A Chinese tourist was arrested for allegedly using an altered Mexican passport to leave Thailand.

Lin, 39, was preparing to fly to Malaysia when he was detained by immigration officers at the Don Mueang International Airpot in Bangkok on July 3.

Authorities said he was 'acting suspiciously' at the departure gate, and had a Mexican passport despite having clearly Asian features.

They learned that his passport was reported lost to Interpol, and changes were made to the name and photo.

Officers checked the biometrics system and found that Lin had entered Thailand with a Mexican passport on June 27, 2024. He was due to fly to Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia flight AK885.

Police Major General Cherngron Rimphadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, said: ‘The suspect denied all allegations. He was handed over to the inquiry officer of the Don Mueang Police Station for further legal action.'

Under Section 269/8 of the Thai Criminal Code, passport forgery is punishable with up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 baht (4,500 GBP).

(1 GBP = 44.36 THB)