Thai Police check on foreign residents

CHIANG MAI Just days ahead of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Expat Fair, Thaivisa.com reported cases of foreigners being interrogated at their homes by police.

Thaivisa.com claimed they were three documented cases in Chiang Mai, this week, when police questioned foreign expats  in their homes.

They were asked to disclose personal information such as their  monthly income, height, weight and distinguishing marks (skin colour, scars, tattoos).

Thaivisa.com forum members posted their complaints online claiming plain-clothed police officers asked them to complete the ‘Personal Information’ form from the ‘Transnational Crime Coordination Unit Region 5 (TCCU R5).

The form has been circulating for some time now through local district offices and distributed by hand to resident foreigners many of them staying in the country on marriage or retirement visas.

It requests information such as monthly income, parents nationality and current address, name of husband or wife and the date of marriage, as well as the names and dates of birth of any children.

In a section titled ‘Personal Appearance’ the form also asks for details of height, weight, skin colour, hair colour and details of any scars.

There are also long-standing regulations that require foreigners to register with their local police station and inform the police of any change of address.

Another states that all foreigners must carry their passports with them at all time.

Police say the form is intended to help them locate foreigners in a case of an emergency, or identify them if they have been involved in an accident orviolent crime.

Police have confirmed that officers are “checking on all foreign residents” and the programme is unfolding across the country, not just in Chiang Mai.

It is part of the country’s policy “good guys in, bad guys out.” The main targets are foreigners who are conducting illegal activities such as working with out a valid work permit, overstaying their visa or are guilty of more serious criminal offences.

But it is also justified by the need to heighten security and prevent terrorist plots.

All district leaders have been ordered to pass on the form to foreigners residing in their villages.

Earlier this year, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau introduced a ‘Foreign National Information Form’ which asked foreigners to provide personal information including bank account numbers, social media accounts and even places they frequently visit.

First introduced in April, the form is now in the process of being rolled out nationwide and is already in use at immigration offices in Thailand including Phuket, Samut Prakan, Chaengwattana and Pattaya.

TAT is hosting the Expat Fair that starts 1 October to boost the image of Thai tourism and celebrate the “vibrant expat community to encourage them to  enjoy Thailand’s many attractions.”

The official opening takes place at Fragrant  Park on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit 36 Road, Thong Lo BTS Station.

sourced:ttrweekly.com