Illustrative photo (Photo: nationthailand.com)Bangkok (VNA) – The Airports of Thailand (AOT)expects that foreign arrivals will increase sharply during the comingLunar New Year holidays.
Early this week, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisinmade a surprise visit to Suvarnabhumi airport and instructed officials to speedup immigration and baggage claim procedures for travellers.
AOT Director Kirati Kijmanawat said on February 6 thatthe number of passengers flying into Thailand is expected to jump by 206%,compared to the same period last year, as the country has now fully reopened toforeign visitors.
He said the government's visa-free policy for tourists fromcountries has given the industry a much-needed boost.
Thailandis applying visa exemption for visitors from Kazakhstan and China for 30-day stayuntil February 29. Russian passport holders can stay in Thailand for 90days until April 30, while Indian and Taiwanese tourists can also enjoy a30-day stay until May 10.
Recently, Thailand and China signed an agreement on areciprocal visa-free scheme that will take effect from March 1. Under theagreement, holders of valid, ordinary Thai passports and Chinese holders ofpassports for public affairs and ordinary passports will be exempt from visarequirements for entering, exiting or transiting the other country for up to 30days.
Kirati also said that self-check-in kiosks had beeninstalled at AOT's six international airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang,Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai – so that passengers can check in upto six hours in advance.
The Suvarnabhumi airport has 210 self-check-in kiosks while 50 areavailable at Don Mueang, Kirati said, adding passengers can save time and avoid longqueues as the service only takes a few minutes.
According to the official, about 17% of passengers use theself-check-in system, and AOT plans to increase the number to 50%./.
