The Immigration Division 3 spokesperson warns foreign tourists not to trust "unusually cheap tour packages" after Thai police intervened to assist three Indian victims who were deceived and kidnapped for ransom. The perpetrators have now all been arrested, affirming that Thailand remains safe.
In the case where Chonburi Immigration officers collaborated with Pattaya City Police to assist three Indian tourists who were deceived by an international criminal network through cheap travel packages, then kidnapped and held for ransom, this serves as a crucial warning for foreign tourists visiting Thailand.
On 28 Jul 2026 at 16:30 at Immigration Division 3 headquarters, Pol. Col. Prinya Klinkasorn, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3 and spokesperson, revealed that investigations found the three Indian victims trusted individuals claiming to be tour operators offering unusually low-priced packages. Upon arrival in Thailand, the victims were separated from their group, taken into captivity, and held for ransom demanded from relatives abroad. The criminals used physical abuse and sent photos and videos as threats to pressure relatives into paying. Pattaya City Police have issued arrest warrants and have now detained all five suspects. Investigations are ongoing.
"We want to remind foreign tourists to exercise greater caution when purchasing travel packages, especially offers that are unusually cheap or from providers whose identities cannot be verified."
Immigration screening upon entry and exit follows international standards, checking through the Immigration Office's technology systems, Thailand's security databases, and international databases. If individuals are not listed as banned persons (blacklisted), have no arrest warrants, criminal records, or legal grounds for entry denial, officials permit their entry.
Pol. Col. Prinya added that approximately 2.5 million Indian tourists visit Thailand annually, ranking second after Chinese nationals. This significantly benefits Thailand's tourism economy. Although a small fraction—less than 0.1 percent—may engage in illegal activities, this is very minor compared to the majority of quality tourists.
If individuals are later deceived, become victims, or get involved in illegal acts, these incidents occur after legal entry into Thailand. Police and security agencies coordinate to assist victims, track down offenders, and strictly enforce the law.
The Immigration Division 3 spokesperson stated that this operation aligns with the Royal Thai Police's policy to intensify screening and law enforcement against foreigners involved in crimes or threats to national security, especially targeting transnational crime, gray capital groups, and those using Thailand as a base for illegal acts. Strict action will be taken against any offenders, and the public is urged to cooperate.
If the public witnesses or has information about criminal activities, they can report to the Immigration Office at Chalerm Phrakiat Building, No. 904, Moo 6, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120, or contact local immigration offices or visit the websitewww.immigration.go.th