Bangkok: Preparations are underway to expand Auto Gate to include 31 more nationalities, with rollout expected to begin by the end of August. The government is accelerating efforts to improve the traveler experience at Suvarnabhumi Airport, preparing to expand the Auto Gate network to include 31 nationalities. This is expected to begin by the end of August. The government has also ordered urgent solutions to congestion and reminded TDAC (Tourism Authority of Thailand) users that their forms must be completed free of charge through official channels.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthamphan, along with Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, Deputy Ministers of Transport Siriphong Angkasakulkiat and Phatarapong Phatprasit, and other relevant agencies, visited Suvarnabhumi Airport to hold a meeting to discuss integrated cooperation in enhancing the tourist experience and facilitating travel. The focus was on addressing congestion during peak hours, improving immigration procedures, and creating a positive first impression for travelers upon their arrival in Thailand.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the government views travel and tourism as interconnected with the overall economy because one traveler generates revenue not only for the tourism sector but also links airlines, airports, transportation, hotels, restaurants, retail, and various other services. Therefore, the entire experience, from arrival at the airport, through immigration procedures, to departure, is a chain that all relevant agencies work together to manage.
Data from Suvarnabhumi Airport indicates that during peak season, the airport handles an average of approximately 190,000 passengers per day, while during the off-season, it averages around 140,000-150,000 passengers per day. International arrivals alone account for approximately 70,000 passengers daily. During peak hours, around 13:00-17:00, the number of passengers entering the immigration area can reach 5,000-6,000 per hour. Therefore, managing staff, inspection lanes, and space to accommodate the passenger volume at different times is essential.
As urgent measures, Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Immigration Bureau will improve the efficiency of using the three immigration zones by managing the opening and distributing passengers to less crowded areas, as well as utilizing the central hall to increase passenger processing capacity. Staffing will also be adjusted to match peak flight and passenger periods.
Another important measure is the expansion of the use of automated passport control gates, or Auto Gates. The Immigration Bureau has approved in principle to add 31 more nationalities to the list of those currently eligible, and the process is currently in the signing phase. It is expected to be implemented by the end of August 2026.
The consideration of nationalities to be granted access to the Auto Gate system relies on several factors, including immigration denial statistics, the Henley Passport Index, as well as legal and security considerations. Once implemented, it is expected to increase the number of passengers potentially able to use the Auto Gate by approximately 6.5 million, including around 900,000 long-term visa holders.
If the system can operate at full capacity, it is expected that approximately 53 percent of arriving passengers will be able to pass through the Auto Gate, while the remaining 47 percent will still undergo manual inspection by officers. The rollout will be phased in, based on the readiness of equipment, security systems, and biometric data. Those who have previously traveled to Thailand and have information in the system may be able to use the automated gates first, while first-time travelers will still need to undergo biometric data collection. "The goal is not just to shorten queues, but to make the experience from the moment tourists disembark the plane convenient, fast, and safe. Adding Auto Gates and managing immigration areas to suit peak passenger periods can be expedited. At the same time, strict security standards and checks for individuals requiring special screening must continue to be implemented," Ms. Lalida said.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister added that the meeting also focused on the issue of filling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), after it was found that some tourists searching for ways to fill out the information using search engines were directed to unofficial websites. Some of these websites charge fees, and in some cases, they may create misunderstandings or pose a risk of fraud. Therefore, efforts will be accelerated to publicize the official channels and correct QR codes, and airlines will be coordinated to inform passengers before departure. It was emphasized that submitting the TDAC through the official system is free of charge, so travelers should verify the correct channel before filling out any information or making any payments.
In addition, the meeting discussed expanding waiting areas and facilities for passengers arriving at the airport in advance, allocating spaces for connecting passengers, and long-term development plans to accommodate the growth in passenger numbers and aviation-related economic activity.
Ms. Supajee emphasized that issues that can be resolved immediately will be expedited by coordinating with relevant agencies. Meanwhile, problems related to law, infrastructure, or long-term investment will be discussed and a framework for action will be established at the government level. The main goal is for all agencies to work together from the beginning to the end of the process, so that Suvarnabhumi Airport becomes a gateway to the country that creates a positive impression, facilitates travel, and supports the long-term competitiveness of Thai tourism.