Travel Foreign Arrivals Under Scrutiny as Thailand Steps Up Security

[webfact]

File photo 

 

Thailand is ramping up its efforts to clamp down on foreign nationals involved in criminal activities, with newly announced measures that could see tougher checks for international arrivals. National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, has directed immigration police to enhance the screening process for incoming foreigners.

 

This initiative aims to address prostitution rings and other transnational crimes that have been linked to foreign nationals operating within Thailand.

 

A cornerstone of this new approach is the implementation of pre-entry screening protocols, including the introduction of a digital arrival card.

 

This measure, launched in collaboration with the Immigration Bureau (IB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will see traveller data cross-referenced with foreign embassy databases to check for individuals on watch lists or blacklists.

 

By vetting individuals before they enter the country, authorities hope to prevent criminals from gaining entry in the first place.

 

Upon arrival, data concerning these travellers will be shared with the Tourist Police and local law enforcement agencies. This will enable the authorities to monitor, locate, and potentially intervene with those who might engage in unlawful activities.

 

The directive also specifies that tourists and students, who arrive on respective visas, will be subject to increased scrutiny. This is an attempt to prevent misuse of these visas for illicit purposes.

 

Pol Gen Kittharath highlighted well-known nightlife districts such as Sukhumvit, Soi Cowboy, and Nana in Bangkok, which have been identified as hotspots for foreign-run prostitution rings.

 

The revised measures are designed to combat transnational criminal exploits and curb human trafficking, issues that have affected both local communities and international perceptions of Thailand as a safe travel destination.

 

In a separate but related incident, the importance of heightened vigilance was underscored with the arrest of Ivan Valchev, a 50-year-old Bulgarian, involved in sophisticated cybercrimes. Valchev was apprehended by cybercrime investigators for tampering with 13 ATMs across Thailand.

 

According to Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, chief of Cybercrime Investigation Division 1, Valchev used devices disguised as ATM repair tools to exploit banking systems, posing a significant threat to the country’s economic security.

 

His modus operandi involved using master keys and fake cables rigged with the “jackpot” virus, which allowed him to manipulate ATM functions through SIM-based internet controls. Valchev’s location was pinpointed using rental car records, leading to his timely arrest and highlighting the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in tackling both traditional and cyber-enabled crimes.

 

These developments reflect Thailand's increasing resolve to safeguard its borders and maintain domestic security. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement and foreign bodies may prove pivotal in ensuring that Thailand remains a safe and welcoming destination for genuine travellers, while cracking down on those who intend harm.

 

With stricter measures in place, the authorities hope to see a reduction in foreign-led criminal activity, contributing to a safer environment for both residents and visitors alike. The success of these initiatives, however, will likely depend on the continued cooperation between local authorities and international partners.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-29

 

 

[petedk]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Pol Gen Kittharath highlighted well-known nightlife districts such as Sukhumvit, Soi Cowboy, and Nana in Bangkok, which have been identified as hotspots for foreign-run prostitution rings

 

Why not look in the more hiso places of Bangkok. Gambling and "luxury" prostitution among certain foreign nationalities is very rampant, but it's more organised and discrete. 

[rubyjuan]

3 hours ago, petedk said:

 

Why not look in the more hiso places of Bangkok. Gambling and "luxury" prostitution among certain foreign nationalities is very rampant, but it's more organised and discrete. 

How dare you!?!   My people would never do such a thing.....55555

[norsurin]

Its about time.Thailand is criminals heaven.

[khunjeff]

Whenever there's a news story about foreigners behaving badly, we immediately hear that authorities are "enhancing" or "intensifying" immigration inspections, and then we go through the airport and see that absolutely nothing has changed. 

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A cornerstone of this new approach is the implementation of pre-entry screening protocols, including the introduction of a digital arrival card.

 

This measure...will see traveller data cross-referenced with foreign embassy databases to check for individuals on watch lists or blacklists.

 

There is no "pre-entry screening" - the TDAC is not an ETA. As soon as you hit "submit", you instantly get a QR code. No one is reviewing the information - all it does is record your responses and send a confirmation.

