BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has clarified the circumstances surrounding a Chinese passenger who was refused entry at Suvarnabhumi Airport on November 12, 2026, after complaints circulated online about unpleasant conditions in a waiting room and an alleged demand for 18,000 yuan to arrange clearance through immigration. Immigration Bureau spokesman Pol Maj Gen Cherngron Rimpadee said Immigration Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat had ordered an immediate investigation by Immigration Division 2 following the social media posts.
He explained that the room shown in the online footage was a temporary waiting area for foreign passengers refused entry while airlines arranged their return flights. It was not a detention cell for criminal suspects. Airlines are responsible for managing the facility, where passengers are allowed to use their mobile phones and have access to basic amenities in accordance with human rights principles. The waiting area is intended for short stays, with passengers moving in and out according to available return flights. A separate facility is also available for passengers able to depart immediately, helping reduce overcrowding.
Immigration authorities said 92 passengers of all nationalities were refused entry on November 12, including 45 Chinese nationals. All had since been returned to their respective countries. Cherngron said refusals followed risk screening of foreign arrivals, particularly people claiming to be tourists who could not clearly demonstrate their travel plans. Authorities were also screening for individuals suspected of links to scam operations seeking to relocate to Thailand or use the country as a temporary base to evade investigation or launder money.
Regarding the allegation that a broker had demanded 18,000 yuan, equivalent to more than 90,000 baht, to secure immigration clearance, Cherngron said Chinese-language social media pages had appeared advertising services claiming they could arrange smooth entry into Thailand in exchange for advance payment. He cautioned travellers against falling victim to scams and said the bureau was ready to investigate if the person who made the allegation provided concrete evidence.
He also rejected claims that Chinese passengers were being singled out. From January 1 to November 14, 2026, a total of 4,879,002 Chinese nationals entered Thailand, while 12,880 were refused entry, representing approximately 0.26% of arrivals. He said the same screening standards applied to passengers of all nationalities.
Cherngron stressed that Immigration Bureau officers had been instructed to strengthen screening against foreign nationals suspected of entering or remaining in Thailand to engage in criminal activity. However, genuine visitors with legitimate travel purposes remained welcome.
The bureau described its approach as “good people enter conveniently, criminals face tougher checks.”
