover the costs, and the deportee must provide written consent.
Requests from foreign governments must be processed within 30 days. The Interior Minister may extend that period twice, by up to 30 days each time. If deportation cannot be completed within the permitted timeframe, authorities must proceed with returning the individual to their country of origin or nationality. Deportation costs will be governed by Interior Ministry regulations approved by the Ministry of Finance.
