Effective Date & Summary
Deportation B.E. 2569 was published in the Royal Gazette on 27 August 2026 and took effect on August 28, 2026.
The regulation introduces Thailand’s first dedicated procedural framework for deportation. It sets out a formal process involving the Corrections Department, the courts and the Ministry of Interior, with the Minister of Interior responsible for the final decision.
The regulation does not create any new offences. However, certain immigration and work permit breaches can now enter a formal deportation process, which may also result in a re-entry ban.
Key Information to Note
After a foreign national has served a final sentence and is released, the Minister of Interior may order deportation if the offence involves:
Conviction-based deportation
- Illegal entry or stay
- Working in breach of the foreigners’ working management law, including working without a permit or outside
- the permitted scope
- Operating a business in breach of the Foreign Business Act
- Document forgery
- Any offence carrying a prison sentence of five years or more
The rules also apply to principals, instigators, and supporters.
The Corrections Department must notify the Ministry of Interior at least 15 days before releasing a qualifying prisoner. The courts must also notify the Ministry of Interior where a sentence is suspended or where only a fine is imposed.
As a result, a fine or suspended sentence does not necessarily end the matter from an immigration perspective.
Conduct-based Deportation, with No Conviction Required
The Permanent Secretary for Interior may report a foreign national to the Minister of Interior where their conduct is considered contrary to public order, good morals or public wellbeing.
A conviction is not required under this provision. It also applies to people who instigate or support the conduct.
It is not yet clear how this will be applied in practice.
Newland Chase Insights
The main change is that certain breaches can now lead to a formal deportation process. For employers, this increases the importance of keeping work permits aligned with employees’ actual roles. Thai work permits are generally tied to the approved duties, employer and place of work. Problems can arise when employees take on new responsibilities, support regional projects or provide temporary cover without updating their permits.
This news alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance or further information, please contact Newland Chase directly.
