Thailand Deports Second Foreigner Over Bad Behavior

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed on 7 September that Thailand will proceed with deporting a French national under new Interior Ministry regulations, making this the second foreigner expelled under the rules after an Israeli national was previously deported.

Anutin, who is also Interior minister, addressed reporters at Parliament at 11:35 on 7 September when questioned about the deportation. "The law is already in place, so it must be enforced," the prime minister said.

When asked whether the first Israeli national deported under the new regulations had filed an appeal, Anutin explained that any appeal would need to be submitted directly to the prime minister, as the deportation order was signed by the Interior minister. "I have not yet seen the appeal letter," he said.

Anutin stressed that any foreigner whose conduct is deemed inappropriate could face removal. "If someone behaves badly, Thailand does not want these people to stay in the country," he stated.

The prime minister also addressed concerns about an Israeli cemetery development in Chachoengsao province, confirming that Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachavi had reported no such project would proceed. When asked about the legal framework for foreign cemeteries in Thailand, Anutin said the feelings of Thai people must be considered but deferred specific legal questions to the deputy Interior minister.

Asked whether foreigner-related problems were becoming more widespread, Anutin rejected the suggestion, saying: "It's not widespread. The question is incorrect. The problems have all been resolved."