A Chinese national has had his visa revoked, been placed on a lifetime blacklist and now faces criminal charges after damaging an automated immigration gate and verbally abusing officers at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province.
The incident occurred in the departure immigration area of Thailand’s main international airport on Wednesday at about 2pm.
Officials said the traveller, identified as Liwei Zheng and aged about 30, failed to follow instructions while attempting to use an automated border-control gate, causing the system to malfunction.
When the gate failed to open, the tourist reportedly kicked the glass barrier, damaging the equipment. He then tried to use the gate again incorrectly, kicked it a second time and forced his way through without completing immigration procedures.
Airport security officers, with the help of the man's wife, intervened and restrained him after he allegedly shouted abuse in Chinese and English and attempted to assault immigration officers.
He has been charged with property damage, a crime carrying up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Officials estimate the damage at about 450,000 baht.
He also faces a separate charge of insulting a public official while on duty, punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. The case will be referred to the provincial court.
Immigration authorities have revoked his visa and placed him on a permanent blacklist, barring him from re-entering Thailand. Officials confirmed he will be deported once legal proceedings are complete.
While emphasising that visitors are welcome, authorities warned that criminal or inappropriate behaviour could result in visa revocation and removal from the country.
A Chinese man, right, listens to his wife after the incident at Suvarnabhumi airport on Wednesday as airport security officers look on. (Photo: Immigration Bureau)
