An automated X-ray scanner system will be installed at baggage conveyor belts in 11 international airports nationwide by 2019 to crack down on smuggling and tighten security, the Customs Department says.
Director-general Kulit Sombatsiri said the total investment is worth 1 billion baht and Suvarnabhumi airport will get the first system.
"We will gradually install the automated X-ray scanners at Don Mueang and other airports later," Mr Kulit said. "From 2019, every baggage arrival at Thai airports will be scanned thoroughly."
He said the high-resolution X-ray scanners can detect drugs, weapons, prohibited plants and smuggled goods, as well as the precursors of drugs and weapons of mass destruction.
If the X-ray scanner detects illegal objects in the baggage on the conveyor belt, that particular baggage will be tagged and the system will send a notice to the command room automatically.
Once the baggage owners show up, they will be questioned by officials for investigations later on.
Mr Kulit said the system is used in South Korea and other Asian countries.
"Those countries where they are using this system say the system is very efficient," he said.
The terms of reference for the X-ray scanner installation are expected to be settled in May, after which time the Customs Department will call for bids on supply and installation.
"The installation should begin within fiscal 2018, and the first scanner will be used by 2019," Mr Kulit said after yesterday's meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Bangkok.
He said the meeting included discussions about security -- especially how to protect borders from acts of terrorism -- as well as training and information-sharing by representatives of 20 Asia-Pacific member countries.
The WCO Security Programme was created by G7 member countries in the belief that customs officials should play a vital role in protecting national borders and countering terrorism and violent extremism.
The programme encourages members to adopt relevant technical assistance such as the WCO's Programme Global Shield, which aims to hinder terrorist organisations' ability to obtain improvised explosive devices by diverting chemicals and other parts used in the manufacture of IEDs.