 

And no, foreign embassies are not giving Thai immigration access to databases regarding their citizens - this is the same absurd claim they made when they introduced APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) a number of years ago.

[Sydebolle]

Applause and compliments to the BiB under the expert leadership of Kittharath Punpetch.

Once he and his minions are done with all those nasty criminal farang steaming into the land like Netflix across the telly, then why not keep the good work up and continue to hunt their own countrymen and countrywomen?

Plenty of those lurking around, with bigger and less success but nevertheless it would keep the BiB on their toes for years if not decades. Problem there might be that, among those BiB well hidden in uniforms, there are a few black sheep as well.

Usually masked from toe to helmet, with oversized sun glasses and a huge clip pad ... actually easier to find along the highways - compared to the much more difficult hunt of the imported trouble arriving in droves at the airports and overland. 

And, if they are at it, has ever anyone found out who stole those "no tips" in all those government offices - I have not seen any of them lately so someone must have roamed these offices at night ........ 

[hotchilli]

More fantasy.... 

[newbee2022]

9 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Applause and compliments to the BiB under the expert leadership of Kittharath Punpetch.

Once he and his minions are done with all those nasty criminal farang steaming into the land like Netflix across the telly, then why not keep the good work up and continue to hunt their own countrymen and countrywomen?

Plenty of those lurking around, with bigger and less success but nevertheless it would keep the BiB on their toes for years if not decades. Problem there might be that, among those BiB well hidden in uniforms, there are a few black sheep as well.

Usually masked from toe to helmet, with oversized sun glasses and a huge clip pad ... actually easier to find along the highways - compared to the much more difficult hunt of the imported trouble arriving in droves at the airports and overland. 

And, if they are at it, has ever anyone found out who stole those "no tips" in all those government offices - I have not seen any of them lately so someone must have roamed these offices at night ........ 

You learned from Donnie? 

Defending by blaming others?

Congrats😕

[Cabradelmar]

Too bad they couldn't stop the Romanian (who served a 15 prison sentence in his own country) from then entering and eventually decapitating his Thai gf in Pattaya. Now he's in the wind. Border is a sieve, and immigration rules a joke. Everyone knows Thailand is easy entry. The land of smugglers and thieves.

[harryviking]

30 minutes ago, norsurin said:

Its about time.Thailand is criminals heaven.

Wannabe criminals should first investigate the conditions they could meet in Thai jails! Why not just go to countries where you at leat might get a "decent" jail to live in for a few years!! I guess it is the dumbest ones that comes to Thailand...😆😆"Criminals heaven" could better be called "Criminals hell" when caught!😂

[norsurin]

48 minutes ago, harryviking said:

Wannabe criminals should first investigate the conditions they could meet in Thai jails! Why not just go to countries where you at leat might get a "decent" jail to live in for a few years!! I guess it is the dumbest ones that comes to Thailand...😆😆"Criminals heaven" could better be called "Criminals hell" when caught!😂

Thats also a fact.Really stupid criminals come to Thailand.. many of them on the run.The day Thailand start checking tourists more alot of criminals will get caught i hope.

[sambum]

"By vetting individuals before they enter the country, authorities hope to prevent criminals from gaining entry in the first place."

 

Not exactly rocket science is it? These measures should have been implemented long ago, instead of all these visa free schemes..

[ikke1959]

A lot of talk, but all hot air... the arrival card will do nothing, and pre entry screening should done when you apply for a visa... All other named measures will not work as there a laws of privacy and no embassy will without reason give any information, The blacklisting is not working as we can see in the Red Bull case.. Besides that criminals are not stupid.. Look at Thaksin he comes in goes to jail and a few hours later he is in the hospital... Other criminals have other ways 

[black tabby12345]

National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, has directed immigration police to enhance the screening process for incoming foreigners.

 

First of all, why not reviewing visa waiver scheme that has gone too far; extended  to 93 nations?

Visa waving means no screening of  prospective entrant in advance.

Just like the open invitation to the foreign criminals.

