Thailand opens automated arrival gates to travellers from 33 countries and territories
Average daily use rose by 185.6 per cent after eligibility widened in September, according to the Immigration Bureau.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau says 94,760 foreign travellers passed through automated arrival gates between 18 September and 31 October 2026, after access was widened to cover 33 countries and territories.
The expanded eligibility took effect on 18 September under Immigration Bureau Order No. 196/2026, dated 24 August 2026. Previously covering two countries and territories, the Automated Border Control system now admits qualifying passport holders travelling under visa exemptions or with electronic visas, subject to specified conditions.
Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat said on 4 November that the changes were intended to shorten queues and relieve pressure on checkpoints as international passenger numbers grow.
The bureau reported that daily usage averaged 2,125 passengers after the expansion, compared with 744 beforehand, an increase of 185.6 per cent. Singapore led usage, with the five largest groups recorded as:
- Singapore: 21,684 travellers
- Hong Kong: 14,259 travellers
- South Korea: 9,615 travellers
- Japan: 9,538 travellers
- Malaysia: 6,943 travellers
People registering through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system will be notified by email whether they qualify for the automated gates.
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the bureau and Airports of Thailand have installed 39 gates for arrivals and 67 for departures. Expansion of the service to Don Mueang and Phuket airports is also under way.
