SAMUT PRAKAN – In response to escalating military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, Thai Immigration Police have intensified security screening at five major international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The enhanced measures aim to prevent foreign combatants from exploiting commercial flights and visa-free entry to enter Thailand and potentially undermine national stability.

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Immigration Bureau (IB) spokesman Police Major General Cherngron Rimpadee confirmed the tightened procedures, stating that while commercial flights between Thailand and Cambodia continue, it is considered unusual for Cambodian nationals to seek tourism in Thailand during active hostilities. Since early December, the IB has denied entry to 185 individuals under the new security protocol.

The screening is sharply focused on two specific groups entering under visa-exemption schemes: Cambodian nationals and suspected mercenaries from Eastern Europe and parts of Upper Asia. Cambodian travelers with legitimate business purposes are now required to apply for the appropriate visa through a Thai embassy abroad for pre-screening at their point of origin, marking a significant shift toward stricter vetting before arrival.

Thai Immigration Orders Strict Screening of Cambodians Entering Thailand Visa-Free, Also Tightens Checks on High-Risk Foreigners over Mercenary Concerns; Asks Foreign Tourists for Understanding, Queue Times Not Exceeding 40 Minutes. #Thailand #ThailandCambodia #ไทยกัมพูชา pic.twitter.com/UNY1HgqGI0

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) December 15, 2025

The Immigration Bureau is coordinating closely with security and intelligence agencies to monitor the movements of potential foreign fighters while striving to minimize disruption to general tourism. The measures come during Thailand’s peak tourist season, which sees daily arrivals of up to 80,000 visitors.

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Authorities are urging patience from international travelers, as the heightened security checks are expected to extend processing times at immigration counters. Waiting times for non-Thai nationals, previously capped at around 20 minutes, may now reach up to 45 minutes.

-Thailand News (TN)