The arrests followed orders from national police and immigration leaders, including Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonnalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Songprot Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Bureau 6, Phuket Immigration noted in its report.
The arrests took place after Phuket Immigration dispatched investigation teams to target locations believed to be frequented by foreigners in breach of immigration laws, said the report.
The three Nigerians arrested were named only as ‘Mr Jude’, 30 (2 days’ overstay); ‘Mr Chukwuemeka’, 47 (137 days); and ‘Mr Onyekachi, 34 (196 days).
All three were charged with staying in the Kingdom beyond the permitted period. They were informed of their legal rights and transferred to investigators for further legal proceedings, Phuket Immigration said.
The crackdown was part of a wider operation targeting violations under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment B.E. 2561, and the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542.
Officials are also monitoring for suspected organised criminal activity among foreigners, Phuket Immigration added.
Phuket Immigration also declared its ongoing commitment to tackling illegal actions by foreigners, maintaining public safety and protecting the island’s tourism industry.