Bangkok: Immigration officers are conducting strict checks at the airport as Cambodians are using visa-free entry into Thailand. Immigration officials are intensifying checks at airports as Cambodians use visa-free entry into Thailand, and are also screening high-risk foreign nationals, fearing the presence of mercenaries. They urge foreign tourists to understand the situation, noting that waiting times should not exceed 40 minutes.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau, revealed that since the clashes began between Thailand and Cambodia, commercial flights between the two countries have continued as normal. It is possible that Cambodians, and possibly groups of foreign militants, may be taking advantage of the visa-free entry into Thailand.

The Immigration Bureau held a meeting with commanders and heads of immigration checkpoints at five airports under its jurisdiction: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The meeting determined strict measures against nationals whose behavior poses a risk to national security behind conflict zones. The focus is on two groups of foreigners entering Thailand using visa-free entry: mercenaries from Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, and Cambodians flying into Thailand using visa-free privileges.

At this time, both sides have escalated the conflict to the point of clashes, making it unusual for a reasonable person to come for tourism. If they have legitimate business in Thailand, they must obtain proper visas from the Thai embassy to ensure they are screened at their point of origin. Since the violent clashes began, 185 individuals have been denied entry from the beginning of December to December 13, 2025.

Furthermore, the Immigration Bureau will coordinate with security intelligence agencies to obtain additional information on the movements of groups of foreign mercenaries, in order to avoid affecting other foreign tourists visiting Thailand in general, especially during peak tourist seasons when no fewer than 75,000-80,000 tourists enter the country daily, and immigration officers at border checkpoints have no more than 45 seconds to check each passport.

Regarding the intensified screening measures, there may be longer queues for passengers waiting for passport control, especially at Suvarnabhumi Airport during peak flight hours. Immigration officers have deployed full staff at all inspection counters, which may cause waiting times to be longer than usual, from the previous 20 minutes to around 45 minutes. However, it is confirmed that this will not affect the entry and exit of Thai citizens.