Thailand's Immigration Launches Automated Passport Control

 Thailand’s Immigration Bureau responds to Prime Minister Setha Thavisin’s directive with the launch of an automated passport control system at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Learn how this initiative aims to enhance tourism convenience and expedite the departure process for outbound passengers.

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is set to usher in a new era of convenience for travelers, with the Immigration Bureau unveiling plans for an automated passport control system. In response to Prime Minister Setha Thavisin‘s policy directive, this forward-looking initiative is poised to streamline departure processes, reduce congestion at departure gates, and enhance the overall experience for both inbound and outbound passengers.

On November 14th, Police Lieutenant General Chengron Rimphadee, head of Immigration Bureau 2, provided insights into the development progress of the Automated Channel at Suvarnabhumi Airport, as reported by Daily News. The strategic goal is to ensure smoother outbound passenger checks, optimizing the use of technology to expedite the departure process.

The primary objective of this endeavor is to significantly reduce waiting times at immigration counters while maintaining robust security measures. By automating outbound passenger checks, immigration staff will be able to reallocate their focus to inbound checks, further bolstering national security.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Setha Thavisin, the Immigration Office has been entrusted with enhancing the existing system and introducing the Automated Channel at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This pivotal system upgrade is designed to benefit not only Thai passport holders but also foreign travelers, aligning with the government’s commitment to improving tourism convenience.

One of the notable highlights of this initiative is the accessibility of the Automated Channel to foreign nationals, marking a significant shift in convenience and efficiency. To meet the ambitious December 15th deadline, the Immigration Bureau is diligently working on system upgrades and procedural adjustments in preparation for the upcoming New Year festivities.

Lieutenant General Chengron Rimphadee emphasized that the expansion of the Automated Channel for foreign nationals will effectively double the airport’s capacity to handle outbound passengers. The anticipated capacity increase, from 5,000 to approximately 12,000 passengers per hour, is a testament to the transformative power of automation in the travel industry.

As part of the ongoing developments, the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) is set to procure new Automated Channel systems. These state-of-the-art systems will replace the aging 12-year-old machines at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports. At Suvarnabhumi, the installation will feature 40 new machines for international departures, a significant upgrade from the current 16. Furthermore, Don Mueang Airport will also witness replacements for both inbound and outbound channels, promising modernity, accuracy, and efficiency.

Lieutenant General Chengron Rimphadee concluded by underscoring the importance of manual checks for international arrivals, ensuring robust national security measures. The planned installation of additional Automated Channel machines for departures will not only expedite the process but also allow for increased staffing at inbound passport control, catering to the surges in passenger traffic during peak travel periods.

The introduction of automated passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport is a significant milestone in Thailand’s commitment to providing a seamless and secure travel experience. As the December 15th deadline approaches, travelers can look forward to quicker and more efficient departures, making Thailand an even more attractive destination for visitors from around the world. [Asean Now]

Thailand set to introduce “Double Tourist Visa”

A leading government figure has said that #Thailand is about to introduce a “Double Entry Tourism Visa”.

This will enable a visitor to go in and out of Thailand to neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia then return to Thailand to complete their holidays, Thai news site Post Today reported.

One media outlet even mentioned that a “multiple entry” visa was being considered.

Kobsak Pootrakul, deputy secretary general to the prime minister, told a conference that Thailand was considering a number of stimulus measures to help the tourism industry.

He said that the target was to get 42 million people visiting the kingdom next year.

Apparently 20 million did so in the first half of this year according to Kobsak.

The double entry visa would have a time limit though exactly how long this might be has not yet been announced.

Kobsak also mentioned the possibility of applying online.

Changes to the visa arrangements appear to be in the latter stages of discussion though no timeframe for their implementation has been announced as yet.

But there is one relative certainty – the border checkpoints for tourists at both Nong Khai and Sadao (the posts between Thailand and Laos and Thailand and Malaysia respectively) will be open 24 hours for a three month trial.

Kobsak said this would happen either at the end of this year or the beginning of next. Following the trial the numbers would be crunched to see if it is worth continuing.

In addition the number of VAT refund spots is being increased from the current five, he said along with plans to create walking streets at several popular tourist spots.

The Deputy Secretary General’s comments come just a day after reports that room occupancy and tourism was 20% down in Pattaya.

Source - BangkokJack

#Thailand to require foreign tourists to buy health insurance

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BANGKOK,  (UPI) -- Lawmakers in Thailand say they want all foreign tourists to be required to purchase travel and health insurance before arriving in their country.

Thailand's Public Health Ministry Wednesday proposed the measure during a meeting with representatives from the Airports of Thailand, Royal Thai Police and other government ministries, the Bangkok Post reported.

The health ministry has suggested the cost of health insurance coverage might be included in visa fees, Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong said at the meeting. Those visiting Thailand without visas would be required to buy insurance at immigration checkpoints or the fees could be added to the cost of airline tickets.

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Thailand - Metropolitan police chief tells foreigners to carry passports at all times

BANGKOK:-- Police have called on foreigners to carry their passports with them at all times in order to help officers crackdown on transnational crime.

On Friday evening, officers from Lumpini and Thonglor police raided entertainment venues and set up two police checkpoints in order to ensure that foreigners were carrying either their original passport or a photocopy with them.

The operation led by Pol. Lt. Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, Metropolitan Police Commander, saw raids on 15 entertainment venues.

Pol. Lt. Gen Sanit also revealed that passport control checkpoints were set up outside the Grace Hotel, Soi Nana and the Asoke Montri intersection.

The police commander, told reporters that the operation had been to focus on foreigners who may be involved in crime.

He added that following the raids and passport checks, everything went smoothly and no one was found to be breaking the rules.

“The reason I decided to do the mission tonight is because many entertainment venues which attract foreign tourists are located in these areas. And since many foreigners visit these areas I’m afraid some of them might have ill-intentions to be involved in dark business, or even crimes, especially trans-national crime.

“This operation also helps to boost confidence between tourists and the security forces”, he added.

“I also want to ask for cooperation from all tourists to carry their passports or a photocopy every time when they go out.”