Unruly foreign tourists targeted under new deportation rules
Thailand’s tourism ministry says unruly foreign visitors could face visa revocation, deportation and blacklisting under new rules now in force
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Friday (August 28) that the ministry was prepared to use Thailand’s newly effective deportation rules against foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, cause disturbances, disrespect Thai culture or create problems for Thai residents and other visitors.
Surasak was responding to the prime minister’s latest directive following the entry into force of the Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on Deportation 2026 on Friday.
The regulation provides a new legal mechanism for dealing swiftly with foreigners whose conduct contravenes public order, public morality or the well-being of the public.
This includes aggressive or disruptive behaviour, disregard for Thai culture and violations of the law.
It also covers foreigners who enter or remain in Thailand unlawfully, as well as those working or operating businesses illegally.
Other grounds include criminal offences involving the forgery or use of forged official documents and offences carrying prison sentences of at least five years.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry will work proactively with the Interior Ministry, Tourist Police Bureau and Immigration Bureau to enforce what it described as a “zero-tolerance” approach to unlawful conduct.
According to the ministry, tourists found threatening others or causing public disturbances could be detained, have their visas revoked and be placed in removal and deportation proceedings under the new regulation.
They could also be blacklisted and prohibited from re-entering Thailand.
Surasak reiterated the ministry’s position, saying: “Thailand is open and always ready to welcome tourists from around the world who respect our laws, the Thai people and our culture.
“At the same time, we do not welcome and will not tolerate tourists who disregard the law, act immorally, disrespect Thai people or cause trouble and undermine our social order.
“If such conduct is found, we are prepared to enforce the law decisively and deport those responsible immediately to protect the well-being of every Thai citizen and maintain a safe environment for other tourists.”
