Zheng Liwei, 30, damaged two automated immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on May 13, 2026, after failing to use the automated passport system properly, Thai police said [1, 2]. Frustrated, Zheng kicked the barriers, causing damage estimated between 450,000 and 480,000 baht (about US$15,000) [1, 2].
He then passed through the checkpoint without authorization and shouted abusive remarks in Chinese and English at immigration officers. Police reported Zheng yelled insults including a Chinese phrase meaning “your mother is dead” while pointing at officers and attempting to move toward them until his wife intervened and restrained him [1].
Immigration authorities filed complaints against Zheng for damaging government property, insulting public officials, and illegal passage through the immigration checkpoint [1, 2]. He is charged with property damage carrying up to three years in prison and fines up to 60,000 baht, and a separate charge of insulting a public official punishable by up to one year in prison and 20,000 baht in fines [2].
On May 17, Thai immigration authorities revoked Zheng’s visa and issued a lifetime blacklist barring him from future entry into Thailand. Deportation is pending the conclusion of legal proceedings [2].
The damage estimate varies slightly between police and immigration sources, ranging from about 450,000 baht to 480,000 baht (approximately US$15,000) [1, 2]. Zheng’s wife played a key role in restraining him during the incident, preventing further escalation [1, 2].
