PATTAYA, Thailand – Thai Immigration authorities have intensified screening measures for visa-free arrivals, particularly Cambodian nationals and foreign travelers deemed high-risk, amid heightened security concerns linked to renewed clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, Deputy Commissioner and spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, said the measures were ordered by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet and Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, following intelligence concerns that foreign mercenaries could exploit Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme to carry out activities threatening national security.
Despite commercial flights between Thailand and Cambodia continuing as normal, authorities fear some individuals may attempt to enter Thailand under the guise of tourism, either to infiltrate border areas or support hostile operations behind the front lines.
In response, the Immigration Bureau convened commanders and heads of immigration checkpoints at five major international airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai — to enforce stricter screening measures. Special attention is being given to two groups entering Thailand visa-free:
– Foreign nationals suspected of being mercenaries, particularly from Eastern Europe and parts of Central and Upper Asia.
– Cambodian nationals entering Thailand during a period of active military confrontation, which authorities say is inconsistent with normal tourism patterns.
Officials stressed that Cambodian nationals with legitimate business or work purposes in Thailand must apply for the appropriate visas through Thai embassies or consulates to allow pre-screening at the source. Since early December until December 13, 2025, immigration officers have denied entry to 185 individuals under these tightened measures.
The Immigration Bureau is also coordinating with national security intelligence agencies to identify specific individuals or networks linked to mercenary activity, aiming to ensure targeted enforcement without affecting genuine tourists.
Authorities acknowledged that enhanced screening may result in longer queues at immigration checkpoints, especially during peak hours at Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, all inspection counters are fully staffed, and waiting times are expected to remain within 40–45 minutes, compared with the usual 20 minutes. On average, Thailand continues to welcome between 75,000 and 80,000 international arrivals per day, with officers allowed no more than 45 seconds per passport inspection.
Immigration officials urged foreign tourists to understand the situation, emphasizing that the measures are necessary to safeguard national security while maintaining Thailand’s overall tourism flow. (TNA)
