British Man Arrested in Chiang Mai for Overstaying Visa by Over 25 Years
Chiang Mai Immigration authorities, led by Police Colonel Surachai Eimpuang, Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration, have ramped up their efforts to combat immigration violations. On February 24, 2025, a British national was arrested for overstaying his visa for an astonishing 9,135 days—more than 25 years—following a focused operation in the city.
The operation was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthirathep Phothinimit, Chief of the Chiang Mai Immigration Division, and involved a team of investigators working in conjunction with Crime Suppression Division 5. The task force conducted targeted inspections in high-risk areas, particularly along Rakang Road in the Chang Klan Subdistrict, as part of a continuous effort to enforce the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 and address related offenses.
During the inspection, authorities detained the British man, charging him with “Being an alien who entered and resided in the Kingdom after permission had expired.” After informing him of the charges and his legal rights, the man was transferred to Chiang Mai City Police Station for further legal proceedings. He is now awaiting deportation back to the United Kingdom.
The suspect admitted that he entered Thailand on January 9, 2000, under a 30-day visa exemption (Por.30). Once his permit expired, he failed to apply for an extension and instead managed to evade authorities for over two decades. He reportedly lived in Bangkok for 13 years before moving to Chiang Mai, where he remained for an additional 12 years. It is believed he obtained a new passport, possibly in an attempt to escape detection. However, after years of evasion, Chiang Mai Immigration officers successfully tracked him down and made the arrest.
While arrests and deportations for overstaying visas are common in Thailand, the length of this overstay is highly unusual, even surprising immigration officers. The suspect’s name has been withheld from the press as officials continue to investigate his background to determine how he managed to avoid detection for so long and whether he has any criminal history in the UK.
Pol. Col. Surachai Eimpuang has emphasized that the Investigation and Suppression Division remains dedicated to identifying and apprehending foreign nationals who violate Thai immigration laws. The public is encouraged to report any relevant information or seek assistance from Chiang Mai Immigration. Contact details include the official website at chiangmai.immigration.go.th, the Facebook page at facebook.com/immchiangmai, or by calling 05320 1755.
