Suvarhabhumi airport launces automated immigration gates

BANGKOK, Aug 22 (TNA) -- Singaporean visitors to Thailand can go through passport control process through the speedy automated gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The city-state is the first country to enjoy automated immigration in Thailand that allows its citizens to scan their passports to enter Thailand, a process of about one minute. Immigration Police chief, Pol Lt Gen Natthron Prohsunthon and Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Sirote Duangrat jointly opened the immigration lanes for foreigners on Monday. Pol Lt Gen Natthorn said passport holds of other countries such as Japan would be able to use the new immigration lanes as well. The same service would also be expanded to other international airports around the kingdom, he added. The automated passport control was first introduced at the airport in 2012, but it for Thai nationals only. About one million Singaporeans visit Thailand each year. (TNA)