Illegal Africans in Thailand: “The more we get rid of them the more they come,” say police

Channel 7 ran a video feature on the continuing problem of illegal immigrants coming into Thailand from Africa.

They entitled their feature as “The problem of people of color breaking the law in Thailand”.

They said that 200,000 illegals were on overstay in Thailand. But as quickly as the Thai authorities were rounding them up the more were coming.

The video showed a raid on an apartment block. It was the seventh time the “Black Eagle” response unit of the tourist police had been there in recent months.

Out of the 200,000 at least 80,000 were on overstay from Nigeria and Somalia.

Many had no passports.

Some had only a UNCR signature on a piece of paper to show who they were.

Many were involved in illegal activity or drugs.

Others were in Thailand in transit to other countries for resettlement – but in many cases this took 3 years and with no way to support themselves many turned to crime.

Special Branch 191 chief Surachet Hakpan spoke of a continuing problem for his men.

While Channel 7 said it was a security issue of grave importance and a threat to tourism.

Thai Visa / News Ch7

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