Suvarnabhumi Airport to Launch Automated Exit for International Travelers on December 15th
Although the airport has operated 16 automated channels since 2012, they previously served only Thai citizens. The new system, capable of processing passengers in 20 seconds via biometric verification, aims to alleviate congestion which has seen figures of over 50,000 travelers and 20 flights per hour.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon with extending the automatic system to international travelers to streamline the process. However, it's limited to passengers with ICAO-compliant E-Passports.
Individuals with standard passports, E-Passport discrepancies, and vulnerable groups, including children and the disabled, must still undergo manual checks by immigration staff. The system also flags individuals with criminal warrants or who have overstayed their visas.
Furthermore, on certain international flights, manual screening is still required for security purposes and specific destination regulations. Travelers can seek further information at the airport's immigration booths.