THAILAND has warned that foreign tourists and workers deemed to be breaking the law could face deportation under tougher rules that came into force last Friday, as the country steps up scrutiny of foreign visitors.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said foreigners who violated Thai laws must leave the country, as the new regulations establish procedures for deporting those convicted of certain offences after completing their sentences.
Offences that could result in deportation include overstaying visas, working or conducting business illegally, using or producing forged documents, and other crimes carrying prison terms of more than five years.
The measures, approved by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government in July, have been described as an effort to protect Thailand’s cultural values and public order.
Under the new regulations published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, the country remains open to foreigners seeking to travel, work and conduct business, but authorities said some had failed to comply with local laws.
Surasak also said the rules were aimed at addressing the presence of “low-quality foreigners” whose behaviour disrupts public order.
The tougher measures come as Thailand reassesses its approach to foreign visitors despite its heavy reliance on tourism, which contributes about 13 per cent of gross domestic product.
In May, Thailand announced that visa-free stays for tourists from most countries would be cut from 60 days to 30 days.
The move followed several high-profile arrests of foreigners over alleged drug offences, sex trafficking and the illegal operation of businesses including hotels and schools.
In July, the Italian Embassy apologised after a video of a group of Italian students behaving noisily and disrespectfully on a Bangkok train went viral.
In another case in May, Thai authorities deported a Spanish national and a Peruvian national after the pair were arrested for engaging in sexual activity in public, which is considered an indecent act under Thai law.
Analysts have cautioned that Thailand will need to strike a balance between tighter enforcement and its economic dependence on tourism.
The Government expects about 33.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2026, up from nearly 33 million visitors recorded in 2025.
Thailand has received 18 million foreign visitors so far this year, although arrivals are down about three per cent compared with the same period last year. - August 29, 2026
