Immigration police stepping up checks on foreigners in Hua Hin and Cha Am

Immigration police are stepping up checks on foreigners living in Hua Hin and Cha Am.

The checks involve officers visiting foreigners at home to ensure they have not overstayed their permission to stay in Thailand.

Officers also want to ensure a compliance of the TM30, which requires all homeowners to register with Immigration any foreigners living in their property.

Thaivisa understands that earlier this month Immigration police were ordered to increase the number of visits made to foreigners at home in the run up to high season.

Multiple reports have since surfaced on social media of Immigration police visiting foreigners at home unannounced.

An official from immigration who spoke to Thaivisa on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to officially comment on such matters said that Immigration police and officials from the Labour Department are also making visits to foreign owned businesses in the area.

In recent weeks, bars, restaurants and the offices of property developments have been targeted to check that all foreigners employed have valid work permits and to ensure that they are only working at the address listed on their work permit.

The news comes a day after the Thai government approved a new 10 year visa for foreign tourists.

The criteria for applicants includes:

– Over 50 years of age

– Monthly salary of 100,000 baht or 3 million baht in the bank, which cannot be withdrawn within the first year of receiving new visa

– Health insurance that covers hospital stays and provides at least USD$10,000 in annual coverage

While no date of when the new visa will be implemented has been announced, officials hope it will help to promote Thailand as a hub for medical tourism.

Thai Visa

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