Phuket International Airport will introduce automated outbound passport gates from June 13 in an effort to reduce long immigration queues and improve passenger processing times.
The move comes after widespread complaints on social media regarding congestion at immigration checkpoints, as well as allegations that certain travellers were paying for access to special fast-track lanes.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan said authorities had instructed relevant agencies to take immediate steps to address delays and improve efficiency at the airport.
According to her, the new Automatic Border Channel system is expected to speed up passport clearance, shorten waiting times and enhance immigration services as passenger traffic continues to rise at one of Thailand’s busiest tourist gateways.
“The system is designed to improve convenience for travellers while ensuring immigration procedures meet international standards,” she said.
The announcement follows growing public concern after social media users claimed passengers were being offered expedited immigration processing in exchange for additional payments.
However, Thai authorities have firmly denied the existence of any paid fast-track service at Phuket International Airport.
Ploytalay stressed that immigration operations are conducted according to official government procedures and regulations, and that there is no policy allowing passengers to pay extra for special privileges at immigration checkpoints.
Airport director Monchai Tanode and senior airport officials recently observed a trial run of the automated passport gate system at the international departures hall as part of preparations for the official rollout.
Airport staff have also been assigned to assist immigration officers and help passengers navigate the new technology during the initial implementation phase.
Travellers wishing to use the automated gates will be required to possess eligible electronic passports.
Previously, immigration police attributed recent delays to a temporary slowdown in the immigration information system during a period of unusually high flight volumes.
Authorities also rejected reports claiming a special immigration lane was being offered for 200 baht or any other fee, insisting no such service existed.
With international arrivals and departures continuing to increase, officials hope the new automated system will ease congestion, improve the travel experience and strengthen Phuket’s position as one of Thailand’s leading tourism destinations.
