Banmuang (Thai news) have reported that following complaints, a team from Prachuap Khiri Khan Immigration have arrested a British man for an exceptionally long overstay.
He is named as Michael Garry Doyle, described as 50 years of age and a British citizen. Mr Doyle’s passport, with many particulars blacked out; show an expiry date of 18th June 2011. Without any renewal, this means that Mr Doyle has been staying illegally in Thailand for almost eight years.
Immigration officials have invited Mr. Michael to acknowledge the allegations at the immigration office and will instigate legal proceedings.
Reports indicate that Mr Doyle has previously operated a bar in Hua Hin with a Thai ‘wife-. Apparently he became depressed after her death, becoming very isolated and drank heavily.
Social media comments about this news vary from the critical “just hope he gets a chance to try out a Thai prison for a couple of years before they deport him” or “probably shot his mouth off to too many customers about his overstay situation.”
Other have a more sympathetic reaction; “no one is commenting on the old guys mental health issues reported, it can have a debilitating effect on people affected and lead to situations like this”.
The final outcome is likely to include some custodial time followed by deportation and a long term ban on returning to Thailand. As one commentator said “the end result of course, is that his way of life is now irrevocably ruined, as he will not be able to return for many a year.”
