BANGKOK - Thailand’s Cabinet approved draft rules on July 14 that would create the country’s first unified administrative procedure for deporting foreign nationals. The government did not yet announce when the draft could take effect.

The proposed Prime Minister’s Office regulation was submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt. It would cover cases in which authorities consider deportation necessary to protect public order or public morals. 

The first four categories cover unlawful entry or stay, unauthorised employment, business activity that breaches Thailand’s foreign-business law, and forging or using forged government documents. The remaining categories cover offences punishable by at least three years in prison and involvement as a principal, instigator or supporter in conduct listed under the other five categories.

The draft followed a June 16 Cabinet instruction for Pakorn to coordinate a review of immigration laws, regulations and procedures, according to the government’s July 14 release. The review was intended to speed up the removal of foreign nationals who commit offences or enter Thailand unlawfully.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said, “Administrative rules on deportation are necessary so deportation administration can proceed quickly and efficiently for the overall benefit of the nation.”

For foreign prisoners, the Corrections Department director-general would provide the person’s name, nationality, case file and supporting information to the Interior Ministry permanent secretary or a designated official before release. The case would then be submitted to the interior minister, who would decide whether to issue a deportation order.

The Interior Ministry would arrange return to the person’s country of nationality. When nationality cannot be established, the draft allows removal to the country where the person says they last lived before entering Thailand.

Transfer to another country or an international organisation would require a request through diplomatic channels and the person’s written consent. The receiving country or organisation would also have to cover the costs of care before removal and the subsequent transfer.

The six categories would not make deportation automatic. Each case would still require consideration by the interior minister under the proposed procedure. A June 6 government enforcement update reported that authorities had arrested and processed 14,161 overstayers and unauthorised workers for deportation.