The Immigration Department refutes Cambodia's fake news accusing Thai officials of harassing foreign transit passengers at the airport, aiming to create a negative atmosphere for the festival. It confirms that "Thai Immigration" warmly welcomes all tourists.
On 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Police Major General Cherngron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, responded to reporters regarding news from several foreign news agencies and inquiries from multiple Thai embassies. The claim involved information from Cambodian embassies abroad warning foreign tourists transiting through Thailand to Cambodia to be cautious of harassment by Thai Immigration officials.
He confirmed that the news was false and clarified that foreign passengers transiting through Thai airports, especially Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, to Cambodia have not formally entered Thailand and therefore do not undergo immigration checks. Passengers remain within the airside transit area.
Therefore, allegations of harassment toward foreign passengers are impossible. The news seems to be a deliberate attempt to damage the tourism atmosphere. Currently, Thailand receives a large number of foreign tourists, with no fewer than 75,000 to 80,000 arrivals daily.
He reaffirmed that Thai Immigration warmly welcomes foreigners visiting Thailand during the upcoming New Year travel season. Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonlaksam, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, has ordered all immigration checkpoints nationwide, especially airports, to mobilize personnel and fully prepare to process passport inspections for both Thai and foreign tourists.
