Aussie tourist tossed into filthy Thai jail cell over simple passport mistake as he issues grave warning to fellow travellers
Benjamin, a seasoned Australian traveller, posted a video to Instagram where he shared his harrowing tale.
Despite having no criminal history, Thai officials accused Benjamin of racking up too many passport stamps while entering the country - before throwing him into a grime ridden jail without any opportunity for an appeal.
Thai officials suspected he was performing illegal "visa runs" - which would have extended his holiday visa, thereby allowing Benjamin to remain in the country for an additional 30 days.
Visa runs - or "border runs" - involve travellers briefly leaving and re-entering the country to reset or extend their allowed stay period. The practice is now being cracked down on by Thai authorities.
Benjamin said he had been touring south-east Asia for months and had entered the country numerous times, which gave Thai authorities the impression that he was attempting to evade new visa regulations.
In his Instagram clip Benjamin said, 'I was denied entry and accused of doing visa runs, but I've never actually done one.'
Benjamin told other would be visitors that Thailand had implemented changes to its travel rules and that tourists now needed ironclad proof of an onward journey out of Thailand.
The Thailand immigration website states that evidence of an onward journey out of Thailand is necessary to be allowed entry into the country, and that even a bus ticket to a neighbouring nation is acceptable.
However, Benjamin stressed he was not seeking to criticise Thailand or the Thai people but rather to alert tourists to be aware of the unseen risks.
'Before I go on, please understand I love Thailand and Thai people. This is not slander,' Benjamin said.
'I am just documenting my experience because that's what I do, and so others know the rules have changed since May.'
Benjamin said the decision to lock him up was instantaneous and unalterable.
'They looked at my passport and saw too many stamps. I have been coming in and out a lot, and I don't deny that' Bejamin said.
'They made a decision. No appeals, just detention.'
Benjamin said he was issued a 1,070 baht fine (AUD$50) and was taken to a crowded detention facility to 'shower with roaches.'
'They locked me in a detention centre packed with people and dormitory prison beds.'
The man also had his passport taken from him and said it was now mandatory for those who had breached Thai immigration laws to be deported to the country they flew in from.
He said the ordeal was extremely distressing and that it was becoming exceedingly common due to tourists being unaware of Thailand's strict travel regulations.
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