Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has prepared a number of measures to facilitate the surge of passengers during the upcoming New Year holiday.
According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Police Division 2, the number of international flights is likely to rise during the New Year holiday, partly because of the Government’s tourism promotion. At Suvarnabhumi airport alone, the number is expected to reach over 150,000 passengers per day, compared with the normal rate of 120,000 passengers.
The Immigration Police Division 2, which is in charge of Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai airports, will apply measures for the holiday rush. Some important measures include deploying more immigration officers at international airports. Passengers with small children, elderly people, and disabled people will be led to the priority lane. Thai passengers will not be required to scan their fingers, as their data is available in the system.
In addition, the Immigration Bureau has improved the Immigration Automatic Channel for foreigners holding e-passports who are leaving Thailand at the international departure area in Suvarnabhumi airport. Foreigners are allowed to use the system from 15 December. The machines will help speed up the process of departure, allowing approximately 6,000 passengers to depart the airport per hour, compared with 4,100 passengers previously. (PRD)
