See the wildest busts in paradise: Raids, arrests, crackdowns. Quick filter by nationality affected, location or fail type.
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Thailand treats defamation as both civil and criminal (Penal Code ยง326-333). Truth is a limited defense: ยง330 allows proof of truth unless it concerns "personal matters" and is not "for public benefit." Max 2 years prison + เธฟ200K fine. Full text โ
Using Thai nominees to circumvent the Foreign Business Act is criminal for both parties. Up to 3 years prison + เธฟ1M fine. 46,918 companies flagged in 2024-25 crackdown. FBA full text โ
Prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand. Foreigners caught soliciting or working face deportation + blacklist. Establishments operate in gray zone under Entertainment Places Act (PDF).
Tourist theft cases involving transgender individuals, often in entertainment districts. Report to Tourist Police: 1155.
Thailand is a hub for international romance scam call centers. Victims typically overseas; Thai police coordinate with Interpol. Many operations linked to Chinese/Taiwanese syndicates.
Thailand has severe drug penalties. Possession of hard drugs: up to life imprisonment. Trafficking: death penalty possible. Cannabis decriminalized 2022 but re-regulation pending. Narcotics Code
All gambling is illegal in Thailand (except state lottery). Online gambling: up to 3 years prison. Foreigners running online casinos face arrest + deportation. Gambling Act (PDF)
Overstay fines: เธฟ500/day (max เธฟ20,000). 90+ days = blacklist (1-10 years depending on length). Arrested overstayers face detention + deportation at own expense. Immigration Bureau
Foreigners cannot work as tour guides in Thailandโreserved profession. Unlicensed tour operators face fines + imprisonment. Hotels must register foreign guests within 24hrs. Dept of Tourism
Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand. Condos: max 49% foreign quota per building. Leasehold max 30 years (renewable). Nominee structures = criminal offense. Dept of Lands
Illegal call centers targeting victims in China, Taiwan, USA. Often staffed by trafficked workers. Thai police work with Chinese PSB on raids. Operators face human trafficking + fraud charges.
๐ Cringe Awards highlight the most absurd, bizarre, or facepalm-worthy enforcement cases. From crossbow attacks to 25-year overstaysโThailand delivers.