Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as the interior minister, has ordered provincial governors and district chiefs to act quickly to deport foreigners who commit offences and take advantage of Thais.

Mr Anutin issued the order on Thursday during a video conference with nationwide officials.

He told the meeting that any expats who were aggressive, engaged in undesirable behaviour or took advantage of Thai people must face decisive action by provincial governors and district chiefs.

“The new deportation regulation of the Prime Minister’s Office has already taken effect. Please take action fairly, carefully and decisively,” he said.

The order focuses on foreigners who illegally occupy land, run business and work in the country without permits, and those who disrespect Thai traditions and culture, be they tourists or expats.

The order concerning expats placed emphasis on some provinces such as Phuket and Surat Thani including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, according to an Interior Ministry post on Thursday.

Provincial governors must also look into the establishment of religious sites in Thailand to protect the interest of Thai people, said Mr Anutin.

He gave no details but controversies have arisen recently over a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, as well as a Jewish New Year observance that was cancelled on Phuket after Thai protesters gathered near the venue.

Mr Anutin also told provincial governors that they should not wait for errant foreigners to be punished in Thailand because keeping them in the country would cost national resources.

Governors must choose immediate deportation, he said. They could even advance airfares and claim repayment for the sake of quick departures, the prime minister added.

An Israeli and a Frenchman recently became the first foreigners to be ordered out of Thailand under the new regulations. The Israeli was convicted of making threats after his family was barred from a zoo owned by the Frenchman and his wife.

The Frenchman, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, was cited for actions that stirred religious division and conflict.

The duo were taken into custody pending the outcome of appeals against the order and were still in Thailand as of Thursday, police confirmed.