Visa la Vida: British man busted in Chiang Mai after 25-year overstay
In a stunning immigration crackdown, Chiang Mai Immigration arrested a British man who had overstayed his visa by an astonishing 9,135 days – more than 25 years. The man, whose name has not been released, managed to evade authorities for over two decades, making this one of the longest visa overstays ever recorded in Thailand.
The dramatic arrest took place yesterday, February 24, during a targeted operation led by Police Colonel Surachai Eimpuang, Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthirathep Phothinimit, Chief of the Chiang Mai Immigration Division.
The joint task force, working in collaboration with Crime Suppression Division 5, conducted inspections in high-risk areas along Rakang Road in the Chang Klan subdistrict, aiming to crack down on immigration violations.
Police apprehended the man and charged him with being a foreigner who entered and resided in the kingdom after permission had expired. He was transferred to Chiang Mai City Police Station and now awaits deportation to the United Kingdom.
The suspect admitted to entering Thailand on January 9, 2000, under a 30-day visa exemption. When his permit expired, he failed to apply for an extension, successfully avoiding immigration authorities for over 25 years.
He confessed to living in Bangkok for 13 years before moving to Chiang Mai, where he resided for another 12 years. During this time, he even obtained a new passport, possibly to avoid detection.
Chiang Mai Immigration officials were stunned by the length of his overstay.
“This is one of the longest visa overstays we’ve ever encountered.”
The man’s name was withheld as investigators are probing his connections to determine how he avoided capture for so long and whether he has any criminal records in the UK, reported The Pattaya News.
Pol. Col. Surachai confirmed that the Investigation and Suppression Division remains vigilant in identifying and apprehending foreigners who violate Thai immigration laws.
“We are committed to enforcing immigration regulations and maintaining public order.”
The public is encouraged to report any relevant information or seek assistance directly from Chiang Mai Immigration. Contact options include the official website at chiangmai.immigration.go.th, Facebook page, or by calling 05320 1755.
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