Airport to Get Automatic Passport Check System

[bapak]

English language Thailand paper reporting....

Suvarnabhumi Airport has invested more than 76 million baht on an automatic passport inspection system to address the problem of overcrowding at the immigration checkpoints.

Deputy director of the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Wilaiwan Nadwilai, reported that to address the problem of overcrowding and lines at immigration checkpoints, more than 76 million baht have been invested for the installation of an automatic passport inspection system.

Eight machines will be installed at the arrival section and another eight at the departure section.

Passengers will be able to check themselves in and out without the need for immigration officials.

This will reduce the immigration processing time from 45 seconds per person to 25 seconds.

The airport expects the system to go online at the end of the year.

[dtaai-maai]

Passengers will be able to check themselves in and out without the need for immigration officials.

Hmm, I wonder if this will catch on?

D-M to D-M on arrival:
"How long would you like to stay in Thailand?"
"10 years"
"Can you support yourself?"
"Yes"
"Thank you, sir, enjoy your stay."

[kalbow]

Would this be for non-Thais or just for Thais I wonder? It would have to be for the non-Thais to improve any over-crowding.

We have these in Singapore but only Singaporean citizens or Permanent Residents (I'm a PR) can use it - you need a biometric (is that the right word) page in your passport - the thick plastic page with a chip in it - and slide this page over a scanner. One set of gates open up, then you need to place your thumb-print on a scanner for a second set of gates to open up. Certainly gets you through the long queues.

As an aside, my Mrs Kalbow went from being constantly questioned by immigration officialdom each time she came to visit me in Singapore to (once we were married) being able to use these auto-immigration gates on her Thai passport.

kalbow

[migrant]

If these are what I remember reading about I saw an article where a person could carry around an improvised scanner in a busy airport and collect all types of personal data.

The article recommended carrying it in a sleeve, or pouch, with a thin protective barrier that the scanner can't read through. Then it can be removed for customs.

[PeteC]

I can't see how it could possibly be for non-Thais given the multitude of different visas people arrive with, and no visas at all. The benefit for foreigners may be that more immigration desks will be freed up because of the Thais going through the automated lines. Pete

[pharvey]

I can't see how it could possibly be for non-Thais given the multitude of different visas people arrive with, and no visas at all. The benefit for foreigners may be that more immigration desks will be freed up because of the Thais going through the automated lines. Pete

Tend to agree - certainly the ones I have used traveling into Europe can only be used by EU Nationals and as kalbow says, you need a biometric passport. Certainly if entry visas are required they must be inspected by immigration IMHO.

T5 at Heathrow also have Iris Scanners which get you through passport control quicker still - I presume due to the fact that you obviously need to be registered. Not sure however on the future of these scanners - UK airport authorities at least seem to be leaning back more to the biometric scanners in the short to medium term.

[littlebird]

"The airport expects the system to go online at the end of the year"

But do they actually specify the end of which year ?

[Rob W]

Probably the same as the one here in Singapore, you have to apply for incluesion in the scheme and I think its only open to Singaporians and Permanent residents. then when accepted you just scan your passport and use a thumb print and your through.
At least that what it looks like when your watching people coast through and your standing in a huge queue.
Rob

[pharvey]

One thing they have in Hong Kong for non-residents/non-permit holders, is a ''Frequent Visitor Channel''. You need to visit HK 3 or 4+ times within 12 months, and you then apply for the Frequent Visitor Card. Works very well IMHO, and has saved me many hours of queuing since I've been using this.

Surely not too difficult to set-up in Bangkok

[kalbow]

Probably the same as the one here in Singapore, you have to apply for incluesion in the scheme and I think its only open to Singaporians and Permanent residents. then when accepted you just scan your passport and use a thumb print and your through.
At least that what it looks like when your watching people coast through and your standing in a huge queue.
Rob

See my post above Mr Rob You living in Singapore? I've been here (Singapore) for over 10 years - about time to move on I think!

Kalbow

[Rob W]

Probably the same as the one here in Singapore, you have to apply for incluesion in the scheme and I think its only open to Singaporians and Permanent residents. then when accepted you just scan your passport and use a thumb print and your through.
At least that what it looks like when your watching people coast through and your standing in a huge queue.
Rob

See my post above Mr Rob You living in Singapore? I've been here (Singapore) for over 10 years - about time to move on I think!

Kalbow

oops missed it , yes been here 4 and a bit years first on EP then PEP.
Im still happy here