file photo

 

Thailand has ramped up its visa-free entry checks for Cambodians and certain high-risk Westerners, responding to concerns over potential mercenary threats. The Immigration Bureau made this move following social media uproar and expert opinions warning of possible security risks from foreign operatives.

 

Authorities urge tourists to be understanding of the tightened measures as they aim to protect national security, Amarin TV said this afternoon, December 15.

 

The increase in scrutiny follows tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with clashes resurfacing between the two nations. Despite ongoing commercial flights, the Thai authorities are wary of foreign militants exploiting visa-free entry privileges to infiltrate and operate behind battle lines.

 

Immigration officials have denied entry to 185 individuals since early December, focusing particularly on groups from Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and Cambodian nationals whose entry seems questionable during the current unrest.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, the Immigration Bureau spokesperson, highlighted the close monitoring of potentially prohibited groups without disrupting normal tourism, especially during peak season when thousands of tourists arrive daily.

 

The measures are taken in cooperation with security intelligence agencies to maintain a clear focus on real threats without hampering genuine visitors.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Narongsak Phromtha, commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, noted an increase in public awareness campaigns and checkpoints at high-risk locations.

 

Despite the ongoing cautionary measures, no immediate threats or suspicious activities have been identified. Authorities have prohibited drone usage during this period, maintaining robust security protocols to safeguard the region, which sees nearly nine million tourists annually, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Thailand has heightened visa checks in response to mercenary threats.
• Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have spurred security measures.
• No immediate threats have been found, but precautions continue.

 

Related story: 

New Automated Passport Control Enhances Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-12-15

 

 

 

 

18 minutes ago, webfact said:

Immigration officials have denied entry to 185 individuals since early December, focusing particularly on groups from Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and Cambodian nationals whose entry seems questionable during the current unrest.

 

Interesting...  Mercenary soldiers or drone techs?

 

 

All this hubbub about mercs spread fears throughout the public? Or within the government? 

It all began when some 74 year old lady posted photos of some foreigners that she claimed were mercs. And she got arrested for posting false content spreading fears online. HAHA... 

khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/12/14/woman-charged-over-false-u-s-mercenary-claims-tied-to-cambodia/

 

I wonder if she can get the charges dropped now that the government is also acting as if mercs may be entering the country. 

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has ramped up its visa-free entry checks for Cambodians and certain high-risk Westerners, responding to concerns over potential mercenary threats. The Immigration Bureau made this move following social media uproar and expert opinions warning of possible security risks from foreign operatives.

After Covid it should have started...

But Phipat was too busy trying to fill-in the Sandbox

"Immigration officials have denied entry to 185 individuals since early December, focusing particularly on groups from Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and Cambodian nationals whose entry seems questionable during the current unrest"

 

So would this be considered to be 'racial profiling' ??

What on earth is a "high risk foreigner"?  How do they identify such a person? 

Been going to  Thailand as a genuine tourist for over 25 yrs, they can finally wave goodbye to me. Nonsense after nonsense almost weekly 

32 minutes ago, Toby1947 said:

Been going to  Thailand as a genuine tourist for over 25 yrs, they can finally wave goodbye to me. Nonsense after nonsense almost weekly 

The village head man has advised me to stay within the village area where I am known as the police are hunting for a falang who has been working with Cambodian agents giving out coordinates for targets for the Cambodian military, the Cambodians have been arrested but the falang whose identity is unknown is still free. There is now a lot of artillery firing in my border section.

12 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

The village head man has advised me to stay within the village area where I am known as the police are hunting for a falang who has been working with Cambodian agents giving out coordinates for targets for the Cambodian military, the Cambodians have been arrested but the falang whose identity is unknown is still free. There is now a lot of artillery firing in my border section.

So its a case of literally 'keep you head down'?

Just now, mikeymike100 said:

So its a case of literally 'keep you head down'?

No, the fear is exaggerated, if the police want to interrogate me a call to the village authorities should sort things out quickly but I now carry my passport with me where ever I go.

18 hours ago, webfact said:

file photo

 

Thailand has ramped up its visa-free entry checks for Cambodians and certain high-risk Westerners, responding to concerns over potential mercenary threats. The Immigration Bureau made this move following social media uproar and expert opinions warning of possible security risks from foreign operatives.

 

Authorities urge tourists to be understanding of the tightened measures as they aim to protect national security, Amarin TV said this afternoon, December 15.

 

The increase in scrutiny follows tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with clashes resurfacing between the two nations. Despite ongoing commercial flights, the Thai authorities are wary of foreign militants exploiting visa-free entry privileges to infiltrate and operate behind battle lines.

 

Immigration officials have denied entry to 185 individuals since early December, focusing particularly on groups from Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and Cambodian nationals whose entry seems questionable during the current unrest.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, the Immigration Bureau spokesperson, highlighted the close monitoring of potentially prohibited groups without disrupting normal tourism, especially during peak season when thousands of tourists arrive daily.

