British man deported after 25 years of illegal stay in Thailand
A 60-year-old British man was detained in Thailand after living there illegally for 25 years. He arrived in the country in 2000 on a 30-day tourist visa and avoided deportation for 9,135 days, making him the record holder in this category.
The Briton, whose name has not been disclosed, was detained in Chiang Mai province during a crackdown targeting foreigners who were illegally extending their stay. He entered Thailand in 2000 and has not left since, even though his visa was initially valid for only 30 days.
During questioning, the Briton admitted he had not left Thailand since 2000. His new passport, obtained in 2018, had no stamps or visas.
He lived for years avoiding deportation
He previously avoided deportation by claiming he was obtaining a new visa. His family in the United Kingdom provided him with money to support himself financially.
He lived in Bangkok for 13 years with a Thai citizen with whom he has a child. Twelve years ago, they moved to Chiang Mai—the police plan to deport him to the United Kingdom. The previous record holder for overstaying, a Pakistani citizen, extended his stay by 10 years, which is half the duration.
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