Phuket is collaborating with international consulates to enhance immigration controls and combat illegal activities, following an increase in drug-related offenses and unlawful employment among foreigners.
In the past year, Phuket authorities canceled the visas of 194 foreigners and deported 998 individuals due to criminal activities, predominantly related to drugs and unauthorized employment, according to Pol Col Kriangkrai Ariyaying, the head of Phuket’s immigration police.
The local immigration office now holds bi-monthly meetings with international consular officials, Pol Col Kriangkrai stated. Visitors are required to show no active arrest warrants or blacklistings, demonstrate adequate financial means, and provide a detailed travel plan.
Additional measures are being taken in Phuket to ensure foreign visitors adhere to their declared accommodations and do not engage in illegal work.
It has been found that many foreigners illegally work as tour guides in Phuket. Pol Col Kriangkrai warned, “If caught breaking the law, they will be arrested and deported.”
“Tourists must abide by the law, or they may be arrested and banned from re-entering Thailand for good.”
He added that the public is encouraged to assist the police in identifying signs of criminal activity involving foreigners in Phuket and to report any suspicious incidents to authorities.
January saw the arrival of approximately 800,000 international tourists on the island, and the number of foreigners residing there on year-long visas stands at 36,000. These individuals typically engage in business activities, education, or retirement.
Muang district ranks as the preferred spot for long-stay tourists, particularly Russians, although other districts also attract a significant number of expatriates.
This January, authorities in Phuket detained four foreigners after discovering they had fled to Thailand despite having outstanding arrest warrants in other countries, according to Pol Col Kriangkrai. He also mentioned that 34 tourist visas were revoked during the month for legal violations.
Pol Col Phisit Sawatthawon, chief of Sub-division 2 of Tourist Police Division 3, recommends that visitors download the Thailand tourist police mobile app, available in six languages. This tool enables immediate location and assistance for tourists in distress.
The Phuket provincial police have established a center to assist tourists, with most cases involving road accidents, as noted by Pol Col Phisit.
