Mahanakorn Partners Group (MPG) is proud to announce the successful resolution of a complex immigration matter involving 42 Swiss nationals who were wrongfully blacklisted and barred from entering Thailand due to alleged visa forgery — despite having no involvement in such activities.
Upon learning of the situation, the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangkok, led by H.E. Pedro Zwahlen, Ambassador of Switzerland to Thailand, sought assistance from MPG, where our Managing Partner, Khun Vilasinee Thephasadin Na Ayuthaya, serves as the Official Legal Counsel to the Embassy. Recognizing the urgency and the impact on the affected individuals, MPG agreed to act pro bono to restore their rights.
The matter required persistent, high-level engagement over the course of nearly a year. On 7 August 2024, Khun Vilasinee advised the Embassy to formally petition the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau for the removal of the blacklisted names. Subsequent coordination began with immigration officers, and, when the Commissioner’s travel schedule made a meeting impractical, arrangements were made to meet with the Deputy Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthana Nutnarot.
At the 2 September 2024 meeting, the Deputy Commissioner assigned Police Colonel Surasak to oversee the case and liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Over the following weeks, MPG prepared and submitted comprehensive documentation, including official letters from the Swiss Ambassador in both English and Thai, detailed lists of affected individuals, and individual statements in both languages. These were formally handed over to Immigration Division 3 on 26 September 2024.
From October through December 2024, the case moved between the Immigration Bureau and MOFA’s European Affairs Division, with the Royal Thai Embassy in Vienna tasked to verify the affected individuals. The case was placed into the appeals process, requiring MPG to maintain regular contact with all agencies involved to ensure momentum.
By January 2025, MOFA had issued its letter to the Immigration Bureau confirming the findings from Vienna. However, the appointment of new commanders within the Immigration Bureau in February 2025 temporarily stalled the process. MPG continued to engage directly with Investigation Division 3, including meetings with the Superintendent and his team, to have the matter presented to the Commissioner and the relevant committees.
Throughout April, May, and June 2025, MPG pursued daily follow-ups with the Immigration Bureau to ensure the case remained a priority. On 27 June 2025, the IDC Superintendent confirmed that the relevant committee had approved the removal of the 42 names from the blacklist.
In July and early August 2025, the final memorandum was reviewed, signed, and prepared for release. On 6 August 2025, the approval was officially granted, and the following day, MPG collected the memorandum from the Immigration Bureau and personally delivered it to the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangkok — formally closing the case.
Thanks to the professionalism, understanding, and cooperation of the Thai Immigration Bureau, and the constructive engagement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rights of all 42 individuals were fully restored, allowing them to freely enter Thailand again.
We extend our sincere appreciation to:
✓ The Immigration Bureau of Thailand, for their dedication to fairness and effective coordination;
✓ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the European Affairs Division, for their constructive engagement;
✓ The Embassy of Switzerland for their trust in MPG to handle this sensitive matter.
This case exemplifies MPG’s persistence, legal acumen, and commitment to achieving fair and practical solutions — even in the most complex and sensitive of circumstances.
About Mahanakorn Partners Group (MPG)
MPG is a leading multidisciplinary professional services firm headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, providing legal, tax, corporate, and strategic advisory services to clients across industries and jurisdictions. Our experienced teams are dedicated to delivering solutions with integrity, efficiency, and a deep understanding of both local and international contexts.