Thailand Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended his decision to sign an expulsion order against an Israeli national following allegations of threatening behaviour.
Anutin said the action was in line with revised regulations aimed at strengthening enforcement and protecting Thailand’s security.
Speaking at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, he said amendments to the Prime Minister’s Office regulations were introduced to allow authorities to take faster and firmer action against foreigners who behave improperly while in the country.
He said Thailand has the authority to expel foreigners if their behaviour towards local people, or while in the country, is deemed unacceptable, inappropriate or poses a threat to national security and public safety.
Anutin said the Interior Minister has the legal authority to take such action.
He stressed that Thailand would continue to welcome tourists from around the world, but foreigners entering the country must respect its laws, people, customs, culture and traditions.
“If they come here and behave improperly, we have the right to ask them to leave our country,” he said.
Anutin added that the same approach would be applied in other cases if an individual’s behaviour met the criteria for expulsion.
He said the move was intended to ensure laws could be enforced swiftly and firmly while safeguarding Thailand and its people.
