Immigration Bureau Division 2 has ordered an urgent investigation into online allegations involving Chinese agents claiming to guarantee smooth passage through immigration at Suvarnabhumi Airport under a system referred to as “bao guan”, following reports of alleged fee charging and potential exploitation of tightened border controls. The inquiry has been launched immediately to verify the source of the claims, identify individuals involved, and examine any links to misconduct or impersonation of officials.

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The allegations, circulated on social media and reported by online pages, suggest that agents may be charging foreign nationals significantly higher fees, reportedly ranging from 4,500 to 12,000 baht depending on visa type. The reports also link the practice to broader concerns over visa misuse, including visa runs and entry under free visa schemes being used for purposes inconsistent with tourism or business declarations, amid intensified Thai efforts to suppress cross-border scam networks.

Pol Col Phongthorn Phongrattanatthan, deputy commander of Immigration Bureau Division 2 and spokesperson, said Commander Maj Gen Kathathorn Khamthiang has been informed and has established a fact-finding committee to investigate the origin of the information, communication channels, and any individuals potentially exploiting the situation.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Authorities said the stricter screening measures align with national policy to combat transnational scam networks and prevent the relocation of criminal operations into Thailand. Officials stressed that legitimate travellers with proper documentation will continue to be facilitated, while those with suspicious travel patterns, including repeated entries, misuse of visa categories, or links to high-risk areas, will be subject to enhanced checks or refusal of entry.

Naewna reported that the investigation will determine whether any officials or intermediaries were involved in improper conduct, with disciplinary and legal action promised if wrongdoing is confirmed. Immigration authorities said enforcement will continue to be tightened while ensuring transparency and protection of legitimate tourism and business travel.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 23 June 2026

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Sounds like the Chinese agent just acted as sub-agents for the safe entry services, adding on their own commission.

Haha, the "grey" Chinese will find a way to cheat and corrupt everything... knows no bounds or shame.

When will the authorities in Thailand admit that one of the most active criminals in Thailand are the Chinese ? Perhaps a blind eye is given to this considering the large amount of Thai's who are half chinese and in power maybe ?

5 minutes ago, SingAPorn said:

When will the authorities in Thailand admit that one of the most active criminals in Thailand are the Chinese ? Perhaps a blind eye is given to this considering the large amount of Thai's who are half chinese and in power maybe ?

Most of the Chinese criminality is hidden from view. It is deeply embedded now, and they have entire communities within which they can secret themselves. Chuwit warned this was happening four or five years ago.

2 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Most of the Chinese criminality is hidden from view. It is deeply embedded now, and they have entire communities within which they can secret themselves. Chuwit warned this was happening four or five years ago.

Not to mention when the hoards of chinese tourists come to Thailand, they will only eat and spend in chinese run businesses. These businesses of course, send back all the money to China throught their chinese "hawala" type "banking".

4 minutes ago, SingAPorn said:

Not to mention when the hoards of chinese tourists come to Thailand, they will only eat and spend in chinese run businesses. These businesses of course, send back all the money to China throught their chinese "hawala" type "banking".

They are settling in Thailand. As I've said elsewhere this is a somewhat slower but essentially the same process as what has happened with Laos. See this article from 12 years ago: https://worldcrunch.com/business-finance/how-northern-laos-is-being-swallowed-by-china/

1 hour ago, John Drake said:

They are settling in Thailand. As I've said elsewhere this is a somewhat slower but essentially the same process as what has happened with Laos. See this article from 12 years ago: https://worldcrunch.com/business-finance/how-northern-laos-is-being-swallowed-by-china/

The article states, albeit, quoted 'by a Laotian' that the Chinese receive an 'expatriation bonus' of $100k per person for moving to the country for a certain extended period to become entrepreneurs....................in fact, if a couple and a child move, they receive $300K.............................I've never heard of this policy before, perhaps in specific targeted cases/regions that China needs 'in house' development and control of worldwide?

51 minutes ago, Off Piste said:

The article states, albeit, quoted 'by a Laotian' that the Chinese receive an 'expatriation bonus' of $100k per person for moving to the country for a certain extended period to become entrepreneurs....................in fact, if a couple and a child move, they receive $300K.............................I've never heard of this policy before, perhaps in specific targeted cases/regions that China needs 'in house' development and control of worldwide?

It was for a special sector/zone in northern Laos. Think Eastern Corridor in Thailand, perhaps.

On 6/23/2026 at 7:35 PM, Off Piste said:

The article states, albeit, quoted 'by a Laotian' that the Chinese receive an 'expatriation bonus' of $100k per person for moving to the country for a certain extended period to become entrepreneurs....................in fact, if a couple and a child move, they receive $300K.............................I've never heard of this policy before, perhaps in specific targeted cases/regions that China needs 'in house' development and control of worldwide?

Yes, the diplomatic terminology for it is the "Belt and Road Initiative"

On 6/23/2026 at 8:26 PM, John Drake said:

It was for a special sector/zone in northern Laos. Think Eastern Corridor in Thailand, perhaps.

A very astute observation.