A Chinese national has been permanently barred from re-entering Thailand after allegedly damaging an automated glass gate at the country's main international airport in Samut Prakan province. The 30-year-old man reportedly failed to follow instructions when using the automated gate at the immigration area on Wednesday. When the gate malfunctioned, he kicked two glass barriers, damaging the equipment as he proceeded to board his flight to China, according to the Bangkok Post.
He allegedly kicked the glass gate a second time after failing to use it correctly and forced his way through without completing the necessary immigration process. Video footage shared on social media appeared to show him slamming his travel document before kicking the barriers and forcing his way through. Authorities intervened and restrained him, charging him with property damage that could result in a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, as per local news reports.
The man has also been charged with hurling abuses at officers on duty, a crime that, if proven in court, is punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $600 (20,000 baht), or both. Officials have reportedly revoked his visa and placed him on a permanent blacklist, barring him from entering Thailand. He is expected to be deported once legal proceedings are completed.
Context of Recent Crackdown on Foreign Misconduct
This incident comes just a week after the Thai interior ministry ordered local authorities to act firmly against law-breaking foreigners who intimidate residents or behave inappropriately in public. In recent months, numerous complaints have been registered across Thailand regarding unruly behaviour and inappropriate conduct by long-staying foreigners, especially in tourist areas like Phuket and Surat Thani.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated, “Tourists exhibiting inappropriate behaviour or causing disturbance to the public and other tourists must be prosecuted strictly according to the law, without exception, especially those engaging in behaviour that violates Thailand’s fine cultural values and those related to drug use.”
Thailand forecasts 500,000 more foreign tourists this year, up from 33 million in 2025, despite the ripple effects of the Middle East war on the global economy. Police Lieutenant General Panumas Bunyalak, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, emphasised, “Thailand welcomes all tourists of all nationalities who respect the Thai people and Thailand. Any conduct or actions that violate basic morals will result in visa revocation and deportation.”
