‘Go die in your own country’: Anutin lashes out at foreigners breaking Thai law

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul used strong language to tell foreigners engaging in unlawful activities in Thailand to leave the country, instructing provincial officials to crack down on offenders. In a policy briefing on September 17th, Anutin warned that foreigners who come to Thailand should earn a living honestly, abide by Thai laws and not exploit Thais. Those engaging in aggressive, threatening or intimidating behavior should be met with full legal consequences.

Anutin specifically mentioned the provinces of Phuket and Surat Thani, where governors should enforce the law against illegal businesses and activities. He advised officials to actively implement a Ministry of Interior order that allows for the deportation of foreigners meeting the legal criteria, without delaying the process due to ticket costs.

While criticizing the establishment of religious sites without proper approval, Anutin emphasized that such actions must respect Thai society and culture. He asserted that his government remains open to foreigners who legally enter Thailand and respect its laws, customs and culture. Additionally, Anutin ordered provincial governors to remove signs prohibiting Thai citizens from entering establishments with unlawful restrictions.