AOT to launch computerised passenger-screening system at end of this year

Each passenger departing for a foreign destination from an AOT airport will be charged Bt35 for the new computerised passenger-screening system. The charge will be automatically included in airfare prices.

AOT’s international airports are in Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket.

"This is one of the security measures the International Civil Aviation Organisation has asked AOT to improve in order to meet its security and safety standards," said AOT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn.

AOT’s board of directors approved its implementation yesterday.

He said the ICAO was scheduled to return to Thailand and inspect the passenger pre-screening system as well as airport operations early next year.

AOT has given a concession to an outside company to invest in and operate the system.

Of the Bt35 charge, AOT will get Bt2-Bt3 per passenger.

Ittirit Kinglake, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the tourism sector should bounce back in the final quarter of this year.

The TCT has raised its arrival forecast for this year to 30 million from its original projection of 28.8 million. Total tourism income (from the domestic and international markets) is now expected to reach Bt2.3 trillion, up from the earlier forecast of Bt2.2 trillion.

The Foreign Ministry yesterday announced that it would introduce a new multiple-entry visa for tourists in November. The aim is to encourage more visitors to travel into Thailand.

The government hopes that multiple-entry visa will also help draw more tourists from other Southeast Asian countries after the implementation of the Asean Economic Community.

The multiple-entry visa will cost Bt5,000, covering a six-month period for up to 60 days per entry.