A Record-Breaking Visa Overstay: A British Man’s 25-Year Stay in Thailand
The Longest Overstay in Thai History
Thailand’s immigration authorities have arrested a British man for overstaying his tourist visa by a record 25 years, a senior officer announced today. The 60-year-old man, who has not been identified, entered the kingdom in early 2000 on a tourist visa and never left, evading previous police checks by claiming to be in the process of extending his visa.
A Life in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
The man, who is now 60 years old, lived in Bangkok for 13 years, building a life with a Thai woman with whom he had a child. He then moved to Chiang Mai 12 years ago for economic reasons, although he does not have a job and lives on money from his family in Britain. Despite his long stay, the man managed to renew his passport in 2018, but the new document was completely empty of immigration stamps.
A Record-Setting Overstay
The man’s overstay has broken the previous record, which was held by a Pakistani man who overstayed for 10 years. The senior officer in charge of the operation, which targeted overstaying foreigners, said, "After checking on his name on our immigration system, he entered Thailand since 2000 and never had any other stamp on our system since then. It was 9,135 days that he overstayed in Thailand – it is the record."
How He Evaded Detection
The man’s ability to evade detection for so long was due to his claim that he was extending his visa, which only the immigration bureau can check. "He told authorities he was extending his visa, which only the immigration bureau can check," a police officer said.
Consequences and Deportation
The man will be deported back to Britain, where he will face consequences for his prolonged overstay. The Thai authorities are taking a firm stance on overstaying, and this case serves as a warning to others who may be considering similar actions. As the senior officer noted, "We will continue to crack down on overstaying foreigners and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable."
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long did the man overstay his visa?
The man overstayed his visa for 25 years, or 9,135 days. - How did he manage to evade detection for so long?
He claimed to be extending his visa, which only the immigration bureau can check. - What will happen to the man?
He will be deported back to Britain, where he will face consequences for his prolonged overstay. - What is the previous record for visa overstaying in Thailand?
The previous record was held by a Pakistani man who overstayed for 10 years.