SONGKHLA, THAILAND – A 56-year-old Chinese national was arrested in the southern province of Songkhla after overstaying his visa by 335 days, in a case authorities framed as part of a wider immigration crackdown aimed at curbing cross-border crime and bolstering national security.
Arrest in Songkhla
The man, identified as Li Lijun, was stopped on 27 February 2026 in front of a dormitory in the Khao Rup Chang subdistrict of Mueang Songkhla district. Officers took him into custody at the scene following an on-site inspection.
The arrest formed part of a coordinated inspection by Investigation Unit 1 of Immigration Division 6, which holds responsibility for immigration-related investigations in the area. The operation targeted foreigners suspected of violating Thai immigration regulations.
Operation Leadership
The operation was carried out under the overall command of Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. He was supported by Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, commander of Immigration Division 6.
On the ground, Pol Lt Col Seksan Tangkhongnut, an inspector with Investigation Division 6, led the team that checked the Chinese national and ultimately placed him under arrest. The field unit coordinated its actions as part of the broader regional enforcement effort.
Overstay Allegation
During examination of his passport, officers found that Li Lijun had exceeded his permitted stay by 335 days and was therefore present in the kingdom without valid authorization. The overstay placed him in direct violation of Thai immigration law.
He was charged with remaining in the country as a foreign national after the expiry of his authorized period of stay. The suspect was then handed over to investigators at Mueang Songkhla police station for further legal processing.
Deportation and Blacklist
Following completion of the criminal proceedings, the man was to be deported in line with applicable regulations. Authorities stated he would be placed on a blacklist, likely barring him from re-entering Thailand either permanently or for an extended period.
Immigration officials stressed that such measures would be applied consistently as part of a firm policy toward immigration violations. Offences against the conditions of stay were to be met with prosecution, deportation and entry bans.
Intensified Regional Checks
The arrest in Songkhla formed part of a broader enforcement operation running from 23 February to 2 March 2026. The campaign covered all jurisdictions of Immigration Division 6 across the southern region.
According to officials, the operation explicitly aimed
“to prevent transnational crime and ensure national security”
said authorities, and was directed specifically at foreigners without valid residence permits. Inspections were concentrated in locations assessed as high risk.
National Security Strategy
The tightened checks aligned with national directives calling for stricter screening of undocumented foreigners. They also mandated systematic inspections in regions considered vulnerable from a security standpoint.
Officials said intensive inspections would be carried out throughout the operation period to protect the country’s security image. The measures were also intended to disrupt cross-border activities at an early stage.
More Arrests Expected
The newspaper Daily News reported that, given the ongoing campaign, additional arrests were expected in the southern provinces up to 2 March. Authorities signalled that enforcement would continue as long as the operation remained in effect.
Immigration Division 6 urged foreign residents to comply with Thai immigration laws. It warned that violations could lead to criminal prosecution, deportation and inclusion on the immigration blacklist.