A Thai mother has called on immigration authorities to explain why her two Thai-Chinese children were refused entry to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 27 June, despite arriving to spend their school holidays with family.

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The mother, identified as Chanporn, shared details of the case and supporting documents in a Facebook group linked to Channel 3’s Hone Krasae programme, seeking clarification from officials. She said her children, aged 17 and 15, had travelled alone from Xiamen on Xiamen Air and were due to stay with her before travelling together to Surat Thani. According to Chanporn, the children had return flights booked for the following month and accommodation arranged in advance.

Chanporn explained that immigration officers denied the teenagers entry after describing them as suspicious travellers. She said she attempted to prove their relationship by presenting documents, including the children’s birth certificates and Thai passports issued when they were younger.

According to the mother, officers questioned whether she was genuinely related to the children, stating that her appearance did not match theirs. She said officials instructed her to arrange flights returning the teenagers to China on the same day.

Chanporn said the decision caused significant distress, particularly for her daughter, who reportedly cried until her nose bled. She also claimed the family suffered financial losses of about 50,000 baht as a result of the refusal. She has urged immigration authorities to clarify the reasons behind the decision and accept responsibility for the consequences.

Documents shared by Chanporn indicate immigration officers concluded the minors could not provide certified parental or guardian consent for travelling alone and were unable to clearly explain the purpose of their visit. Officials also stated the children failed to provide sufficient documentation confirming their relationship with the woman claiming to be their mother.

Based on those findings, immigration officers recorded that they suspected the trip was not genuinely for tourism and refused the children permission to enter Thailand. The case has prompted mixed reactions online.

Some social media users supported the immigration officers, arguing the measures were necessary to protect children and prevent potential trafficking or immigration offences. Others questioned whether the decision was justified, with several commenters claiming they had experienced similar problems when entering Thailand.

The Thaiger reported that immigration authorities had not issued a public clarification regarding the incident or responded to the mother’s allegations.

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

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Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 2 July 2026

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Chinese-Thai kids staying in China, when the mummy is in Thailand ? Fishy....

I know one Thai Chinese person whose son spent years in China getting an education. Never had trouble returning to Thailand.

I thought immigration was trying to get its act together using its computer system. Was this their first attempt to enter Thailand or were they able to enter when they were younger?

My daughter is going to university in Spain this September. She is 18 years old. Because the age of majority in Thailand is 20, both her Thai mother and I had to go to the Amphur to get a “consent to travel” document issued.

The same thing was required when she applied for a new passport.

So there are definitely some hoops to jump through with regard to documentation for minors (under 20) travelling on their own.

4 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Chinese-Thai kids staying in China, when the mummy is in Thailand ? Fishy....

Where is daddy? The kids can only be in one country at a time. Nothing fishy at all.

4 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Chinese-Thai kids staying in China, when the mummy is in Thailand ? Fishy....

Our Chinese neighbour paid a Thai man to agree her baby was his (she married to a Chinese) so she could claim guardianship of a Thai national for an extension. Hubby on non immigrant O, employment prohibited, went to work everyday. Crafty lot.

2 minutes ago, visalady said:

Our Chinese neighbour paid a Thai man to agree her baby was his (she married to a Chinese) so she could claim guardianship of a Thai national for an extension. Hubby on non immigrant O, employment prohibited, went to work everyday. Crafty lot.

No rule nor law too big or too small it would seem.

42 minutes ago, visalady said:

Our Chinese neighbour paid a Thai man to agree her baby was his (she married to a Chinese) so she could claim guardianship of a Thai national for an extension. Hubby on non immigrant O, employment prohibited, went to work everyday. Crafty lot.

41 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

No rule nor law too big or too small it would seem.

They usually require dna from the father and birth records from the mother

Consequence of China Chinese reputation of always seeking gray zones in every country laws...to take the most benefit from and abuse the system... so much so that now more Governments are wary and cautious of Chinese... just saying...

As poster wensiensheng pointed out, Need permission for minors to Travel this is not new !!

1 hour ago, NemoH said:

Consequence of China Chinese reputation of always seeking gray zones in every country laws...to take the most benefit from and abuse the system... so much so that now more Governments are wary and cautious of Chinese... just saying...

Are you suggesting that other nationalities don’t try to take most benefit from and abuse Thailands immigration laws? From where I sit abusing Thailands immigration laws via agents and phony education visas, is not country restrictive.

I think the main issue here is that the children are just that, children. And just a few days ago there was the case of the teenager trafficked to Japan. Little wonder immigration is hyper sensitive about kids travelling.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

she attempted to prove their relationship by presenting documents, including the children’s birth certificates and Thai passports issued when they were younger

Thai BC and Thai passport should have been enough. Unless the passports where expired. Probably should have kept them current.

