Several high-profile criminal cases involving foreign tourists in Thailand have rocked the Land of Smiles recently, leading to the Royal Thai Police vowing for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Unfortunately for Malaysians and other global tourists coming to Thailand, this means that entering and exiting the country become more difficult as the Thai authorities is planning to enforce stricter foreigner screening.
The Thai Government is concerned about the rise of crimes committed by foreign tourists
In a statement by the Royal Thai Police on its official Facebook page, high-ranking cops, including Deputy Chief Pol. Gen. Roy Ingpairoj held a meeting in Phuket following several high-profile criminal cases committed by foreign tourists in the island.
These include a Swiss national kicking a Thai doctor, a Singaporean man allegedly assaulting a traffic policeman and 2 New Zealand nationals assaulting a policeman and snatching his pistol.
The statement asserted,
“There have a significant rise in criminal cases committed by foreigners in our country. These crimes are outrageous and disrespectful to Thai laws.”
“These crimes have been circulating on the news and online media, damaging the image of tourism in Thailand and raising concerns among citizens. The Thai Government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the Royal Thai Police to immediately look into this issue.”
Accordingly, the Royal Thai Police has issued a letter of instruction to the Commissioner of Immigration for stricter enforcement of immigration law.
For illustration purposes
Stricter enforcement of Thai immigration laws
The statement added that in order to control and prevent foreigners in the Kingdom of Thailand from committing crimes, causing disturbances or threatening the peace, security and national security of its citizens, the Royal Thai Police have issued these instructions:
- Strictly screen all foreigners entering and leaving Thailand. These include all considerations for extensions of stay, visa stamping and changes in visa status. Moreover, all relevant laws, regulations and orders must be strictly followed
- All crimes committed by foreigners in Thailand will be investigated and prosecuted. These include violations of the Immigration Act, the Alien Employment Act, the Entertainment Places Act, illegal business operations, nominee arrangements where Thai nationals hold shares for real estate ownership on behalf of foreigners to avoid legal compliance. Foreigners will also be investigated for any potential mafia-like influence in the country
- All foreigners found to be staying in Thailand without a legitimate reason or have other behaviours that warrant the revocation of their permits would have their stay permits revoked as per the Immigration Act
The first instruction may be of significance for Malaysians as the strict enforcement of Immigration law would mean that the Thai immigration would rigorously enforce the requirement to have at least THB15,000 or RM1,992 cash with you when entering the country.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by the Royal Thai Police? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: All Foreign Tourists Coming to Thailand Must Bring RM1.9k Cash Minimum or May Be Denied Entry
