Thai immigration police have raided a visa consultancy in Bangkok's Sai Mai district after a European embassy alerted authorities to suspected forged financial documents submitted with visa applications.
Investigators say more than 400 Thai clients may have been affected, with the firm allegedly charging 40,000 baht per person - a total potential loss exceeding 16 million baht.
The case concerns Thai nationals applying for visas to travel to an unnamed European country. It does not concern Thai visa extensions or immigration procedures for foreign residents, tourists or other visitors in Thailand.
Embassy raised concerns over applications
The investigation began after the embassy of a European country contacted police about several Thai visa applicants whose supporting documents, particularly bank statements, appeared suspicious and potentially forged.
At a press briefing at Immigration Division 3 headquarters on 17 August, Major General Songprode Sirisuka, commander of Immigration Division 3, outlined the results of the operation alongside Colonel Parinya Klinkasorn, his deputy, and Colonel Suriya Puangsombat, superintendent of the division's investigation unit.
On 12 August, officers from the investigation unit executed a Criminal Court Min Buri search warrant at the office of a visa application consultancy in Sai Mai. They seized suspected counterfeit rubber stamps from banks and other agencies, more than 20 allegedly forged financial documents, and four desktop computers.
Police believe the premises may have been used to prepare false documents for large numbers of Thai clients seeking overseas visas.
Five applications showed matching patterns
Following reports to Immigration Bureau commissioner Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak and deputy commissioner Major General Phantana Nuchnarot, investigators were ordered to widen the inquiry.
Police compared documents supplied by the embassy with genuine information from the banks holding the accounts. They found five cases with similar irregularities: the names on the submitted documents did not match the genuine bank account holders, while transaction records had allegedly been altered and did not match bank-confirmed information.
Investigators also said the financial sponsors for all five applicants used the same foreign-bank credit card number to pay travel expenses.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
During the search, officers found stamps bearing the names of several commercial banks, along with dozens of suspected false documents including salary certificates and account statements. The four computers were seized for forensic examination and further investigation into other possible participants.
Charges depend on forensic evidence
Immigration Division 3 said the alleged conduct could amount to jointly forging and using forged documents under Sections 264, 265 and 268 of the Criminal Code, as well as forging official seals under Sections 251 and 252.
However, police said the final charges would depend on forensic checks of the seized evidence, witness testimony and the investigation file.
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18 August 2026
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