3 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

They usually require dna from the father and birth records from the mother

This was 10 years ago, she was also light on the 400k one year for the extension, just put 1k in the passport when handing it over. Another Chinese on the estate claims she got a Thai ID card for 200k, real or not I don't know.

Many years ago my Thai wife thought it would be a good idea for her grandson to visit other Asian countries with us when we went on holidays. The paper work was unbelievable so we didn't follow up on it.

4 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

They usually require dna from the father and birth records from the mother

Unbelievably intrusive! I wouldn't be putting my DNA in any damned govt database so they could use it against be later!

Tweens travel regularly under the care of airline staff. What would be the reason for these children to coming to Thailand except for family visiting?!? All documents were arranged.

Yeah, that age 20 regulation. Can screw at 15 but not an adult till 20! Nonsense!

Here's another instance where Immigration could have won kindness and compassion over rules.

No idea why other replies see a nefarious plot to two teenagers coming to Thailand.

40 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Unbelievably intrusive! I wouldn't be putting my DNA in any damned govt database so they could use it against be later!

Tweens travel regularly under the care of airline staff. What would be the reason for these children to coming to Thailand except for family visiting?!? All documents were arranged.

Yeah, that age 20 regulation. Can screw at 15 but not an adult till 20! Nonsense!

Here's another instance where Immigration could have won kindness and compassion over rules.

No idea why other replies see a nefarious plot to two teenagers coming to Thailand.

to win kindness and to be flexible on rules and regulations is not in the job description of an immigration officer.

10 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Chinese-Thai kids staying in China, when the mummy is in Thailand ? Fishy....

Getting an education in China !! Why not !?

3 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

As poster wensiensheng pointed out, Need permission for minors to Travel this is not new !!

They are Thai..... (they had Thai passports) how can they be rejected entry into their own country ?

Something is really flawed in the manner with which immigration handled this.

Children fly as unaccompanied minors (UM) all the time.... and many Airlines transport children outside of their unaccompanied minor program once they are 12 and older.

1 hour ago, Ray60 said:

to win kindness and to be flexible on rules and regulations is not in the job description of an immigration officer.

What rules exactly ? the youngsters were Thai (they had previous Thai Passports) so what rules were they breaking exactly ?

It seems that Immigration used their descretion in an extremely negative manner.

Imagine going to the airport to meet your Children to be told by an immigration officer that they don't think they are your children !!!...

2 hours ago, Ray60 said:

to win kindness and to be flexible on rules and regulations is not in the job description of an immigration officer.

It's the job description of any authority with a heart, including police. The law has to be flexible if you want people to adhere to it!

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

They are Thai..... (they had Thai passports) how can they be rejected entry into their own country ?

Something is really flawed in the manner with which immigration handled this.

Children fly as unaccompanied minors (UM) all the time.... and many Airlines transport children outside of their unaccompanied minor program once they are 12 and older.

What rules exactly ? the youngsters were Thai (they had previous Thai Passports) so what rules were they breaking exactly ?

It seems that Immigration used their descretion in an extremely negative manner.

Imagine going to the airport to meet your Children to be told by an immigration officer that they don't think they are your children !!!...

@unblocktheplanet - curious - what is it about my post you disagree with ? - I thought the comments were fair...

26 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

It's the job description of any authority with a heart, including police. The law has to be flexible if you want people to adhere to it!

Agreed - but I'm not even sure under what law the Immigration could refuse entry to Thai Citizens ?

They both had Birth Certificates - though I'm not sure if the Birth certificates were Thai, they also had Thai Passports issued when they were younger - so I assume they had expired - nevertheless - that alone proves citizenship - so I'm not sure how Immigration could legally refuse them entry.

13 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

he said she attempted to prove their relationship by presenting documents, including the children’s birth certificates and Thai passports issued when they were younger.

13 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Chinese-Thai kids staying in China, when the mummy is in Thailand ? Fishy....

It's not fishy at all. My English-Thai daughter studied in England between the ages of 15 and 18 and used to come to Thailand regularly during that time to visit her mother. I know other Thai-falang couples whose children did the same.

6 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

13 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Chinese-Thai kids staying in China, when the mummy is in Thailand ? Fishy....

It's not fishy at all. My English-Thai daughter studied in England between the ages of 15 and 18 and used to come to Thailand regularly during that time to visit her mother. I know other Thai-falang couples whose children did the same.

100% - its very very normal indeed - overseas boarding students returning home to visit family - many travelling as unaccompanied minors (i.e. with assistance from the Airline) but also many simply travelling on their own which many airlines allow from 12 years upward.

So - I'm wondering exactly what documentation immigration required - because thats piece of information is key to this story.

