Thailand Rolls Out Strict New Deportation Rules for Foreigners

Bangkok — The Thai government unveiled new deportation procedures on 27 August, as detailed in the Royal Gazette. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed Regulation B.E. 2569 (2026) on 26 August, outlining how foreign nationals deemed to behave contrary to public order, morality or public welfare can be forcibly removed.

Under Clause 4 of the regulation, authorities may deport individuals whose actions or circumstances contravene public order, morality or welfare. The Secretary of the Interior Ministry or an official designated by the Secretary must inform the Interior Minister of such cases, who then decides on a deportation order. This also applies to foreigners who engage in, support or encourage such conduct.

The regulation does not specify behaviors covered by Clause 4, leaving it up to authorities to determine if an individual's actions meet the criteria. Clause 5 lays out additional grounds for deportation: individuals who illegally entered or remained in Thailand, worked without authorization, operated businesses illegally, forged or used forged government documents, committed offenses punishable by five years or more, or played a role in such offenses may be deported.

Prison authorities must notify the Interior Ministry at least 50 days before the release of foreign inmates to enable deportation proceedings. Clause 6 mandates that deportation orders consider Thai laws, Cabinet resolutions and international obligations. Exceptional cases where deportation could lead to torture, cruel or inhumane treatment, degradation or enforced disappearance are also addressed in Clause 8.

Another country or an international organization can request Thailand to deport the individual, provided the request is made within seven days of the order, the requesting party agrees to cover expenses, and the deportee gives written consent. The regulation came into effect on 28 August, the day after its publication.