Anutin Orders Crackdown on Lawbreaking Foreigners

BANGKOK — Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told foreigners who break Thai laws or exploit Thai people to leave the country, using unusually blunt language as he ordered provincial officials to step up enforcement.

'If you come here, come and earn a living honestly. If you're going to die, go die back home. You don't need to come and die here,' Anutin said on Thursday, referring to foreigners seeking to establish private cemeteries in Thailand.

Anutin made the remarks during a policy briefing at the Ministry of Interior on 17 September, while discussing the government's efforts to crack down on foreigners accused of exploiting Thais or engaging in unlawful activities.

He said foreigners who work honestly, respect Thai laws and do not take advantage of Thais are welcome in Thailand.

But those who behave aggressively, threaten or intimidate people, or engage in other 'undesirable' behaviour should face full legal action, he said.

Anutin specifically mentioned Phuket and Surat Thani, while instructing governors nationwide to enforce the law against foreigners involved in illegal businesses and other activities.

His comments about private cemeteries came while discussing foreign nationals establishing religious sites without proper approval.

'Setting up a religious site cannot simply be done on your own,' Anutin said, adding that such activities must respect Thai society and culture.

He also criticised a case in which a property was reportedly registered as a restaurant but contained a religious site.

Anutin said he had signed a Ministry of Interior order concerning deportation, giving officials a mechanism to remove foreigners who meet the legal criteria.

'If the behaviour meets the criteria, take action immediately,' he said, adding that officials should not delay deportation over questions about the cost of air tickets.

He also instructed provincial governors to investigate foreigners suspected of using Thai nominees, illegally holding land, working without permits or using Thailand as a base for criminal activities.

At the same time, Anutin stressed that Thailand remains open to foreigners who come legally and respect the country's laws, customs and culture.

He also ordered governors to remove signs banning Thai people from entering establishments where such restrictions are unlawful.

'Thailand is still happy to welcome foreigners who come here honestly,' Anutin said.

His remarks came as the government has stepped up enforcement against foreign nationals accused of illegal activities, particularly in tourist destinations.