13 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Documents shared by Chanporn indicate immigration officers concluded the minors could not provide certified parental or guardian consent for travelling alone and were unable to clearly explain the purpose of their visit.

Is this just something as simple as a letter ??? - what consent is required exactly ?

& how hard is it to say - "visiting mom" ?

Ah, I'm staying out of this one!🤣

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

They are Thai..... (they had Thai passports) how can they be rejected entry into their own country ?

Something is really flawed in the manner with which immigration handled this.

Children fly as unaccompanied minors (UM) all the time.... and many Airlines transport children outside of their unaccompanied minor program once they are 12 and older.

What rules exactly ? the youngsters were Thai (they had previous Thai Passports) so what rules were they breaking exactly ?

It seems that Immigration used their descretion in an extremely negative manner.

Imagine going to the airport to meet your Children to be told by an immigration officer that they don't think they are your children !!!...

When my daughter was younger she used to fly with me in the region, often without her mother being with us. Her mother had to obtain a consent to travel document from the Amphur in order that my daughter could travel with me. I kept it with me and showed it to immigration. Sometimes they weren’t interested, sometimes they asked for it.

I think the concern of immigration was that the child might the subject of a custody dispute and the father might be trying to abscond with the child.

Not saying whether it was a right or wrong approach, just that it was necessary. Now she’s 18 and she needs consent to travel documents from us both in order to fly alone.

59 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

100% - its very very normal indeed - overseas boarding students returning home to visit family - many travelling as unaccompanied minors (i.e. with assistance from the Airline) but also many simply travelling on their own which many airlines allow from 12 years upward.

So - I'm wondering exactly what documentation immigration required - because thats piece of information is key to this story.

Is this just something as simple as a letter ??? - what consent is required exactly ?

& how hard is it to say - "visiting mom" ?

I suspect this is the consent to travel document issued by the Amphur. It has the official Amphur stamp on it. AFAIK, it is a pre requisite for a Thai kid to travel alone.

It’s also a document that can be legalised at the MFA if required. I had to do that for my daughters Spanish student visa application.

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Agreed - but I'm not even sure under what law the Immigration could refuse entry to Thai Citizens ?

They both had Birth Certificates - though I'm not sure if the Birth certificates were Thai, they also had Thai Passports issued when they were younger - so I assume they had expired - nevertheless - that alone proves citizenship - so I'm not sure how Immigration could legally refuse them entry.

It’s hard to say exactly, but it seems that the Thai passports had expired so they can’t have been travelling on them. Therefore they (probably) were travelling on foreign passports (Chinese?) so in the eyes of immigration were Chinese citizens.

If the Thai passports were old, probably the kids didn’t look like the photos in them.

Yes she had birth certificates that had names on them. But to play devils advocate, were the kids in front of the IO, the kids named in the birth certificates?

I mean it’s hard to know exactly, but there were some red flags that needed to be addressed. I guess the mother fell short.

The trouble with kindness and understanding from an IO is that it’s great until just one people trafficker slips through the cracks. Then immigration is crucified.

At the end of the day it’s a judgement call and in this case judgement went against the mother. Sad for all concerned, but it is what it is.

That consent to travel form is a BIG deal for Thai immigration.

8 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

As poster wensiensheng pointed out, Need permission for minors to Travel this is not new !!

I thought that post was about Thai minors travelling "out" of Thailand not into Thailand.

39 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

It’s hard to say exactly, but it seems that the Thai passports had expired so they can’t have been travelling on them. Therefore they (probably) were travelling on foreign passports (Chinese?) so in the eyes of immigration were Chinese citizens.

For the UK you can travel to your home country on an expired passport. So expired or not how could Thai Immigration refuse entry to two Thai passport holders? Given the UK now demand that dual passport holders travel to the UK on the UK passport I wonder why Thailand is not doing the same? As Thai nationals being refused entry to Thailand is work a complaint to the Thai Embassy in China. I guess a good idea to keep the second passport updated.

A bit off topic, but they seem to be quite strict about children these days: Yesterday, we left Thailand (the whole family together) and they randomly asked for birth certificates. Luckily we had them as we were doing other family business, but we did ask what would've happened if we didn't have them and they were just umming and aahing. It's funny, because the passports, our features, our kids' statements prove we are a family more than a photo of a birth certificate which contains an expired passport number in my case 🙄 The IO later said that since we provided the docs this time, next time we could go through E-Channel (Funny that, since in the past 12 months we'd already left Thailand twice through E-channel.

The only other time we were ever asked for extra documents was long before we had kids: the anal grumpy IO asked my wife for her surname change document (her ID and passport had her new surname). Not sure if they ever ask Thai/Thai couple's for it.