British Man Arrested in Chiang Mai After 25-Year Visa Overstay
Table of Contents
- 1. British Man Arrested in Chiang Mai After 25-Year Visa Overstay
- 2. A Life Built in Thailand
- 3. 9,135 Days of Overstay
- 4. Investigation and Legal Process
- 5. A Record-Breaking Overstay
- 6. Chiang Mai: A Destination for Expats
- 7. Implications and Actions
- 8. Final Thoughts
- 9. What specific steps can expats take too avoid falling into the same trap as this British man?
- 10. Exclusive Interview: A British Man’s 25-Year Visa Overstay in Chiang Mai
- 11. A Quarter Century in Thailand
- 12. Life & Times of an Undocumented Expat
- 13. Arrest & Legal process
- 14. A Case Study in Thai Immigration
- 15. Thailand: A Destination Rebounds
- 16. Your Thoughts Matter
Chiang Mai, Thailand – In a case echoing the saga of a long-term overstayer in Bali, Indonesian authorities apprehended a British man in Chiang Mai on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. The 60-year-old had been living in Thailand for almost 25 years after his vacation visa expired.
A Life Built in Thailand
The man arrived in Thailand on Jan. 9,2000,and settled in Bangkok,where he started a family with a Thai woman. Together, they had a child. twelve years ago, they moved to Chiang Mai for economic reasons, where he lived off money from his family in England.
9,135 Days of Overstay
For 9,135 days, the man evaded authorities. His luck ran out on Monday when the Immigration Division in Chiang Mai arrested him. He now faces deportation back to England as part of a strong action initiated by the immigration police.
Investigation and Legal Process
Authorities have withheld the man’s name, pending further investigation into how he managed to remain in the country for so long. The man admitted to not submitting a visa extension; however, police stated that he successfully extended his passport in 2018.
According to the Chiang Mai Immigration Facebook page, “The person was taken to an investigation officer at the Chiang Mai City Police Station for the legal process and waiting for deportation to return to the country of origin.” He has been charged with “foreigners who entered and lived in the government after his permission was depleted.”
Police in Chiang Mai were examining locations in the city considered at risk of accommodating foreigners without official permission, which led to the arrest.
A Record-Breaking Overstay
Thai police have called this case a “record” past the visa limit, surpassing the previous record held by a Pakistani man who overstayed his visa for 10 years, according to the AFP news agency.
Chiang Mai: A Destination for Expats
Chiang Mai, the city where the arrest occurred, is the second largest city in Thailand, with approximately 1.2 million residents. It known for attracting expats because of its cost of living and relaxed lifestyle.
Implications and Actions
This case highlights the importance of adhering to visa regulations in Thailand. Overstaying a visa can lead to arrest, detention, and deportation. It’s also crucial to ensure your passport is valid and up-to-date, as having a valid passport does not excuse a visa overstay
Final Thoughts
The arrest serves as a reminder to all foreigners in thailand to ensure their visa status is current and compliant with immigration laws. Don’t let a dream vacation become a nightmare. If you have questions or concerns about your visa status, consult with an immigration attorney or the Thai Immigration Department.
What specific steps can expats take too avoid falling into the same trap as this British man?
