The Phuket Immigration Office Chief Pol Col Kathathorn Kumthieng revealed that statistics at a gathering of over 200 officials involved in the ongoing ‘Operation X-Ray Outlaw Foreigner’ clampdown held at Phuket Provincial Police Station at 4pm yesterday (Oct 15).
Also in attendance at the gathering were commander of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Division Region 6 Pol Maj Gen Jedsada Yaisun and officers from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Phuket City Police, Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police Office.
“Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and chief of the Immigration Bureau Pol Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn have ordered Immigration Division 6 and relevant departments to crackdown on illegal foreigners in Phuket,” said Pol Col Kathathorn.
“Between Oct 1-14, 583 foreigners in Phuket were found to have overstayed their visas. In addition, 880 foreigners were found to have entered the country illegally or violated the Alien Working Act B.E. 2521.
“So far this month Phuket immigration officials checked 397 houses and hotels for alien foreigners,” he added.
“I must reiterate that home owners and managers of hotels must inform Phuket Immigration officials of any foreigners residing in their properties within 24 hours after their arrival. If they do not then they will be charged according to the law,” he said.