Chinese Tourist Banned from Thailand for Life After Damaging Immigration Gate

Jakarta, KORANTRANSAKSI.com – A Chinese tourist has been banned from entering Thailand for life after damaging an automatic glass gate at an international airport in Samut Prakan Province, central Thailand.

According to a report by The Independent, the 30-year-old man reportedly failed to follow instructions while using the automated gate in the airport's immigration area on Wednesday. When the machine malfunctioned, the man allegedly kicked and broke two glass barriers before heading toward the flight that was supposed to take him back to China.

Local media reports stated that the man kicked the glass gate repeatedly after failing to use the automated system properly. He then forced his way through without completing the mandatory immigration process. Video footage circulating on social media shows the man slamming his travel documents down before kicking the glass barriers and forcing his way through the automated gate.

Legal Charges and Penalties

Security personnel and authorities intervened immediately to detain the perpetrator. He was subsequently charged with property damage, which carries a penalty of up to a 60,000 baht fine (approximately IDR 32 million), a maximum of three years in prison, or both.

In addition to property damage, the man was also charged with insulting officers on duty. If found guilty of this offense, he faces:

1. Up to one year in prison,
2. A fine of 20,000 baht (approximately IDR 10 million),
3. Or both.

Thai immigration authorities have revoked the man's visa and permanently blacklisted him, ensuring he can never return to Thailand. Once all legal proceedings are concluded, the man is expected to be immediately deported to his home country.

Crackdown on Foreign Misbehavior

This incident occurred just a week after the Thai Ministry of Interior ordered local authorities to crack down on foreigners who break the law, intimidate locals, or behave inappropriately in public spaces. In recent months, numerous complaints have arisen regarding the behavior of foreign tourists deemed disruptive to public order, particularly in tourist hotspots like Phuket and Surat Thani.

Authorities added that enforcement will also target tourists deemed to be violating Thai cultural values or involved in drug offenses.

Despite the global economy still feeling the impact of conflicts in the Middle East, Thailand expects to welcome over 500,000 foreign tourists this year, an increase from the 33 million tourists recorded in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Thai Immigration Bureau, Panumas Bunyalak, emphasized that Thailand remains open to foreign tourists who respect the law and the local population.

"Thailand welcomes all tourists from all countries who respect the Thai people and Thailand," Panumas said.

He firmly asserted that any actions deemed to violate basic morality could result in visa revocation and deportation. (TIM)