Thailand's Deportation Regulation Took Effect on 28 August 2026
The Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026) took effect on 28 August 2026, the day after it was published in the Royal Gazette, according to the Government Public Relations Department (PRD). On 17 July 2026 PRD had reported Cabinet approval of a draft deportation regulation, which was an earlier stage.
Before
On 17 July 2026 PRD reported that the Cabinet-approved draft regulation addresses the current lack of a centralized administrative procedure for deportation. The Government Spokesperson later said that the deportation law was already in place, but that detailed procedures and clear coordination between the responsible agencies were still needed.
After (Current)
The Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026) is in force. According to the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), it took effect on 28 August 2026, the day after it was published in the Royal Gazette. PRD says the regulation sets out clear, efficient procedures for state agencies to handle the deportation of foreign nationals who violate the law or engage in conduct that threatens public order and morality. Earlier context: on 17 July 2026 PRD reported that the Cabinet had approved a draft regulation to expedite and streamline the deportation of foreign nationals who break Thai law. That was an earlier stage and is not the current status.
Effective Date
Aug 28, 2026
In This Article
Current Status
Key Dates
Monitored by the ThaiVisaFlow editorial team from official Thai government sources.
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At a Glance
The Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026) took effect on 28 August 2026, the day after it was published in the Royal Gazette, according to the Government Public Relations Department (PRD). On 17 July 2026 PRD had reported Cabinet approval of a draft deportation regulation, which was an earlier stage.
According to PRD, the regulation covers foreign nationals involved in six categories of offenses: (1) entering or remaining in Thailand unlawfully under immigration law; (2) working unlawfully under the law governing the employment of foreign nationals; (3) operating a business unlawfully under the Foreign Business Act; (4) forging or using fraudulent official documents; (5) committing offenses that carry a prison sentence at or above a minimum length; and (6) acting as a principal offender, instigator, or supporter in any of the first five categories. This article does not state the minimum prison sentence for category 5: official PRD reports published before and after the regulation took effect give different figures, and no official explanation of the difference appears in the sources reviewed. PRD states that the regulation isn't about restricting legitimate travel, work, or investment.
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Current Situation
The Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E. 2569 (2026) is in force. According to the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), it took effect on 28 August 2026, the day after it was published in the Royal Gazette. PRD says the regulation sets out clear, efficient procedures for state agencies to handle the deportation of foreign nationals who violate the law or engage in conduct that threatens public order and morality. Earlier context: on 17 July 2026 PRD reported that the Cabinet had approved a draft regulation to expedite and streamline the deportation of foreign nationals who break Thai law. That was an earlier stage and is not the current status.
What Stayed the Same
PRD reports that the deportation law was already in place; the regulation sets out the detailed procedures for applying it. This article does not report any change to visa eligibility rules.
Policy Timeline
Current: EnforcementPRD reports Cabinet approval of a draft regulation
PRD reported that the Cabinet had approved a draft regulation to expedite and streamline the deportation of foreign nationals who break Thai law.
This is confirmed policy. Check your current visa category against the new rules now.
Regulation takes effect
According to PRD, the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on Deportation B.E.
Take action now. The rule is live — non-compliance risks fines or entry bans.
What This Means
PRD says the new rules improve coordination between the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Interior, so that once a foreign national completes their prison sentence, the deportation process can begin right away, without unnecessary delays.
Repatriation budget: once a deportation order is issued, if the deportee lacks the financial means to return to their home country, the state may use a repatriation budget in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Ministry of Interior, with the approval of the Ministry of Finance. PRD states that this process must be completed within 30 days of the issuance of the deportation order. This 30-day limit is reported for the repatriation-budget process only; this article does not state any general time limit for deportation.
Who Is Affected
According to PRD, the regulation covers foreign nationals involved in six categories of offenses: (1) entering or remaining in Thailand unlawfully under immigration law; (2) working unlawfully under the law governing the employment of foreign nationals; (3) operating a business unlawfully under the Foreign Business Act; (4) forging or using fraudulent official documents; (5) committing offenses that carry a prison sentence at or above a minimum length; and (6) acting as a principal offender, instigator, or supporter in any of the first five categories. This article does not state the minimum prison sentence for category 5: official PRD reports published before and after the regulation took effect give different figures, and no official explanation of the difference appears in the sources reviewed. PRD states that the regulation isn't about restricting legitimate travel, work, or investment.
Monitor this update
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What You Should Do
Foreign nationals in Thailand should keep their visa, permit and work authorization valid and follow their permitted conditions of stay. Check the current rules with the Immigration Bureau or another official Thai channel if you have concerns about your status.
Key Takeaway
The deportation regulation is no longer only a Cabinet-approved draft reported in July 2026: according to PRD it took effect on 28 August 2026.
Sources & References
Government Public Relations Department (PRD): Thailand Enacts New Deportation Regulation to Strengthen Legal Clarity for Foreigners (28 Aug 2026)
Government Public Relations Department (PRD): Relevant Agencies Link Data to Manage Deportation of Law-Breaking Foreigners (29 Aug 2026)
Government Public Relations Department (PRD): Thai Cabinet Approves Fast-Track Deportation Rules for Foreign Offenders (17 Jul 2026)
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