Thailand hands lifetime ban, criminal charges to Chinese tourist for damaging autogate, fighting with immigration officers (VIDEO)

BANGKOK, May 17 — Thai immigration authorities have revoked the visa of a 30-year-old Chinese national and placed him on a lifetime blacklist after he allegedly damaged an automated immigration gate and verbally abused officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 2om  in the departure immigration area. Officials identified the traveller as Liwei Zheng. According to the Bangkok Post, Zheng failed to follow the instructions for using the automated border-control gate, causing the system to malfunction. When the glass barrier failed to open, the tourist kicked it.

Footage shared on social media appears to show Zheng slamming his travel document before kicking the barriers and forcing his way through the checkpoint without completing the necessary procedures. He then moved to a second automated scanner, which he also allegedly damaged.

Authorities estimate the damage at approximately 450,000 baht (RM54,565). The tourist has been charged with property damage, a crime carrying up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.

The situation escalated when airport security and immigration officers intervened.

Zheng allegedly shouted abuse in Chinese and English and attempted to assault the officers before his wife helped restrain him. He also faces a separate charge of insulting a public official while on duty, punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

In addition to the criminal charges, Thai immigration authorities have revoked his visa and placed him on a permanent blacklist, barring him from re-entering Thailand. Officials confirmed he will be deported once legal proceedings are complete.

The incident occurs as Thai authorities have stepped up enforcement against misconduct by foreign visitors. Last week, the Interior Ministry ordered local authorities to act firmly against law-breaking foreigners who intimidate residents or behave inappropriately in public. The government is also reviewing visa policies, including a proposal to shorten visa-free stays for visitors from dozens of countries, a measure officials say is aimed at curbing criminal activity.

Tourism officials are targeting 6 million Chinese visitors in 2026, making traveller confidence a sensitive issue for Bangkok as it takes a tougher line on unruly foreign visitors.