Immigration Bureau Clarifies Passenger Congestion at Phuket Airport
Phuket — The Immigration Bureau Division 2 has issued an official statement addressing reports of overcrowding at Phuket International Airport’s immigration checkpoint, following viral posts on social media alleging…
The Immigration Bureau Division 2 has issued a statement clarifying the cause of passenger congestion at Phuket International Airport on March 28, following widespread social media claims of irregularities at the immigration checkpoint. Officials attributed the incident to a temporary system malfunction during peak hours, as 52 outbound flights with approximately 8,500 passengers passed through the airport between 8:55 a.m. and 1:40 p.m.
System Failure and Response Measures
The immigration information system experienced significant delays and disruptions during the morning rush, officials confirmed. The main immigration hall, designed for 600 passengers, was quickly overwhelmed, resulting in queues extending outside the designated area.
To address the backlog, officers implemented offline procedures under established Standard Operating Protocols. All available staff were deployed, and 18 counters were opened—the maximum possible, as some equipment was undergoing maintenance.
Rejection of Misconduct Claims and Future Upgrades
The bureau refuted social media rumors that passengers were asked to pay 200 baht for expedited service, stating no special lane fees were collected. Clearance times averaged no more than 33 minutes per passenger during the disruption, and normal operations resumed by 2:00 p.m. after the system was restored.
Officials encouraged the public to report any unlawful conduct directly to the bureau for investigation. Plans are underway to install Automated Border Control gates at Phuket Airport to enhance efficiency for both inbound and outbound travelers.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/30/immigration-bureau-clarifies-passenger-congestion-at-phuket-airport/