 

The measures are taken in cooperation with security intelligence agencies to maintain a clear focus on real threats without hampering genuine visitors.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Narongsak Phromtha, commander of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, noted an increase in public awareness campaigns and checkpoints at high-risk locations.

 

Despite the ongoing cautionary measures, no immediate threats or suspicious activities have been identified. Authorities have prohibited drone usage during this period, maintaining robust security protocols to safeguard the region, which sees nearly nine million tourists annually, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Thailand has heightened visa checks in response to mercenary threats.
• Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have spurred security measures.
• No immediate threats have been found, but precautions continue.

 

Related story: 

New Automated Passport Control Enhances Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-12-15

 

 

 

 

So foreign operatives, on a tourist visa, are ok, it's only those on visa free that are a risk... interesting logic...but then, who can comprehend thai "logic."

1 hour ago, Maejo Man said:

What on earth is a "high risk foreigner"?  How do they identify such a person? 

It's an extra sense, that no other culture has...same sense that allows them to identify mercenaries....this "sense" is commonly known as "nonsense." A nation where the male population dies not mature past 15 years of age, if you live here you'll understand.

2 hours ago, Maejo Man said:

What on earth is a "high risk foreigner"?  How do they identify such a person? 

 

The ones carrying a samurai sword and an AK47 might give them a clue. 😁

46 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

It's an extra sense, that no other culture has...same sense that allows them to identify mercenaries....this "sense" is commonly known as "nonsense." A nation where the male population dies not mature past 15 years of age, if you live here you'll understand.

 

" ......if you live here you'll understand....."

 

I can imagine that is the impression we would all have of Thailand if we lived in a small village at the arse end of Thailand, some village in Isaan I could imagine.

 

All the ones with a bit more get up and go and some brains would have left such places for more advanced areas. 

 

There are many switched on Thais, it all depends which level of society you mix with.

 

If I had that impression of Thailand as a whole I would have left by now.

 

I wonder how males with fifteen year old brains manage to become doctors etc?

 

Or is it just farangs with fifteen year old brains who make such stupid comments? 

 

3 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

"Immigration officials have denied entry to 185 individuals since early December, focusing particularly on groups from Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and Cambodian nationals whose entry seems questionable during the current unrest"

 

So would this be considered to be 'racial profiling' ??

Yes, and a good thing too.

2 hours ago, soalbundy said:

The village head man has advised me to stay within the village area where I am known as the police are hunting for a falang who has been working with Cambodian agents giving out coordinates for targets for the Cambodian military, the Cambodians have been arrested but the falang whose identity is unknown is still free. There is now a lot of artillery firing in my border section.

Our head man was in the wife's shop yesterday, and asked if I could keep a watchful eye for any farangs I do not know appearing. Bit of a joke as there are about 8 farangs in our village, and I only know one by sight. I guess they think we spend all our time partying together. Our house is shaking most days, so please keep safe too.

5 hours ago, Maejo Man said:

What on earth is a "high risk foreigner"?  How do they identify such a person? 

And were they allowed in before tightened visa checks ?

Heightening security. Doing the same as any other country in similar circumstances.

4 hours ago, soalbundy said:

No, the fear is exaggerated, if the police want to interrogate me a call to the village authorities should sort things out quickly but I now carry my passport with me where ever I go.

How did you possibly put yourself into this? 

25 minutes ago, Shocked farang said:

How did you possibly put yourself into this? 

I didn't, it was simply advice from the village headman who didn't want suspicions to fall on me as a falang, I haven't taken it seriously but I do now always carry my passport with me.

6 hours ago, Maejo Man said:

What on earth is a "high risk foreigner"?  How do they identify such a person? 

anyone who has been to walking street twice.

23 hours ago, impulse said:

 

Interesting...  Mercenary soldiers or drone techs?

 

 

thailand best holiday since 4 months in Biafera

Russians, basically. Fair play. 

Such controls are particularly important for arrivals with a Retirement A-O visa!

Honest!

On 12/15/2025 at 3:16 PM, webfact said:

No immediate threats have been found, but precautions continue.

 

Has Thailand considered Google Earth? 

 

The locations of lignite and gas fired power stations, hydro-electric dams, airfields, military camps, ports with oil refineries, and other strategic locations, incliding major roads and railways,  can all  be identified as targets for heavy long range artilery and "Foreign" Sabateurs!

10 hours ago, Maejo Man said:

What on earth is a "high risk foreigner"?  How do they identify such a person? 

A foreigner on extension due to marriage is low risk, a Russian 25 years old guy travelling alone is high risk.

11 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

So would this be considered to be 'racial profiling' ??

If profiling is based on nationality, race doesn't matter. Thailand immigration maybe mixing the two in its denial for entry.

22 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

It's an extra sense, that no other culture has...same sense that allows them to identify mercenaries....this "sense" is commonly known as "nonsense." A nation where the male population dies not mature past 15 years of age, if you live here you'll understand.

After 35 years here I am never surprised at anything any more!