Thailand expands automatic passport control eligibility
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Suvarnabhumi Airport to add 16 more automated passport gates
Suvarnabhumi Airport will install 16 additional automated passport control gates, bringing the planned total to 122. The expansion speeds up immigration processing for electronic passport holders from over 90 countries for departures and 34 countries for arrivals. No installation date has been announced.
Suvarnabhumi Airport opens arrival e-gates to 33 nationalities
Suvarnabhumi Airport has expanded automated arrival e-gates to 33 nationalities, allowing eligible foreign travellers to bypass staffed passport counters. Travellers must enter under the visa-exemption scheme, have a prior Thai entry in their current passport, and complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. The US, China, India, Russia, Israel, and Taiwan are not included.
Thailand expands automatic passport control eligibility
Immigration Order No. 196/2569, published 9 September 2026, broadens eligibility for foreigners to use auto passport channels. Eligible categories now include residents, diplomatic visa holders, visa-exempt nationals, non-immigrant F visa holders, re-entry permit holders, special entry visa holders, and any foreigner approved by the Commissioner. The order replaces the previous 2023 rules and is effective from 24 August 2026.