Immigration authorities arrest two Chinese nationals for forging passport entry stamps to extend work visas, sending a clear warning to all tourists and workers. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Immigration Bureau (Immigration Police Division 1) issued a stern warning to all tourists and foreign residents following the arrest of two Chinese nationals involved in forging official entry stamps on passports to unlawfully extend their stay in Thailand, August 4. According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak Commissioner of the Immigration Police, and his deputies, the agency is cracking down on all foreign nationals committing crimes related to immigration laws, including forgery of passports and official stamps—a matter under the direct responsibility of the Immigration Bureau. The case began in Bangkok when Taiwanese national Mr. Tsai (age 40) accompanied Chinese national Mr. Zhang (age 39) to apply online for a work visa extension. Immigration officers found irregularities in Mr. Zhang’s passport entry stamp, which originally permitted a 60-day tourist stay and legally did not allow further extensions. Officers advised Mr. Zhang to either leave the country or apply for the appropriate visa type in person. However, upon Mr. Zhang’s in-person submission of his passport, immigration officers discovered tampering with the entry stamp. The original notation had been altered to “NON-IB” in an attempt to justify a longer stay. Mr. Zhang denied involvement in the forgery, attributing it to Mr. Tsai, who admitted to altering the stamp. Both men were charged: Mr. Tsai with forging an official travel document, and Mr. Zhang with using a forged document. They have been turned over to the prosecution for legal action. Immigration officials warned tourists and foreign residents that Thailand will strictly enforce immigration laws. Anyone attempting to alter travel documents or violate visa conditions will face arrest, prosecution, and possible deportation. The bureau emphasized that all visa applications must follow official procedures, and the public should be vigilant against fraud schemes. This arrest sends a clear message: Thailand’s immigration authorities will not tolerate forgery or misuse of official travel documents. Tourists and expatriates are urged to comply fully with all regulations to avoid severe legal consequences. Officials uncover altered visa stamps in forged passports, highlighting increased scrutiny on immigration violations amid tighter enforcement.