PATTAYA, Thailand – In a move to tighten national security and immigration controls, Thailand is reinforcing its border management policies by extending heightened scrutiny to international airports, following a crackdown at key land border crossings.
The Royal Thai Government recently empowered the First and Second Army Regions to strictly control entry and exit at land borders, particularly in Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo provinces. These border points have long been transit routes for foreign nationals moving between Thailand and Cambodia. The intensified land controls, effective June 7, have raised concerns that suspicious foreign groups might now attempt to enter Thailand via air routes instead.
In response, Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, announced that immigration units at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are on high alert. This follows instructions from National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitirath Phanphet and Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak to prioritize national security.
Authorities are particularly focused on screening foreign nationals suspected of abusing Thailand’s visa-free policies, especially those linked to online gambling, call center scams, and other forms of transnational crime. Many of these groups are believed to be operating out of neighboring countries and may use Thailand as a base for money laundering or other illicit activities.
“Closing the land borders may push some of these actors to shift their entry point to international airports,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron. “We are prepared to intercept them.”
Immigration officers have been instructed to increase scrutiny on passengers from neighboring countries, especially those suspected of engaging in visa runs or using fraudulently obtained passports—some of which are reportedly traded on black markets to conceal identities.
Despite the strict measures, authorities stress that legitimate tourists will not be affected. The campaign follows the “Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out” policy framework aimed at preserving national security while continuing to welcome travelers who contribute positively to the Thai economy.
“We want to reassure the public and visitors that these measures are targeted and will not disrupt the tourism atmosphere,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron. (TNA)
