Channel 7 ran a video feature on the continuing problem of illegal immigrants coming into Thailand from Africa.
They entitled their feature as “The problem of people of colour breaking the law in Thailand”.
They said that 200,000 illegals were on overstay in Thailand. But as quickly as the Thai authorities were rounding them up, the more they were coming.
The video showed a raid on an apartment block. It was the seventh time the “Black Eagle” response unit of the tourist police had been there in recent months.
Out of the 200,000 at least 80,000 were on overstay from Nigeria and Somalia.
Many had no passports.
Some had only a United Nations Convention On The Rights Of The Child (UNCR) signature on a piece of paper to show who they were.
Many were involved in illegal activity or drugs.
Others were in Thailand in transit to other countries for resettlement – but in many cases this took 3 years and with no way to support themselves many turned to crime.
Special Branch 191 chief Surachet Hakpan spoke of a continuing problem for his men.
While Channel 7 said it was a security issue of grave importance and a threat to tourism.
The question has to be asked, how are so many getting into the Kingdom without the necessary documentation ? Thailand is not the easiest of places to get into and without stating the obvious,they do tend to stand out.
People of any nation who do not adhere to the rules of the country they are entering are not welcome and only do further damage to the image of all foreigners. This is totally unacceptable to the people who follow the correct procedures.
(Source:-Channel 7 News)