Russian Woman Held in Phuket After Staying Illegally in Thailand Since 2020

A Russian national has been detained in Thailand after allegedly remaining in the country long after her visa expired. Officers found that she had been staying in Thailand illegally since 12 October 2020, meaning the overstretch of her permitted stay runs to more than six years.

Key facts

• Who: a Russian national
• Where: a residential complex in the Patong district of Phuket island
• Illegal stay since: 12 October 2020
• Charge: overstaying her permitted period of stay
• Possible outcome: deportation and a potential 10-year ban on re-entering Thailand

What happened?

Police opened an investigation after receiving a tip-off from an unidentified individual, according to the Novosti Phuket Telegram channel, which reported the incident. During an inspection, officers discovered that the woman's visa had expired and that she had been living in the country illegally since 12 October 2020.

The Russian national has been charged with overstaying her permitted period of stay. The report does not state when the arrest took place, what type of visa she originally held or when her case will be decided.

What are the consequences of overstaying in Thailand?

Under Thai immigration regulations, the woman faces deportation and a potential 10-year ban on re-entering the country because of the length of her visa violation, the report states. No further penalties or fines are mentioned.

What this means for travellers

The case underlines that a long overstay in Thailand can end in detention, deportation and a possible decade-long bar on returning. Travellers should check the expiry date of their permitted stay and make sure they leave or extend it before that date passes.

No further official announcements about the case have been made public in the report, and the outcome of the charge against the woman has not yet been confirmed.