AoT yet to set Phuket launch date for APPS

PHUKET: Airports of Thailand (AoT) has yet to confirm the exact Phuket launch date for the Advance Passenger Processing System (APPS), which will see all international passengers paying an additional 35 baht for background checks.

“Initially, the APPS was expected to be launched in December. However, AoT was informed that airlines had already sold many tickets in advance for that time period and we are unable to apply the system and fee to those passengers,” Monrudee Gettuphan, director of Phuket International Airport told the Phuket Gazette this week. “Therefore, AoT is still trying to figure out the exact launch date.”

The main objective of implementing APPS is to save passengers and government offices time, as well as to improve the country’s security.

“AoT will build the system into every check-in counter. During check-in, personal data from the passenger will be immediately sent to the Immigration Office and Customs,” Ms Monrudee said.

“This will be helpful for all parties. The offices can clearly check the potential security risk of each passenger beforehand and passengers will not have to wait in long lines at the checkpoint when they arrive,” Ms Monrudee added. “Everyone can save time and fly safer.”

According to Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) regulations, the airport is allowed to check and screen all passengers in advance for security purposes.

Additionally, AoT has the right to collect a fee not exceeding 50 baht per passenger per flight on these transactions.

“However, after meeting with the committee, we decided that the fee is not to be more than 35 baht per passenger per flight,” Ms Monrudee said. “The fee is not included in the ticket price, but will be added to the transaction during the time of booking.”

The APPS will be applied at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Mae Fa Luang in Chiang Rai (CEI), and Hat Yai (HDY) international airports and will check every passenger upon each departure and arrival.

— Kongleaphy Keam