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Accusations of Extortion at Bangkok Airport: Chinese Nationals vs. Thai Customs


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Cover-Picture-2025-04-30T142615.png

Photo by Borirak via Canva

 

In a developing controversy, two Chinese nationals have accused Thai Customs officials of extorting cash and unlawfully seizing luxury watches at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, on August 4 of last year. This allegation surfaced after the story was posted by the Twitter account Red Skull on April 28, reportedly sourced from one of the Chinese men involved.

 

The two men brought two Rolex watches from Macao intending to perform a religious ceremony at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. However, customs officials allegedly stopped them, claiming that the watches were not declared and required tax payments. The officials demanded a fine of 300,000 baht, allegedly paid in a bathroom, a detail that has raised suspicions of illegality.

 

The watches were not returned to the men, who allege they were coerced into signing documents that transferred ownership to the Thai state. When they sought the watches' return, they were told to buy them back at prices set by Thai Customs. Attempts to file formal complaints were reportedly blocked at various levels.

 

Screenshots of conversations shared on WeChat show a dialogue between one of the Chinese men and a person claiming to be a Thai official. This person allegedly requested cash payments and assured the men that compliance would lead to a resolution, despite the Chinese nationals preferring legal channels.

 

 

 

In response, Thai Customs issued a statement on April 29 over Facebook, asserting that all actions were within legal bounds. The statement claims the Chinese travellers used the Nothing to Declare channel, implying an attempt to avoid tax payments. After further inspection, a man identifying himself as a government official reportedly intervened but was rebuffed by customs staff.

 

Despite the claims, Thai Customs stated that the tourists voluntarily surrendered the watches to conclude proceedings, denying any threats or coercion. The identities of those interfering as government officials have not been investigated.

 

The Administrative Court of Thailand has yet to issue a statement on the case. This incident highlights tensions and alleged misconduct at a major international airport, with both facts and reputations on the line. As the situation unfolds, it calls into question procedural transparency and accountability within Thai customs processes.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-30

 

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  • Heart-broken 1
Posted

Were the 'tourists' wearing the watches ?? 

 

Or, were the watches boxed up, with stickers remaining on them, indicating that the Tourists wanted to sell them here ?

 

There's more to this story than we are seeing, a few missing key points I'm sure...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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