Bangkok airport’s automatic passport control ready for check-in

The head of the Thai Immigration Bureau inspected the readiness of Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s new automatic passport control channels, which will start being used by Thai citizens tomorrow, July 3. He also took the time to dine with the immigration officers, expressing the need to uphold their welfare.

The Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Ittipol Ittisarnronnachai, visited the immigration checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where Immigration Bureau Chief Cherngron Rimphadi warmly received his arrival.

Ittipol revealed that the visit was to check the readiness of the newly installed automatic passport control channels. The project, supported by the Airports of Thailand (AoT), aims to enhance the efficiency of the immigration process.

Initially, 56 automatic channels will be installed at the departure area, up from the previous 16 channels. Today, July 2, 13 of these channels will be operational, with the rest to follow soon. In this initial phase, the system will first be used exclusively for Thai nationals.

The Immigration Bureau received confirmation from AoT that the automatic passport control channels for Thai passports are fully functional. The process takes no more than 20 seconds per individual.

The AoT will conduct further tests to integrate the system with the Immigration Bureau’s biometric systems before it is opened to foreigners.

During his visit, Ittipol took the opportunity to dine with the on-duty immigration officers, sharing the same meal provided for their welfare. He emphasised the importance of good quality, sufficient quantity, and delicious-tasting meals for the officers. He also extended his gratitude to the AoT for their support of the Immigration Bureau operations, reported KhaoSod.

The introduction of these new automatic channels is part of a broader initiative to modernise and streamline the immigration process at one of the busiest airports in the region. Located in the heart of the kingdom, Suvarnabhumi Airport is a primary gateway for international travellers, and the new system is expected to handle a higher volume of passengers more efficiently.

The long-term plan includes expanding the automatic passport control channels to the arrival area, once the initial phase proves successful. The use of biometric data aims to enhance security and speed up the immigration process, ensuring that both Thai citizens and international visitors can pass through the airport with minimal delay.