BANGKOK: Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his decision to sign a deportation order against an Israeli national over threatening behaviour was consistent with revised regulations intended to strengthen enforcement and protect Thailand’s security.
Speaking at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Anutin said the action followed the intent of amendments to the Prime Minister’s Office regulation, designed to enable faster and more decisive enforcement against foreign nationals engaging in inappropriate conduct in Thailand.
He said Thailand could deport foreigners whose conduct towards Thai people, or behaviour within the country, was unacceptable, improper or posed a danger to national security or the public. The interior minister had the authority to act under the law, he added.
Anutin said Thailand wanted to welcome large numbers of tourists from across the world. However, those entering the country were expected to respect Thai laws, Thai people, and the country’s customs, culture and traditions.
“If they come here and behave inappropriately, we reserve the right to ask them to leave our country,” he said.
Anutin said the approach would extend to other cases where conduct met the relevant criteria, with the aim of enforcing the law promptly and decisively while safeguarding national security and the safety of Thai people. - The Nation/ANN
