- Thailand banned a Chinese tourist for life after he damaged immigration gates at Bangkok airport
- The tourist lost temper using automated passport control and forced entry at Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Damage to two gates estimated at 480,000 baht, about Rs 14 lakh, caused by the outburst
Thailand has imposed a lifetime entry ban on a Chinese tourist after an outburst at Bangkok's main international airport led to significant damage to automated immigration gates. The incident, which unfolded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday, comes at a time when Thai authorities are tightening scrutiny on foreign visitors amid growing concerns over tourist misconduct in popular destinations across the country.
According to local media reports, the 30-year-old tourist, identified as Zheng Liwei, was attempting to clear immigration for a flight back to China on Wednesday afternoon when he allegedly became frustrated while using the airport's automated passport control system. The incident has since drawn widespread attention online after footage began circulating on social media.
Thai media reports stated that Zheng struggled to complete the automated immigration process correctly before allegedly losing his temper at the checkpoint. Footage shared online appears to show him repeatedly slamming his travel document against the scanner before kicking the automatic barriers and forcing his way through the gates.
Immigration officers reportedly intervened after he crossed the checkpoint without receiving clearance. According to Thai newspaper The Nation, Zheng then allegedly shouted abuses at officers in Chinese and attempted to move towards them before his wife restrained him.
Authorities later filed multiple complaints against him, including charges related to damaging government property, insulting officers on duty and crossing the immigration checkpoint without authorisation.
Airport Gates Worth Rs 14 Lakh Reportedly Suffered Heavy Damage
Officials estimated the damage to the automated gates at approximately 480,000 baht, or nearly Rs 14 lakh. Reports said two passport control gates were damaged during the incident.
Thai authorities have since revoked Zheng's visa and placed him on a lifetime blacklist, effectively barring him from re-entering Thailand in the future. As reported by SCMP, he would be deported after legal proceedings are completed.
Thailand Tightens Rules Amid Concerns Over Tourist Behaviour
The incident comes amid broader efforts by Thai authorities to address misconduct involving foreign visitors. Thailand is reportedly planning to reduce visa-free stays for travellers from 93 countries from 60 days to 30 days. According to Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the move is aimed at curbing criminal activity and preventing misuse of long-term stays.
Last week, Thailand's Interior Ministry also instructed provincial authorities to take stricter action against foreigners accused of breaking laws, intimidating residents or behaving inappropriately in public spaces.
Officials have cited complaints from popular tourist regions such as Phuket and Surat Thani, where reports of unruly conduct by tourists during Songkran celebrations have raised concerns among locals and affected the country's tourism image.
