Phuket Immigration dished out 5 “yellow cards” during the month of May, 4 of which went to Thai landlords who failed to notify Immigration that they had foreign residents staying at their properties.
According to a Phuket News report, the fifth card went to a Russian national, for an undisclosed offence. Should he get another one, he could face deportation. The report goes on to say that 23 foreign nationals were arrested in Phuket during the month of May. 9 landlords were arrested for failing to formally register their foreign tenants.
Registration of foreign tenants is mandatory according to Section 38 of the Immigration Act.
“House owners, heads of household, landlords, or managers of hotels who accommodate foreign nationals on a temporary basis and who stay in the kingdom legally must notify the local immigration authorities within 24 hours from the time of the foreign national’s arrival.”
According to Thanet Sukchai, Phuket Immigration Chief, the purpose of the yellow card is to issue a warning to landlords and other property owners. He says information on the relevant immigration law can be provided to landlords and home owners if they visit the Phuket Immigration office.
“If householders do not assist in monitoring and allow criminals to reside in their properties, it reflects a lack of concern for Phuket. This places additional burden on immigration officers.”
SOURCE: The Phuket News
