Thailand Eases Tourist Entry With Auto Gates, Excluding Israelis

Thailand is implementing significant measures to alleviate congestion at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, which handles approximately 70,000 passengers daily, particularly during peak afternoon hours. The Thai government announced a plan to expand the use of automated passport control gates to include citizens from 31 additional countries, on top of Hong Kong and Singapore.

This expansion, set to be finalized in August, will allow an estimated 53% of incoming tourists to utilize the auto gates, benefiting around 6.5 million short-stay visitors and 900,000 long-stay visa holders annually. The selection of eligible countries was based on security considerations, refusal rates, and the Henley Passport Index, where Israel ranks 18th. Notably, Israel is not included in this list, a decision that raises questions given its passport's standing. The article suggests negative media portrayals of Israelis in Thailand might be a contributing factor, referencing a recent incident where a visa was revoked for an Israeli in connection with a zoo affair.

The implementation will be gradual, prioritizing travelers already registered in the system. First-time visitors may need to undergo an initial biometric data registration. The initiative aims to streamline the entry process for millions of additional visitors.

Beyond the auto gates, Thailand plans further improvements, including directing passengers to less crowded areas, optimizing service counter operations based on flight schedules, expanding waiting areas, enhancing transit zones, and upgrading airport facilities.

While Israeli passport holders can currently enter Thailand for tourism for up to 30 days without a visa, they are required to complete a digital entry form (TDAC) beforehand. The government has warned travelers about unofficial websites that may charge fees or pose fraud risks, emphasizing that the official registration process is free.