BANGKOK, THAILAND – Immigration authorities are cracking down on a network of “Bao Guan” fixers promising guaranteed entry to foreigners for hefty fees. A network of intermediaries, known as “Bao Guan,” is being targeted by immigration authorities for allegedly charging exorbitant fees to guarantee entry into Thailand. Investigations are now underway to determine if officials were complicit or directly involved in the scheme. Simultaneously, entry refusals have significantly increased, with over 13,000 cases recorded since the beginning of 2026.
Special investigators hunting “Bao Guan” network
Major General Kathathorn Khamthiang, commander of Immigration Division 2, has launched an investigation into allegations that intermediaries exploited the names of officials or government agencies to extort money. These individuals promised a “guaranteed entry” at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The “Bao Guan” services reportedly charged foreigners between 4,500 and 12,000 Baht, depending on the visa type and perceived risk. Police warned that any official found to be involved would face severe disciplinary and criminal consequences.
Prices explode due to stricter controls
Immigration officials believe the agents inflated their prices after controls were drastically tightened. Chinese intermediaries, in particular, are accused of exploiting the situation to multiply their service fees. Travelers reportedly ended up paying up to ten times more than before. This crackdown disproportionately affects holders of visas such as Thailand Elite, student visas, or the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Police advise that individuals with correct documentation and a clear purpose of entry do not need expensive intermediaries and will pass through passport control normally.
Call center gangs must stay out
The intensified raids are driven by a response to growing concerns about transnational criminal and call center networks seeking to relocate operations to Thailand. Since 2025, Lieutenant General Phanumart Boonyaluck, chief of the Immigration Bureau, has implemented a stringent policy to keep these fraud gangs from neighboring countries out. Officials are now conducting much stricter checks on individuals entering the country. This heightened scrutiny aims to prevent criminal organizations from establishing a foothold within the Kingdom.
Over 13,000 rejected this year
The numbers reflect the new policy: by this point in 2026, immigration officers had already denied entry to 13,229 individuals, a significant increase compared to the 22,339 denied entry throughout the entire previous year. The refusal rate is rapidly rising. Risk groups under particular scrutiny include frequent travelers with suspicious visa runs, unusually long stays, or connections to organized fraud rings. The message from the authorities is clear: those with hidden agendas will be barred from entry.
30,000 travelers warned against deception
Immigration police have additionally interviewed over 30,000 foreigners identified as potential victims of deception. These individuals were at risk of being lured across borders, for example, into Myanmar, through fraudulent offers. Such at-risk groups are now specifically approached upon arrival to prevent them from inadvertently falling into illegal networks. This also increases pressure on agents who lure clients to Thailand with false promises.
Police clarify: those entering legitimately have nothing to fear
Colonel Pongthorn Pongratchatanan, spokesperson for Immigration Division 2, stated to the media:
“People who come into the country properly, have a clear purpose, provide complete documentation, and are not involved in criminal behavior, will receive normal support.”
He emphasized that this assurance applies to all law-abiding tourists and businesspeople. For those who appear with incorrect visa types or hidden intentions, consistent rejections will apply. The spokesperson made it clear that the protection of the country and its law-abiding visitors takes precedence over criminal evasion tactics.
Investigation underway – officials face severe consequences
The established investigation committee is currently analyzing communication channels and involved parties to identify those behind the “Bao Guan” scheme. It will also determine if any officials were complicit. If the involvement of an immigration officer is confirmed, the authorities have announced immediate criminal and disciplinary repercussions. Major General Kathathorn Khamthiang reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating all forms of corruption to maintain the integrity of immigration controls and public trust.