Thailand expands automated immigration gates to 33 countries and territories
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has expanded access to automated passport control gates for arriving travellers from 33 countries and territories, with daily usage surging by 185.6% following the introduction of the new measures in September. Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said on Wednesday (4 November) that the expansion aims […] The post…
Bangkok, Thailand - The Immigration Bureau has recently expanded automated passport control gates to 33 additional countries and territories, following a 185.6% increase in usage since the system's introduction in September 2026. Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, stated that the expansion aims to reduce waiting times, alleviate airport congestion, and improve overall efficiency.
The Automated Border Control (ABC) system, established under Immigration Bureau Order No. 196/2026 on August 24, 2026, now covers travellers holding passports from 33 countries and territories, including visa-exempt countries and those eligible for electronic visas. The expanded service commenced on September 18, 2026, and includes nations from Asia (South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia), the Middle East (United Arab Emirates), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), the Americas (Canada), and Europe (17 countries).
To determine eligibility, travellers must register through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, which will inform them if they are entitled to use the automated immigration gates. Since the expansion, the daily usage has surged from 744 passengers to 2,125, a remarkable increase of 185.6%. Between September 18 and October 31, 2026, a total of 94,760 foreign travellers utilized the automated gates.
South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia topped the list of users, with 9,615, 21,684, 14,259, 9,538, and 6,943 travellers respectively. The Immigration Bureau, in collaboration with Airports of Thailand (AOT), has installed 39 automated gates for incoming passengers and 67 for outgoing passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Plans are underway to extend the service to Don Mueang and Phuket airports as well.
General Poolsawat emphasized that these measures will accommodate growing passenger numbers while reducing congestion and making immigration procedures faster and more convenient for international travelers.
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