Thai PM Tells Foreigners to 'Go Die in Your Own Country'

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a strong statement directed at foreigners who violate the country's laws or exploit locals, stating, "If you come here, come to earn an honest living. If you are going to die, go die in your own country. You don't need to come and die here." The remarks followed the relocation of four graves from a Jewish cemetery near Bangkok, which was ordered to be cleared by local authorities within days. The cemetery's land was purchased by the Jewish community and Chabad of Bangkok about five years ago, but renewal of burial permits had become problematic in recent months.

Thavisin emphasized that foreigners earning an honest living and not exploiting residents are welcome, but those engaging in violence, threats, or intimidation will face the full force of the law. He specifically highlighted Phuket and Surat Thani as problem areas and instructed provincial governors to use their full legal authority. The Prime Minister also addressed a request for a private cemetery, stating that religious sites cannot be established without respecting Thai culture and society, and such requests are unreasonable.

He clarified that he had signed deportation orders for foreigners and directed officials to act immediately when conditions are met, instructing governors not to delay deportations due to uncertainty about flight ticket funding, as the state would cover costs. Thavisin noted that holding foreign offenders for legal proceedings instead of immediate deportation burdens the country unnecessarily. He stressed that his comments were not aimed at any specific nationality, citing examples of foreign nationals from Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Thailand continues to welcome tourists and investors who bring mutual benefit, but this does not grant anyone the right to exploit people or engage in illegal activities. Additionally, Thavisin addressed the issue of signs prohibiting Thais from entering certain areas, ordering governors to remove them personally. He stated that Thais should be allowed access to almost all places in the country, except private homes, and even homeowners cannot post such signs. Those who do will face increased scrutiny for other potential offenses justifying their removal from the country.

The Prime Minister also instructed governors to closely monitor offenses by foreign nationals, including using Thais as fronts for land ownership, fraudulent business activities, working without permits, and using Thailand as a base for criminal operations.