SUVARNABHUMI — The Immigration Bureau is gearing up for an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals during the New Year period, with Suvarnabhumi Airport potentially handling up to 120,000 passengers daily. The bureau is also intensifying efforts to crack down on foreign criminals nationwide.
On December 9, Police Major General Panumas Boonyalak, Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, alongside Police Major General Choengron Rimphadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, conducted an inspection of immigration operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The inspection focused on examining checkpoint systems and identifying potential issues during peak passenger traffic periods.
According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Panumas, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration has prioritized tourism promotion as part of its ten urgent policies. Building on former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visa-free policy for 93 countries and territories, Thailand has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals since the post-COVID-19 period.
The country has welcomed 28 million foreign visitors since January 1, 2024, with the top five nationalities being Chinese (6.4 million), Indian (2 million), South Korean (1.7 million), Russian (1.4 million), and Japanese (1.1 million).
To address potential bottlenecks, the Immigration Bureau has implemented several streamlining measures, including:
- Automation of boarding pass scanning through the APPS system
- Elimination of manual flight writing and stamp signing requirements
- Removal of immigration stamps for foreign travelers using Auto Channel exits
- Enhanced Biometric screening systems with full backup contingencies
In a parallel development, Pol. Maj. Gen. Panumas has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign activities from December 11-17. The operation targets violations of immigration laws, foreign worker regulations, and other illegal activities, particularly focusing on criminal gang formations. Recently, this led to the arrest of a 40-year-old Myanmar national in Samut Sakhon province for illegal weapons possession and working without proper permits.
The Immigration Bureau emphasizes its commitment to maintaining international standards while ensuring a positive experience for foreign tourists, alongside strict enforcement against illegal activities.
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