Thai immigration slams Cambodian media over tourist mistreatment claims

2026-03-06 - 11:13

BANGKOK — Thai immigration authorities on Thursday rejected reports by Cambodian media claiming Cambodian and Indian tourists were being unfairly denied entry at Thai airports and forced to pay additional fees. Pol. Col. Phongthorn Phongratchatanan, deputy commander of Immigration Division 2 and its spokesperson, said the reports were “completely inaccurate” and presented only one side of the story, which could mislead the public and harm Thailand’s tourism image. The Cambodian report alleged that some foreign travellers were denied entry, forced to immediately book return tickets and charged a 1,000-baht fee. Phongthorn said no such practice exists. Foreigners denied entry are not forced to book tickets immediately and immigration officers do not collect any 1,000-baht fee, he said. He added that Maj. Gen. Khatathorn Khamthiang, commander of Immigration Division 2, has instructed airport immigration officers to conduct passenger screening strictly in accordance with the law and international standards used by immigration authorities worldwide. Officials focus on screening travellers who may pose risks to public order or security, including those who lack sufficient funds for their stay, have no clear accommodation or travel plans, appear to be entering Thailand to work illegally, or display behaviour considered a threat to society. If a traveller is refused entry, the individual is handed over to the airline that transported them to Thailand. The airline is responsible for placing the passenger in its detention room and arranging their return on the next available flight, a process unrelated to immigration authorities. Phongthorn noted that the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand continues to rise. Immigration officers have increased staffing and improved management to facilitate travellers while maintaining security measures under the policy of Immigration Bureau chief Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak. He urged media outlets to help clarify the facts to prevent the spread of misinformation that could damage Thailand’s reputation and tourist confidence.