Phuket airport will introduce automated passport control gates on June 13 to ease congestion and improve processing efficiency during peak travel periods.
The system is part of measures to improve passenger flow at immigration checkpoints following online reports of overcrowding and claims of unofficial payments to enable faster clearance. Officials have ordered an investigation into the allegations while accelerating service improvements.
Deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said the automated passport control system for departing passengers would help reduce waiting times, streamline procedures and bring services in line with international standards.
The upgrade is intended to support rising tourist arrivals and a growing flight schedule at Phuket International Airport.
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) says its Phuket office has acknowledged passenger concerns and is working with immigration authorities to manage queues more effectively.
Measures already in place include improved passenger-flow management, additional frontline staff and better coordination of flight schedules during peak hours. AoT said all immigration services operate official government procedures and there is no policy of charging additional fees for preferential immigration clearance.
