Suvarnabhumi opens automated channel for Chinese

Suvarnabhumi opens automated channel for Chinese

Chinese passengers use the automated immigration channel launched at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan on Saturday. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
Chinese passengers use the automated immigration channel launched at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan on Saturday. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

Chinese visitors can now expect shorter waits at Suvarnabhumi airport with the launch of an automated immigration channel.

The service is now available for holders of Hong Kong and Chinese passports after Singaporeans have been using it since last year.

The project represents cooperation between Thai and Chinese authorities and is part of the Thailand 4.0 initiative, Pol Lt Gen Sutthipong Wongpin, chief of the Immigration Bureau, said at the launch on Saturday.

Around 800,000 Hong Kong travellers come to Thailand each year, he said.

The channel will help ease congestion since each machine takes just 20 seconds per passenger. It records passport barcodes, takes mugshots and proves identity by fingerprint.

It works with the airport's Advance Passenger Processing System (APPS) and starts checking as soon as a passenger checks in. 

Scanners at the automated immigration channel for Chinese travellers at Suvarnabhumi airport on Saturday. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)


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