Pattaya—
On May 11th, 2024, Thai national media reported that the Pattaya City police captured a 60-year-old New Zealand national who allegedly overstayed for almost six years in Pattaya, Chonburi.
According to Thai national media, Pattaya City investigative police were issued an order under the operation “X-Ray” program by the Thai government to inspect locals and crack down on illegal foreigners without valid visas, committing crimes, and taking over Thai locals’ businesses.
As a result, the Pattaya City police inspected their designated areas regularly and found a male foreigner at a 7-11 store in Soi 8, Jomtien Beach Road, Pattaya, according to intelligence sources. The police asked for visa documentation from the foreigner before escorting him to the Pattaya City immigration office as he was found to have had no legal documentation.
The man, publicly identified only as Mr. Grant, a 60-year-old New Zealand national, was facing charges of overstay in Thailand for more than 2,173 days. Grant reportedly told the police that he spent his time mostly at home, not hanging out with anyone, and had no friends in order to avoid the police arrest.
However, Grant would go shopping at night to meet his minimum needs before being arrested at the 7-11 store, according to the police report.
Initially, the officers prosecuted legal action against Grant and escorted him to Pattaya City police station for further legal and deportation processing.
