BANGKOK — Thai immigration authorities are searching for a Chinese national who posted a video online claiming that foreigners can work in Thailand without a visa by leveraging insider “connections” within the Immigration Bureau.

Police officers providing escort service to Chinese tourists face criminal probe

The video, filmed inside the immigration hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport, shows a Chinese visitor following an officer, who the man alleged was helping him bypass standard visa requirements. The video was accompanied by a message in Chinese, which, when translated by immigration officials, stated: “Working in Thailand without a visa requires a connection in the Immigration Bureau.”

Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, which oversees major airports, confirmed the video had come to his attention last week. He identified the officer shown in the footage as Pol Capt Eknarin Chantamatornpassakul, an immigration inspector stationed at the airport.

Suvarnabhumi Immigration files complaint after Chinese tourist films officer, alleges bribes ease entry into Thailandhttps://t.co/if4KLcDC1R

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According to Choengron, the Chinese tourist had requested assistance from Capt Eknarin in completing his digital arrival card, citing delays and technical difficulties. The officer escorted the man to a standard immigration booth to help expedite the process, unaware that he was being filmed or that the visitor would later post misleading content online.

Capt Eknarin has since filed a formal complaint against the man for defamation and misuse of digital media.

Immigration authorities warned that such false claims are part of a growing trend of individuals or groups attempting to create a perception that entry into Thailand can be manipulated. Pol Maj Gen Choengron stated that immigration officers are increasingly vigilant in denying entry to individuals posing as tourists with hidden intentions to work or reside illegally.

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Authorities are now working to locate the Chinese man, who is expected to face deportation and be placed on a blacklist, barring his future entry into Thailand.

-Thailand News (TN)