International
• 2 hours ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Chinese Embassy Warns of 'Customs Protection' Scams Targeting Travellers to Thailand
PHNOM PENH, July 3, 2026 – The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has issued a warning to Chinese citizens travelling to Thailand about "customs protection" scams, following investigations by Thai authorities into false claims of guaranteed clearance and internal connections.
According to the embassy, some unscrupulous intermediaries have exploited Thailand's lawful strengthening of port risk prevention and control to spread false information about "payment guarantees customs clearance," "internal channels," and "no need to be questioned." These scams induce foreign nationals to purchase so-called customs protection services at high fees, resulting in financial losses.
Thai authorities have stated they will strictly investigate and deal with illegal intermediaries and individuals suspected of participating in illegal activities. They reiterated that there are no legitimate paid "customs protection" or "guaranteed customs clearance" channels.
The Chinese Embassy reminded Chinese citizens visiting Thailand to raise awareness of prevention and guard against such scams. Any institution or individual charging fees under the pretext of "guaranteed entry," "internal relations," "green channels," or "no inquiry required" is suspected of misleading or fraud. Citizens should not easily trust such advertisements or pay so-called customs protection or clearance fees.
Travellers are advised to handle entry procedures in accordance with Thai laws and regulations. Immigration officers have the right to review the purpose of entry, arrangements for stay, and relevant supporting documents. It is recommended to prepare valid passports, return or onward tickets, hotel or accommodation certificates, and necessary financial proof in advance.
The embassy also urged travellers to plan itineraries reasonably, apply for appropriate visas based on their true purpose of travel, refrain from engaging in activities inconsistent with their entry purpose, and avoid illegal work or other unlawful activities.
Citizens were encouraged to obtain information through official channels and not to trust online rumours or unverified social media information. Those facing entry blockages were advised to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement, rather than seeking special assistance through illegal intermediaries.
— Source: Chinese Embassy in Thailand,
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
According to the embassy, some unscrupulous intermediaries have exploited Thailand's lawful strengthening of port risk prevention and control to spread false information about "payment guarantees customs clearance," "internal channels," and "no need to be questioned." These scams induce foreign nationals to purchase so-called customs protection services at high fees, resulting in financial losses.
Thai authorities have stated they will strictly investigate and deal with illegal intermediaries and individuals suspected of participating in illegal activities. They reiterated that there are no legitimate paid "customs protection" or "guaranteed customs clearance" channels.
The Chinese Embassy reminded Chinese citizens visiting Thailand to raise awareness of prevention and guard against such scams. Any institution or individual charging fees under the pretext of "guaranteed entry," "internal relations," "green channels," or "no inquiry required" is suspected of misleading or fraud. Citizens should not easily trust such advertisements or pay so-called customs protection or clearance fees.
Travellers are advised to handle entry procedures in accordance with Thai laws and regulations. Immigration officers have the right to review the purpose of entry, arrangements for stay, and relevant supporting documents. It is recommended to prepare valid passports, return or onward tickets, hotel or accommodation certificates, and necessary financial proof in advance.
The embassy also urged travellers to plan itineraries reasonably, apply for appropriate visas based on their true purpose of travel, refrain from engaging in activities inconsistent with their entry purpose, and avoid illegal work or other unlawful activities.
Citizens were encouraged to obtain information through official channels and not to trust online rumours or unverified social media information. Those facing entry blockages were advised to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement, rather than seeking special assistance through illegal intermediaries.
— Source: Chinese Embassy in Thailand,
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network