Chinese Tourist Barred from Thailand After Damaging Airport Gate

Video footage shared on social media showed the man slamming his travel document before kicking the barriers. Authorities restrained him and charged him with property damage.

The man faces a fine of up to $15,000 for property damage, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. He was also charged with hurling abuses at officers, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $600, or both. Officials revoked his visa and placed him on a permanent blacklist. He is expected to be deported once legal proceedings conclude.

The incident occurred one week after the Thai interior ministry directed local authorities to act against law-breaking foreigners. In recent months, complaints have increased about unruly behavior by long-staying foreigners in tourist areas such as Phuket and Surat Thani.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said tourists exhibiting inappropriate behavior must be prosecuted strictly according to the law. Police Lieutenant General Panumas Bunyalak, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, stated that conduct violating basic morals will result in visa revocation and deportation.

Thailand forecasts 500,000 additional foreign tourists this year, up from 33 million in 2025.