Thailand Expands Automated Immigration Gates to 33 Countries
The Thai Immigration Bureau has increased the number of countries eligible for automated passport control, reporting a significant rise in usage.
According to a report by Khaosod English, the Thai Immigration Bureau has officially expanded access to its automated passport control gates to include travelers from 33 countries and territories. This initiative, which follows the implementation of new measures in September, is designed to streamline the entry process for international arrivals.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, confirmed on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, that the expansion has already yielded measurable results. Data indicates that daily usage of the automated gates has surged by 185.6% since the policy update.
For travelers and residents, this development suggests a potential reduction in wait times at major entry points, provided they hold passports from the newly included jurisdictions. While the increased efficiency is a positive step for tourism and travel logistics, specific details regarding the full list of eligible countries and any potential technical limitations remain to be confirmed by official government channels. Travelers are encouraged to check the latest updates from the Immigration Bureau before their arrival to ensure they qualify for the automated service.
