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]

#Bangkok - Immigration and Police Conduct Nightlife Security Sweep in Nana Area

 

On the night of November 9, 2023, Bangkok's Nana district saw a concerted effort by the Immigration Bureau Division 1 and the Lumpini Police Station to enhance security measures. 

The operation involved X-ray screenings and detailed inspections targeting areas frequented by tourists at night, with a focus on Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 3/1, reported Siam Rath.

This initiative, led by senior immigration and police officials, was designed to boost public confidence, ensure the safety of visitors, and preempt any disturbances, especially in light of potential international conflicts impacting Thailand.

Police Colonel Kajaphon Pathamang from Division 1 stated that the operation aligns with the policies set by the national police leadership, aiming to fortify the Immigration Bureau's role in safeguarding the country.

The strategy includes strict supervision and collaboration with other security entities to monitor vulnerable locations for any security threats and transnational criminal activities.

Following strategic discussions between the Immigration Bureau and the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the authorities have committed to maintaining these rigorous patrols.

The public is encouraged to assist by reporting any unusual or suspicious behavior to the emergency hotline 191 or the Immigration Bureau's hotline 1178, both available around the clock.

Source: ASIAN NOW

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#Thailand - Pha-Ngan Full Moon party still popular

More than 10,000 foreign tourists joined the popular Full Moon Party on Koh Pha-Ngan late Sunday night and the early hours of Monday under the watchful eye of security officials, the Pha-Ngan district chief said.

Pha-Ngan district chief Krirkkrai Songthani dispatched 120 troops, police and Interior Ministry officials to the designated area on the island’s Haad Rin Beach to maintain security during the party.

Krirkkrai said the beach was crowed with partygoers and he had deployed the officials to prevent crime and drug abuse.

Haad Rin has been famed for its Full Moon Party celebrations for decades but the parties had become notorious for drug and alcohol abuse. Tourists reportedly liked to eat “magic mushrooms”, a kind of fungus with hallucinatory effects, and regularly drank all night before passing out on the beach. Clinics and hospitals were often full of exhausted and hung-over tourists the following day.

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Tourists danced to the blaring music as security officers patrolled the beach.

Krirkkrai said the large turnout showed that foreign tourists had regained confidence and were returning to both Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao. He said officials have measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors and hoped they would return to visit the two islands.

Source - TheNation

 

#Thailand - Many thousands queue to secure a place to watch Royal Cremation ceremonies

Loyal subjects queued all night despite heavy rain in the hope of getting close to the Royal Procession route for the Royal Cremation Ceremony.

The difficulties of having to queue and sleep on the street side without any roof above their head did not deter the people’s will to find a viewing place for the Royal Cremation Ceremony.

They waited patiently at all nine screening points around Sanam Luang which opened to the public at 5am on Wednesday.

Thousands of people were seen queuing at the ninth check point at Pinklao Bridge alone around 4.30 am. The queue was over one kilometre long from under the bridge, down along Phra Arthit Road to Bang Lamphu Intersection. All were in black formal attire, many of them them were elderly women.

Ratchaneenart Sanguansapsiri, a 44-year-old woman from Nonthaburi, said she joined the queue to enter the Royal Cremation Ceremony area at the ninth screening point around 8pm on Tuesday, and she was very glad to be there.

“It was a long and rainy night, but finally we made it,” she said with a big smile early on Wednesday morning.

“We understand what we are going to get through, as we still have to wait inside the ceremony ground for day, yet we are determine to endure this hardship. All of us want to be a part [of this ceremony] to send our beloved King back to Heaven.”

 

It was reported that there were kilometres-long queues at the other screening points.

Along Phra Arthit Road, many nightclubs opened their doors for mourners to use the toilets free of charge. Some restaurants on this nightlife street also provided free snacks and coffee for the people at breakfast time.

Before passing through the screening point, people are required to show their identification cards and have their baggage checked by security officers. Officers are on standby to advise people how to get to the closet screening point.

Source - TheNation

#Thailand - River to be secure for cremation of King Rama IX.

The Marine Department on Monday announced its preparedness to provide security and direct water traffic during the royal cremation ceremonies for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from October 25-27.

A water security co-ordination centre will be set up to oversee the operation around the clock during the period. 

Some 180 officers on 10 patrol boats would provide security in the Chao Phraya River from Krung Thon Bridge (Sang Hee) to King Taksin Bridge (Sathon) from midday to 9pm on October 25, from 6am to 11pm on October 26, and from 8am to 2pm on October 27.

All types of boat, except those from the state agencies providing security, will be banned from the immediate area. 

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 Chao Phraya Express boats will dock at Thewet and Yod Piman piers, because the Phra Arthit, Tha Chang and Rachinee piers will be closed. 

The cross-river ferries that normally provide services from Tha Phra Chan Nua, Maharat and Tha Chang piers would use Pin Klao pier on the Phra Nakhon side, while those normally providing services from Tha Tian would be temporarily based at Rachinee pier. Tourist boats will be able to use the Pin Klao pier in the north and the Rachinee pier in the south.

The Thai Boats Association’s boat rides for people heading to Sanam Luang to attend the royal cremation ceremonies will be available from Nonthaburi pier to Pin Klao pier and from Sathon pier to the Yod Piman pier.

Source - TheNation

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