Thailand warns 'problematic' tourists could face deportation under new rules for visa overstays, illegal work and other offences

Bangkok, on August 28 — Thailand's government has issued a warning that "problematic" tourists may face deportation under new regulations targeting foreigners convicted of illegal activities. The changes occur as the country grapples with concerns over visitor behavior, given that it welcomes tens of millions of tourists yearly. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul stated on social media that "problematic foreign tourists or workers who break the law must leave."

The new rules on deportation come after convictions and serving sentences for crimes such as overstaying a visa, illegal work or operating a business, using or forging documents, and other offenses punishable by more than five years in prison. Approved by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government in July, these measures aim to protect Thailand's cultural values. Previously, deportation cases were handled on a case-by-case basis.

The regulation, published in the kingdom's Royal Gazette, acknowledges that Thailand welcomes foreigners for travel, work, and business, but some have not adhered to the law. Surasak claimed the rules target "low-quality foreigners" disrupting public order. In May, Thailand reduced the visa-free stay period for tourists from most countries from 60 to 30 days, following high-profile arrests of foreigners for drug offenses, sex trafficking, and unlawful business operations.

Since then, several incidents have sparked public debate. In July, Italy's embassy apologized after a video of Italian students behaving rudely on a Bangkok train went viral. In May, authorities deported a Spanish and a Peruvian couple caught having sex in public, which is considered public indecency under Thai law. However, experts argue that the country must balance stricter oversight with its dependence on tourism, which contributes 13 percent of the nation's GDP.

Thailand anticipates about 33.5 million foreign tourists in 2026, up from nearly 33 million in 2025, according to government projections. The country has already welcomed 18 million tourists since the start of the year, down three percent from the same period last year.