Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul made blunt remarks aimed at lawbreaking foreigners during a policy briefing on 17 Sept.
“If you come here, come and earn a living honestly,” he said. “If you’re going to die, go die in your own country. You don’t need to come and die here.”
The statement follows the controversial exhumation of several bodies from an unlicensed Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao Province.
In light of several high-profile stories about foreigners breaking the law, Mr Anutin, who is also interior minister, has signed an order which gives local officials the power to deport foreigners who fit the legal criteria.
However, the PM clarified that foreigners who work honestly and respect Thai laws and people remain welcome in the country, Khaosod English reported.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai PM ordered local officials to take decisive action against foreigners who take advantage of Thais and deport them if necessary.
Source: Khaosod English
In particular, the order is aimed at foreign nationals who illegally occupy land, engage in work and run a business without a permit, and disrespect local culture and traditions.
A special emphasis has also been placed on regions that are popular with foreign nationals, including Phuket.
The PM said governors must pick immediate deportation if the case fits the criteria.
He emphasised that keeping said foreign nationals within the country would strain national resources.
Instead, governors can advance the airfare for the deportations and reclaim costs later, Mr Anutin said.
Days before the policy briefing, four bodies were exhumed from an unlicensed Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao. These were then moved to a licensed cemetery in neighbouring Chon Buri province.
Source: Bangkok Post
The Jewish cemetery held a license in 2021, but was not allowed to renew it in 2024, Bangkok Post reported.
This was because the cemetery was discovered to be within 400 metres of a waterway, which is against regulations to prevent water contamination.
Only one body was buried in the cemetery when it was licensed, while three were buried there in 2025 and 2026.
Besides the exhumation of all four bodies buried at the cemetery, three buildings on the premises were also ordered to be removed.
The controversy prompted a nationwide probe into cemetery licenses.
Also read: Thailand investigates claims of Israeli network buying up S$3.8m worth of land
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Featured image adapted from Khaosod English and the Bangkok Post.