Thailand's Immigration 'Protection' Scam Exposed as Entry Refusals Soar Past 13,000

Thailand's Immigration 'Protection' Scam Exposed as Entry Refusals Soar Past 13,000

PHNOM PENH – Thailand's immigration system is under scrutiny as authorities investigate a network of brokers allegedly charging foreigners up to 12,000 baht for guaranteed entry, while the number of travellers refused entry this year has already exceeded 13,000 .

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has issued an urgent warning to citizens travelling to the kingdom about "customs protection" scams, following Thai investigations into online claims of guaranteed clearance and internal connections . Unscrupulous intermediaries have reportedly exploited Thailand's tightened port controls to spread false information about "internal channels" and "no questions asked" entry, defrauding travellers of substantial fees .

Investigation Launched

Immigration Division 2 has established a fact-finding committee to probe the alleged "bao guan" network . Brokers are reportedly charging between 4,500 and 12,000 baht—up to ten times more than previous rates—depending on visa type and perceived risk . The price hikes followed stricter immigration screening introduced in 2025 aimed at preventing scam gangs from relocating operations to Thailand .

Official Response

Police Colonel Pongthorn Pongratchatanan, deputy commander of Immigration Division 2, stated that any officials found involved will face decisive disciplinary and criminal action . The investigation is examining whether immigration officers lent their names or personally received benefits from the scheme .

Rising Entry Refusals

Since January 2026, authorities have refused entry to 13,229 foreigners, while 2025 saw 22,339 refusals . The crackdown targets travellers with suspicious visa runs, links to transnational crime, or those at risk of being lured to neighbouring countries .

The Chinese Embassy emphasised that there are no legitimate paid "customs protection" channels and warned travellers against paying fees to individuals or organisations promising guaranteed entry . Those with proper documentation and clear travel purposes will face no issues at immigration .

— Source: Chinese Embassy in Thailand

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/JLjupMV4hWHp4Pqg7tG4EA?fbclid=IwY2xjawS0U1JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnYjM5RWVwdDdMS1VYQ0xRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh8QZARmMuoG9JXNQfx1Ud7wtxNBvSt66_M4yUayADOi0rit6ryF1Dzwg0Am_aem_kPaVfvHpvbf99kvV1Pv0ng

Reported by The Khmer Today