China Warns Citizens Over Thailand Immigration Scam Charging Up to 12,000 Baht
China Warns Citizens Over Thailand Immigration Scam Charging Up to 12,000 Baht
BANGKOK, 6 July 2026 — Thai authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged immigration scam after brokers were accused of charging foreign travellers up to 12,000 baht for purportedly “guaranteed” entry into Thailand, while the number of foreigners refused entry this year has surpassed 13,000, according to information cited by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.
The Chinese Embassy issued an urgent advisory warning its citizens travelling to Thailand about fraudulent claims that brokers could secure guaranteed entry through connections with Thai immigration officials.
According to the embassy, the brokers falsely advertise that they have insider contacts capable of ensuring travellers pass immigration checks without questioning, provided they pay substantial service fees.
Investigators found that the brokers charged between 4,500 and 12,000 baht, depending on the traveller’s visa type and perceived immigration risk. Authorities said the fees have risen sharply following Thailand’s stricter immigration screening measures introduced in 2025 to curb transnational criminal networks from relocating their operations to the country.
Since January 2026, Thai immigration authorities have denied entry to 13,229 foreign nationals, with enforcement focusing on travellers using suspicious visa arrangements, individuals linked to transnational crime, and those considered at risk of being trafficked or lured into criminal operations in neighbouring countries.
The Chinese Embassy stressed that no legitimate Thai immigration service requires payment in exchange for guaranteed entry and urged travellers not to pay any individual or organisation claiming it can arrange special access through immigration.
The embassy added that travellers with valid travel documents and genuine travel purposes should have no difficulty passing through Thai immigration procedures.
