Phuket Airport Immigration announced that the new Automated Border Channel (ABC) system will officially open at the airport’s international departure immigration area in a move aimed at improving convenience, speeding up passenger processing and increasing efficiency.
According to the announcement, the automated gates will be available to passengers holding electronic passports (E-passports), with Thai nationals able to use all available ABC channels.
To use the system, travellers must be at least 120 centimetres tall. Passengers are also required to remove face masks, glasses and hats before passing through the automated gates.
Immigration officials noted that pregnant passengers will not be permitted to use the ABC system, while luggage taller than 120cm may not be taken through the automated channels.
Passengers have also been advised to ensure their passports are in good condition and free from covers or sleeves before use. Only one passport may be placed on the passport reader at a time, and no other items should be placed on top of the document.
In addition, passports must have at least six months’ validity remaining, equivalent to 180 days, officials said.
The new system is expected to help reduce waiting times and improve passenger flow at Phuket’s increasingly busy international terminal.
Meanwhile, Phuket Airport Immigration has advised travellers that part of the international arrivals immigration area is currently undergoing renovation and improvement works in preparation for the installation and expansion of the ABC system.
The partial closure began this week and is scheduled to continue until July 9.
Officials said the upgrades are necessary to support the future operation of automated immigration processing facilities and asked passengers for patience during the construction period.
Phuket Airport Immigration apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked travellers for their understanding and cooperation.
The airport has not yet announced when automated immigration gates will be introduced for arriving international passengers.