Thailand: Nationwide raids targeting foreign nationals April 26

Event

Thai police conducted raids in 118 locations nationwide on Thursday, April 26, arresting 99 foreign nationals. Searched areas included major tourist destinations like Pattaya City (Chon Buri province), Hat Yai district (Songkhla), and Koh Samui (Surat Thani). Most of those caught were from Myanmar, India, or Germany.

Context

The most common charge against the arrested foreigners was overstaying their visas. Some of those arrested were involved in scams, credit card forgery, and illegal drugs. All arrested foreigners will likely be blacklisted and banned from reentering the country. 

Advice

As a reminder, locals and foreign nationals have in recent years been prosecuted for criticizing the 2014 military coup and/or calling for elections. Individuals present in Thailand are advised to avoid making political statements in public and engaging in criticism of the monarchy in any form - punishable with long jail sentences in accordance with strict "Lèse majesté" laws.