On 14/5, Suvarnabhumi Airport Police announced they had received a case file concerning a Chinese tourist accused of destroying public property and insulting public officials. The incident occurred in departure control area 2 at the international terminal.

The incident took place around 2:35 PM on 13/5. Captain Saranwit Kaewkhoto, the immigration officer on duty that day, filed a complaint.

Captain Saranwit stated that while he was supervising the automated passport control area, a Chinese man, identified as Zheng, rushed in and smashed two passport scanners with codes DAE01 and DAE06. After damaging the devices, Zheng unilaterally crossed the control line without authorization from security personnel.

Zheng even turned back to confront police officers, repeatedly shouting loudly in Chinese and insulting the families of the officers on duty.

The Chinese tourist (right) at Suvarnabhumi Airport, after damaging the automated immigration gate. *Photo: Immigration Bureau*

The male tourist also attempted to assault airport security forces. His wife intervened promptly, pulling him back to prevent a larger altercation.

The Royal Thai Police stated that Zheng's actions constituted serious insult to public officials and intentional destruction of public property. Authorities decided to handle the matter severely and pursue legal procedures with the highest penalties to set an example.

Initial assessment results showed severe damage to the two automated passport scanners. Preliminary estimated damages exceeded 480,000 baht (nearly 390 million dong), excluding value-added tax (VAT). Police have collected all evidence and extracted security camera footage to complete the case file and press charges according to Thai law.

By Mai Phuong (According to Nation Thailand, The Straits Times)