Chinese tourist blacklisted after damaging Thai airport immigration gate, visa revoked

THAILAND: A Chinese national has been permanently barred from re-entering Thailand after allegedly damaging an Automated Border Control (ABC) gate and verbally abusing immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

According to a statement published on 14 May by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau on Facebook, the incident took place at the airport’s outbound immigration checkpoint on 13 May at around 2 pm.

Authorities identified the man as Liwei Zheng, a Chinese citizen believed to be around 30 years old.

He was reportedly preparing to board a flight from Thailand to China when the incident occurred.

Automated clearance issue escalates

According to the Immigration Bureau, Zheng entered the automated immigration lane but failed to follow the machine’s instructions correctly.

Officials said he initially placed his boarding pass on the passport scanner instead of his passport, preventing the system from processing his departure clearance and keeping the gate closed.

The bureau alleged that Zheng became frustrated and kicked the glass gate, causing damage to the automated system.

Authorities said he then attempted the process again but incorrectly scanned his passport, leading to another failed attempt before allegedly kicking the gate a second time.

Officers intervene at airport checkpoint

Zheng then proceeded through the lane without completing immigration clearance procedures.

Immigration officers stationed at the checkpoint intervened immediately and detained him at the scene.

The bureau alleged that Zheng verbally abused officers in both English and Chinese using offensive language during the confrontation.

Authorities also claimed he attempted to physically confront officers before his wife intervened and restrained him.

Airport security personnel and immigration officers later transferred Zheng to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station in Samut Prakan province for further legal action.

Criminal charges and compensation claim

According to the bureau, Zheng has been charged with property damage and insulting officials while they were performing their duties.

The damaged Automated Border Control gate is estimated to have repair costs of approximately 450,000 baht (US$13,814.28).

Authorities stated that the property damage offence carries a potential penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht (US$1,841.90), or both.

The alleged offence of insulting officials while performing their duties carries a possible sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 (US$613.97) baht, or both.

The bureau said investigators were scheduled to forward the case to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on 15 May.

Thailand imposes permanent blacklist

Following the incident, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalug ordered the revocation of Zheng’s visa and placed him on Thailand’s immigration blacklist.

Authorities classified Zheng as a prohibited individual whose behaviour posed a threat to society.

Thai officials confirmed that Zheng would be permanently banned from entering the country again.

The bureau also stated that Zheng would be deported back to China after legal proceedings are completed.

Authorities warn tourists over misconduct

In the statement, Thai immigration authorities urged foreign visitors to respect local laws, customs and public conduct while travelling in the country.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas stated that Thailand welcomes tourists who behave appropriately and comply with Thai laws and social norms.

The bureau added that misconduct, criminal offences or behaviour deemed harmful to public morality could result in visa revocation and deportation.