Thailand extends automated passport control access to 33 countries

Thailand has expanded access to automated passport control to travellers from 33 countries and territories, with the service set to be extended to Phuket and Don Mueang airports.

Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nopasilp Poonsawat said the expansion covers holders of visa-exempt passports and electronic visas under an Immigration Bureau order issued on 24 August. Automated passport control is currently available at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The eligible countries and territories include South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and 24 European countries, including Britain, France, Germany and Italy.

Passengers eligible to use the system are notified by email after registering for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), Poonsawat said.

Since its soft launch on 18 September, average daily use has increased from 744 to 2,125 passengers. A total of 94,760 foreign travellers used the service between 18 September and 31 October, according to Poonsawat.

Singaporeans made up the largest user group, with 21,684 passengers, followed by travellers from Hong Kong with 14,259, South Korea with 9,615, Japan with 9,538 and Malaysia with 6,943.