Short answer
Thailand's Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation 2026, published in the Royal Gazette on 27 August, took effect on 28 August 2026. It gives the Interior Ministry a clear procedure to deport foreigners whose conduct is contrary to public order, public morality or public safety, as well as those who enter, stay or work illegally. The tourism minister said disruptive visitors could be detained, lose their visas, be deported and be blacklisted from re-entry. Cases are handled individually, not by nationality.
What came into force on 28 August 2026
The Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026) was published in the Royal Gazette on 27 August 2026 and took effect the next day, The Thaiger reported. Thailand already had a deportation law, but the Cabinet said in July that it lacked clear administrative procedures. The Cabinet approved the draft regulation on 14 July.
Under the regulation, the Interior Ministry's permanent secretary can refer cases to the Interior Minister, who can order deportation. A deportation order can include a period during which the person may not return to Thailand. Foreigners ordered out are generally sent to their country of nationality.
What it covers
According to The Nation, the regulation applies to foreigners whose conduct breaches public order, public morality or the well-being of the public, including aggressive or disruptive behaviour, disregard for Thai culture and breaking the law. It also covers people who enter or stay illegally, work or run a business illegally, forge or use forged official documents, or commit offences carrying prison sentences of five years or more.
On 28 August the Tourism and Sports Minister said his ministry would work with the Interior Ministry, the Tourist Police Bureau and the Immigration Bureau on a zero-tolerance approach. Tourists who threaten others or cause public disturbances could be detained, have their visas revoked, face removal proceedings and be blacklisted. On 25 August he had said that visa action would follow each person's own conduct, not their nationality.
What it means for an ordinary visitor
For a visitor on a normal holiday, nothing changes. The rule targets behaviour the authorities already treat as unacceptable: threats, disturbances, disrespect for Thai culture, and illegal work or business. The minister said Thailand remains ready to welcome tourists who respect its laws, its people and its culture.
The practical advice is the same as before. Dress modestly at temples, keep calm if there is a dispute, and follow the instructions of staff and officials. If something goes wrong, the Tourist Police run a 24-hour hotline, 1155.
Where our tours fit
Our guides ask guests to follow the same basics. On our Phuket half-day city tour, from $25 per person, the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong ask for shoulders and knees to be covered; a light scarf or sarong is enough.
Read the rest of the entry rules in our guides to temple etiquette and the visa exemption. The regulation does not change how our tours run.
Practical checklist
- Cover your shoulders and knees at temples, and take your shoes off where signs ask.
- Keep disputes calm and walk away from arguments, especially after drinking.
- Never work or run a business on a tourist entry; check the right visa first.
- Save the Tourist Police hotline, 1155, in your phone before you travel.
Questions and answers
Can a tourist really be deported for rude behaviour?
The regulation covers conduct contrary to public order, public morality or public safety, including disruptive behaviour and disregard for Thai culture. The tourism minister said offenders could lose their visa, be deported and be blacklisted.
Does it target one nationality?
No. The minister said on 25 August that authorities would act on each person's conduct, not their nationality, and would not presume that a visitor from one country will misbehave.
When did the rule start?
It was published in the Royal Gazette on 27 August 2026 and took effect on 28 August, according to The Thaiger.
What if I need help in Thailand?
Call the Tourist Police hotline on 1155, which the Tourist Police Bureau says runs round the clock in eight languages. It also runs an app.