 

 

[gk10012001]

All I really want is for the USA embassy to issue income letters for retirement visas again.  Man, since my first trip in 2004 I planned to spend so much time in Thailand.  But the options now for either deposit 800k baht or monthly hassle of $2,000 USD transfers and bank book hassles and  checking that the transfers are properly shown as foreign in, etc.  Things I can't control but have to deal and check on constantly.  Of course I would have time to do that, but it is annoying

[Sydebolle]

23 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

You learned from Donnie? 

Defending by blaming others?

Congrats😕

Don't get me wrong but it would really help, if you would actually READ what I wrote. I've had it with this racism and farang bashing. While the afore-mentioned is absolutely correct and in the interest of everybody I am absolutely flabbergasted comparing the authorities untertaking once it touches their own people. 

[newbee2022]

33 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Don't get me wrong but it would really help, if you would actually READ what I wrote. I've had it with this racism and farang bashing. While the afore-mentioned is absolutely correct and in the interest of everybody I am absolutely flabbergasted comparing the authorities untertaking once it touches their own people. 

Nothing to change

[Sydebolle]

Reading all this "ramping" up, "hunting" for suspects, "vow" to arrest ...........

What kind of country is this with all those criminals literally everywhere which need to be ramped up, hunted with a vow to arrest? In all fairness, such headlines tend to scare people away rather than falsely pretend (re-)establishment of security. 

[Drumbuie]

On 5/29/2025 at 1:29 PM, khunjeff said:

Whenever there's a news story about foreigners behaving badly, we immediately hear that authorities are "enhancing" or "intensifying" immigration inspections, and then we go through the airport and see that absolutely nothing has changed. 

 

 

There is no "pre-entry screening" - the TDAC is not an ETA. As soon as you hit "submit", you instantly get a QR code. No one is reviewing the information - all it does is record your responses and send a confirmation.

 

And no, foreign embassies are not giving Thai immigration access to databases regarding their citizens - this is the same absurd claim they made when they introduced APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) a number of years ago.

As I understand it, the TDAC is applied for before you enter Thailand. That allows plenty of time for a database search before arrival.

Have we not read recently of a few criminals being taken into custody on arrival? Other countries will be happy their criminals are in jail here, it saves them money. 

[Woke to Sounds]

This is good news.

 

Far too many scumbags and begpackers and criminal low lifes coming to the Kingdom these days.

 

Thailand needs to go Trumpian asap.

[Woke to Sounds]

On 5/29/2025 at 12:50 AM, harryviking said:

Wannabe criminals should first investigate the conditions they could meet in Thai jails! Why not just go to countries where you at leat might get a "decent" jail to live in for a few years!!

 

Much better to go to Canada or the UK or Oz or NZ and go for broke. Why not?

 

Jails there are posh compared to TH.

 

If one is really lucky the sentencing judge will be on the Woke side and you'll get 10 days community volunteerism. 🤣

[ThreeCardMonte]

On 5/29/2025 at 9:40 PM, gk10012001 said:

All I really want is for the USA embassy to issue income letters for retirement visas again.  Man, since my first trip in 2004 I planned to spend so much time in Thailand.  But the options now for either deposit 800k baht or monthly hassle of $2,000 USD transfers and bank book hassles and  checking that the transfers are properly shown as foreign in, etc.  Things I can't control but have to deal and check on constantly.  Of course I would have time to do that, but it is annoying

Thousands have already done everything you’re trying to avoid.

 

It’s not that difficult.

[watchcat]

On 5/29/2025 at 1:26 AM, webfact said:

Thailand is ramping up its efforts to clamp down on foreign nationals involved in criminal activities

 

Checking for tattoos is a safe bet.

[harryviking]

On 5/29/2025 at 8:20 AM, norsurin said:

Its about time.Thailand is criminals heaven.

Lol! And HELL for those who go to jail! 

[norsurin]

1 hour ago, harryviking said:

Lol! And HELL for those who go to jail! 

Rigth.Anyway mostly stay in Phuket and Pattaya streets.

[DonniePeverley]

How does the digital card stop crime ?

 

Genuinaly interested. 

[spidermike007]

Perhaps looking for people with records is something that they should have been doing since the beginning? Isn't it always a good idea to have at least a minor amount of screening for deadbeats and criminals?