A British man was arrested for overstaying for 25 years in Thailand.

The tourist, 60, whose name was not disclosed by officials, reportedly entered the country in 2000 but never left despite his visa expiring.

He was said to have continued partying for several years, while continually evaded officials by brushing off inquiries, claiming his paperwork was with officer 'being extended'.

But following a tip-off from a disgruntled neighbour, police arrested him on Monday at a home in northern Chiang Mai province, where he had set up home with a Thai woman and had a child with her.

Police Major Suthirathep Phothinimit of Chiang Mai Immigration said: ‘We have informed the suspect of his charges and rights before handing him over to the inquiry officer of the Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station for further legal action.

'He is awaiting deportation back to his country. He overstayed for 9,135 days. This is one of the longest visa overstays I've ever handled. The longest previous overstay was a Pakistani man with 10 years.'

The tourist allegedly confessed he did not apply for a visa extension. He claimed he successfully applied for a renewed passport in 2018.

Authorities said the Briton lived in Bangkok for 13 years before his arrest. He had met his Thai wife in the capital city and had a child with her before moving farther up north to Chiang Mai, where the cost of living is lower.

The man was reported to be unemployed and living off money wired to im by his family in Britain.

He has been charged with 'being a foreigner who entered and stayed in the Kingdom after the permit expired'.

Overstaying in Thailand incurs a fine of 500 baht per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht.

If caught by authorities rather than voluntarily surrendering, overstayers may face deportation, blacklisting, or even prison time.

Those overstaying more than 90 days can be banned from re-entering Thailand for one to ten years, depending on the length of overstay.