A new regulation setting out clear procedures for deporting foreign nationals from Thailand has come into effect, following its publication in the Royal Gazette.
The Prime Minister’s Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026) took effect on Friday, the day after it was published in the Royal Gazette. It was signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Aug 26.
The regulation sets out procedures for deporting two categories of foreign nationals: those whose conduct is deemed to threaten public order, good morals or public wellbeing, and those convicted of specific offences – including illegal entry, illegal employment, illegal business operations, document forgery or crimes carrying prison terms of five years or more.
Under the new rules, the Department of Corrections must notify the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary at least 50 days before releasing a foreign inmate, who falls into these categories, so that a deportation order can be considered without delay. The Interior Minister has the authority to issue such orders, which may also include a ban on re-entering the kingdom.
The regulation also lays out a process for handling diplomatic requests from third countries or international organisations seeking to have a deportee sent to their territory instead – for instance, on humanitarian grounds such as protection from torture or inhumane treatment – provided the requesting party covers all related costs and the deportee consents in writing. Such transfers must be completed within 30 days of the request, extendable twice by up to 30 days each.
Prior to this regulation, Thailand had no standing procedural framework specifically governing deportation, despite having laws under which such actions were authorised.