British man detained in Thailand after 25‑year visa overstay
A 60-year-old Briton has been detained in Thailand after 25 years of illegal residence. He entered the country in 2000 on a 30-day tourist visa and avoided deportation for 9,135 days, setting a record.
The Briton, whose name has not been disclosed, was detained in Chiang Mai province during a crackdown targeting foreigners who have overstayed their visas. The man arrived in Thailand in 2000 and has not left the country since his visa was valid for only 30 days.
During questioning, the Briton admitted that he had not left Thailand since 2000. His passport, obtained in 2018, did not contain stamps or visas.
He lived for years avoiding deportation
He previously avoided deportation by claiming he was in the process of obtaining a new visa. Financial support from his family in the United Kingdom helped sustain him.
He lived in Bangkok for 13 years with a Thai citizen with whom he has a child. Twelve years ago, they relocated to Chiang Mai—the police plan to deport the man to the United Kingdom. The previous record holder, a Pakistani citizen, extended their stay by 10 years, half the duration.
Read also:
