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Phuket Airport Gets Automated Passport Gates from June 13
Phuket International Airport is introducing automated outbound passport gates on June 13, 2026, aiming to cut waiting times at international departures. The move comes after social media complaints about congestion at immigration checkpoints, and follows a government directive to relevant agencies to address the problem. The new system is for departing passengers only, and you will need an eligible e-passport to use it.
How the System Works
The new Automatic Border Channel gates are located in the international departures passport control area. They are designed specifically for outbound passengers, so arrivals will go through the usual process. Airport Director Monchai Tanode observed a test of the system on June 2, 2026, alongside airport executives, ahead of the official launch.
Staff will be on hand to help passengers get to grips with the new gates, so even if it is your first time using one, you should be able to get through without too much confusion.
Do You Need an E-Passport?
Yes. Only travelers holding an eligible e-passport can use the automated gates. If you are traveling on an older, non-electronic passport, you will need to use the standard immigration lanes as before.
What About Those Unofficial Fee Allegations?
Complaints on social media included claims that travelers were being asked to pay 200 baht for access to a faster lane at Phuket immigration. Immigration police denied that any such paid fast-track channel existed, saying that delays were caused by a temporary slowdown in the immigration information system during an unusually busy period.
The government has been clear on this point. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan stated that "there is no policy to charge extra fees for special privileges at immigration checkpoints." The automated gate rollout is partly a direct response to these concerns, bringing more capacity and transparency to the process.
What This Means if You Are Flying Out of Phuket
If you are heading home or continuing your travels through Phuket airport from June 13 onwards, the new automated gates should make the departure process quicker, particularly as passenger numbers through the airport continue to grow. Just make sure your e-passport is accessible when you reach immigration.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.