Thai Prime Minister Sparks Outrage With Remarks on Foreigners
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made controversial remarks telling foreigners to "go die in your own country" amid a crackdown on unauthorized foreign institutions. The comments followed the exhumation of four bodies, including three Israelis, from an unlicensed Jewish cemetery.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thai PM told foreigners to die in their own country.
- Crackdown targets unauthorized foreign institutions.
- Four bodies exhumed from unlicensed Jewish cemetery.
- Three Israelis and one British national were among the deceased.
- Investigation launched into cemetery licensing and operations.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ignited controversy with a harsh statement directed at foreigners residing in the country, amidst a government crackdown on unauthorized foreign institutions. The remarks came just two days after four bodies, including three Israeli nationals and one British citizen, were exhumed from a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao province whose license had expired.
During a meeting of Interior Ministry officials in Bangkok discussing law enforcement against foreigners, Charnvirakul addressed requests for private cemeteries and religious institutions. "It's already excessive," he stated, according to Thai media reports. "The fact that we allowed you to come here is more than enough. If you come, earn an honest living. If you are going to die, go die in your own country. There is no need to come and die here. And do not exploit others."
Charnvirakul, who also serves as Interior Minister, emphasized that foreigners seeking to establish religious institutions must respect local culture and obtain proper permits. He warned that authorities would not permit houses of worship to operate within structures licensed as restaurants. He also urged provincial governors and law enforcement to act against foreigners involved in illegal activities, expressing readiness to sign deportation orders.
The exhumation from the Jewish cemetery involved three deceased Israelis and one British national, whose remains were moved for reburial in a licensed cemetery in Chonburi province. Authorities determined that three of the individuals were buried after the cemetery's license had lapsed. Local reports indicated that in one instance, remains were not found in the marked grave but were located several meters away after a search.
This incident has prompted a broader investigation by Thai authorities into the licensing of cemeteries and crematoriums. The Interior Ministry is examining the circumstances under which the cemetery was licensed and why burials continued after its expiration. Charnvirakul instructed provincial governors to use their full authority against foreigners violating the law, including initiating deportations.
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