Phuket –
Tourist Police in Phuket have intensified their crackdown on foreigners violating Thai immigration laws, following a direct inspection by Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuekaam, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau. The operation is part of broader measures to safeguard tourist safety and maintain order in one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.
The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that the investigators from Division 2 of the Tourist Police Region 3 deployed advanced AI Face Recognition technology through a mobile surveillance unit known as the Mobile AI Camera. The system, linked to a central database of foreign nationals, enables real‑time detection of individuals overstaying their visas.
The operation led to the arrest of two African nationals:
- A 24‑year‑old Nigerian man who had overstayed by 877 days.
- A 34‑year‑old man from Côte d’Ivoire who had overstayed by 739 days.
Authorities said that the AI system significantly enhances efficiency in identifying and intercepting offenders, ensuring that Phuket remains a safe and welcoming environment for lawful visitors.
Officials reiterated that overstaying visas is a serious violation under Thai law, subject to arrest, prosecution, and deportation. The Tourist Police Bureau confirmed that similar technology‑driven patrols will continue across major tourist zones to deter illegal activity and reinforce Thailand’s image as a secure travel destination.
