Phuket airport to open automated outbound passport gates on June 13

Phuket International Airport will begin operating automated outbound passport gates on June 13 in an effort to reduce queues at immigration and speed up passenger processing.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan said on June 3 that the government had instructed relevant agencies to address congestion at the airport’s immigration checkpoint after social media complaints about long waits and claims of paid fast-track services.

According to Ploytalay, the new automated system is intended to speed up passport checks, cut waiting times and bring immigration services closer to international standards as passenger and tourist traffic through Phuket airport continues to grow.

She said immigration services at the airport operate under government procedures and standards and added that there is no policy to charge extra fees for special privileges at immigration checkpoints.

The announcement followed reports online alleging that passengers were being asked to pay extra for what was described as a fast-track service. Immigration police had previously denied those claims, saying delays were caused by a temporary slowdown in the immigration information system during an unusually busy period of flights. Police also said there was no special lane offered in exchange for 200 baht or any other fee.

On June 2, Phuket airport director Monchai Tanode and airport executives observed a test of the Automatic Border Channel system at the international departures passport control area.

The airport has assigned staff to work with immigration officers and assist passengers in using the new system. Travelers will need an eligible e-passport to use the automated gates.