Thailand's PM Tells Foreigners: Don't Die Here

Thailand's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged law-breaking foreigners to leave the country, in a sharp speech that took aim at religious structures and private cemeteries built by foreigners - effectively telling tourists they cannot die on Thai soil.

"Recently I learned of a request to build a private cemetery - this crosses all boundaries. You should be grateful we allowed you to come here," he said, according to The Nation.

Such projects, he said, must follow Thai law and respect the country's society and culture. "If you are going to die, go and die at home; there is no need for you to die here," he stated.

He also called it unacceptable for foreigners to get permission to open a restaurant and then use the premises for religious rituals.

Charnvirakul stressed that Thailand welcomes foreign tourists and investors, but that this does not give them the right to break local laws, referring to citizens of various countries, including in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

He noted that new deportation rules allow authorities to remove law-breaking foreigners faster, and instructed governors not to delay such decisions over flight funding, as the state will cover the costs. The new rules took effect on August 28.