Thai police arrest Nigerian man for nearly 3-year overstay
A 29-year-old Nigerian man was arrested in Nonthaburi province after overstaying his visa for nearly three years, having entered on a tourist visa during Songkran 2023 and remaining in Thailand illegally supported by his Thai girlfriend.
NONTHABURI — May 14, 2026. Thai immigration police have arrested a Nigerian man accused of overstaying his visa for nearly three years after he allegedly remained in the country to live with his Thai girlfriend, authorities said.
The 29-year-old man was detained at a condominium in Nonthaburi province following a tip-off received through the Immigration Bureau's hotline, police said.
Investigators from Nonthaburi Immigration Police searched the condominium on Bangkok-Nonthaburi Road and found the suspect living on the 17th floor of the building.
Authorities said he entered Thailand on April 13, 2023 on a tourist visa during the Songkran holiday festival and repeatedly extended his stay. His most recent visa extension expired on June 6, 2024, after which he remained in the country illegally for 1,069 days, police said.
During questioning, the suspect told officers he travelled to Thailand to attend Songkran celebrations in Bangkok and later began a relationship with a Thai woman.
Police said he attempted to obtain a student visa through an educational institution in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but the application was rejected. He later continued extending his tourist visa before eventually overstaying.
The suspect reportedly told investigators he was unemployed and financially supported by his girlfriend.
Immigration officers charged him with remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired, in violation of Thailand's Immigration Act. He was transferred to Muang Nonthaburi police station for further legal proceedings.
