Thailand’s Immigration Police Division 2 has introduced dedicated fast-track lanes at four major international airports—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai—to expedite entry for Chinese students travelling with family, ahead of the July‑to‑September school holiday period.

The programme, branded the “Happy Chinese Summer Channel”, is timed to coincide with China’s school vacations.

Immigration officials estimate the lanes will process around five thousand Chinese arrivals per day—out of approximately twenty thousand daily—from China during the peak season .

Under routine conditions, immigration clearance can exceed forty minutes during busy periods.

The fast-track service aims to slash that to an estimated fifteen minutes for eligible travellers .

The initiative complements existing priority services for seniors, children under twelve, passengers with disabilities, set out under current immigration policy .

Immigration Police Division 2 commander Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee noted that Thailand maintains its position as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists following Macau and Hong Kong, with strong demand expected over the summer holiday period .

Thailand recorded a fifty percent decrease in Chinese tourist arrivals compared to pre‑pandemic levels in 2019, though Chinese visitors still comprise approximately ten percent of all international arrivals .

Immigration officials have stressed that the fast‑track lanes require no special fees or additional documentation; travellers must present standard travel documents including passports and visas where applicable, and comply with digital arrival card requirements introduced in May 2025 .

The expanded services reflect Thailand’s efforts to enhance visitor experience and support a rebound in its tourism industry, with Chinese travellers representing a significant market share.

The fast-track lanes will operate throughout China’s summer holiday window and may be reassessed based on seasonal demand.