British Embassy Warns of Detention for Overstayers exceeding 42 days

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British Embassy Warns of Detention for Overstayers exceeding 42 days
Pattaya One overstay story vindicated

BANGKOK: -- The British Embassy in Bangkok have posted updated information on their website warning tourists and expatriates who overstay their permitted stay longer than 42 days that they face the risk of imprisonment.

Still current at 2 October 2010 under the heading “Help for British Nationals”, in the section sub-headed “Entry Requirements”, the Embassy advice to British nationals is clear:

“If you stay in Thailand for longer than the time authorised on your arrival, and you do not have an extension of stay or a valid visa, then this is an offence under Thai Immigration law. You will be fined 500 baht per day for every day you overstay, excluding the first day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht.

Any foreigner found by the authorities to have overstayed their visa is also at risk of being held in detention, fined and deported at their own expense. The Thai authorities have stated they will always enforce detention of overstays for more than 42 days.

They may also be black-listed from re-entering Thailand.”

Source: http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/travel-advice?ta=entryRequirements&pg=4

Under the Immigration Act 2522 overstay is punishable by a jail term of 2 years and/or a fine of maximum 20,000 baht.

"Section 81 : Any alien who stay in the Kingdom without permission or with
permission expired or revoked shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding
two years or a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht or both."

This is not a new law or regulation; it has been in effect as part of the Immigration Act 1979 and is merely an enforcement of existing Immigration law.

The Royal Thai Immigration Bureau on October 1, 2010 appointed a new Immigration Commissioner. It is widely expected that enforcement of immigration rules and regulations will be carried out more rigorously under the new incumbent.