Suvarnabhumi to open Auto Gates to 31 more nationalities

Suvarnabhumi Airport is set to expand its automated passport control, or Auto Gate, system to accommodate travelers from an additional 31 nationalities by the end of August, as part of efforts to alleviate congestion at Thailand's primary international gateway. The government, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun, along with officials from the Tourism and Sports and Transport ministries, inspected the airport to discuss measures aimed at improving the arrival experience and addressing overcrowding.

The airport currently handles approximately 190,000 passengers daily during peak travel season, and between 140,000-150,000 during the off-peak period. Out of these, about 70,000 passengers arrive daily from international flights. The busiest period at immigration occurs between 13:00 and 17:00, with a potential influx of 5,000-6,000 passengers per hour, straining immigration counters, staff, and available space.

To address the immediate issue, Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Immigration Bureau plan to optimize the use of all three immigration zones by strategically directing passengers to less crowded areas, opening a central hall to assist with crowd management, and deploying additional officers during peak flight hours. The Immigration Bureau has approved the expansion of Auto Gate eligibility to these 31 additional nationalities, pending final signatures, with the measure expected to take effect by the end of August.

The selection of these nationalities is based on immigration rejection statistics, the Henley Passport Index, and national security considerations. The expansion is anticipated to include around 6.5 million potential Auto Gate users, in addition to 900,000 long-term visa holders. Upon full system capacity, officials expect 53% of arriving passengers to utilize Auto Gates, with the remaining 47% proceeding through traditional immigration channels.

The rollout will be carried out in phases, contingent upon system readiness and the availability of biometric data.

Travelers who previously visited Thailand and possess biometric information in the system will be among the first to benefit from the Auto Gates, while first-time visitors will still be required to submit their biometric data. The government's decision to expand the Auto Gate system is part of a broader initiative to bolster Thailand's tourism infrastructure, considering the arrival experience as the initial link in a comprehensive tourism chain encompassing airlines, transportation, accommodations, dining establishments, retail outlets, and other related services.