According to the Thai government, the Immigration Bureau has completed the process of adding 31 new nationalities to the automated passport control system, with the implementation now awaiting final signatures. The system, which has been approved by the Immigration Bureau, is expected to become operational by the end of August.
The government emphasized that several factors are taken into consideration when determining which nationalities can access the automated passport control system, including immigration refusal statistics, the Henley Passport Index, as well as legal and security considerations. Once implemented, the expansion is expected to increase the number of passengers eligible to use the automated system by approximately 6.5 million, including around 900,000 long-term visa holders.
The Goal Is More Than Just Shorter Queues
Lalida Periswiwatana, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand, said the initiative aims to improve the overall passenger experience.
“The goal is not only to shorten queues, but also to make the passenger experience comfortable, fast, and secure from the moment they leave the aircraft. Adding automated gates and managing immigration areas according to periods of high passenger traffic can help speed up the process. At the same time, security standards and thorough screening of individuals requiring special attention must continue,” she said.
