In Pattaya, a 60-year-old man from New Zealand was apprehended on Friday for overstaying his visa by almost six years, according to authorities.
The individual, identified as Grant Douglas Corrine, was apprehended outside a convenience store near Jomtien Beach, as reported by Pol Lt Col Weerachai Thinkhamut, superintendent of the Immigration Police for Chon Buri province.
This arrest was part of a concerted effort called “Operation X-ray,” aimed at cleansing Pattaya of visa violators and foreigners involved in criminal activities or encroaching on professions reserved for Thai nationals.
Upon his arrest, Mr. Corrine was found to have exceeded his visa validity by a total of 2,173 days. He confessed to authorities that he had managed to avoid detection for nearly six years by rarely venturing out in public and steering clear of local acquaintances. He also admitted to deliberately restricting his outings to evening hours to procure essentials and minimize encounters with law enforcement.
Authorities have informed him of his violation, and he is currently undergoing legal proceedings in Pattaya before facing deportation.
