With the New Year set to start tomorrow, the peak travel season remains in full speed, with this year being similar to pre-pandemic times. In the very first 11 months of 2023, Thailand invited 24.5 million visitors, with Bangkok ranking as the most gone to city in the world (Pattaya and Phuket completed the leading 20 list). That pattern is continuing as winter grips lots of parts of the world and individuals jet off to the kingdom to take pleasure in the last days of the year or begin the brand-new one with a much-needed vacation.
Generally, the very first entry point, and impression of Thailand for the majority of travelers is Suvarnabhumi Airport. Sadly, upon arrival last Monday in between 12am and 2am, travelers were provided an undesirable surprise as they were welcomed with long lines and prolonged waits at passport control.
Viral images and videos on social networks revealed the line at migration spilling out into the arrival hall, a headache sight for lots of tourists after a long flight. Authorities stated the line was the outcome of flight hold-ups that triggered arrivals to swell by more than a 3rd of numbers typically anticipated at that time, however firmly insisted the matter was handled promptly by increasing the variety of officers.
It does appear to have actually been a one-off occurrence without any more reports of blockage however, as a preventive step, authorities have actually currently started recommending leaving travelers to show up early due to possible crowds. Sadly, it’s not the very first time we have actually become aware of mayhem at Suvarnabhumi. Such reports surface area regularly, specifically throughout peak travel times, however it appears couple of lessons have actually been found out and inadequate has actually been done to avoid repeats.
On a typical day, Suvarnabhumi serves 120,000 individuals, however this high season, authorities are anticipating 150,000 travelers daily, due in part due to brand-new visa-free policies for travelers from nations like China and India to increase tourist.
However a comparable issue was reported in 2015, too, when these policies were not in impact. In January this year, a rise in travelers likewise triggered hold-ups at passport control, with previous transportation minister Saksayam Chidchob coming out to state that the Airports of Thailand (AOT) had actually been advised to include 60 migration counters to increase the handling capability to 3,000 individuals per hour.
It appears very little has actually altered in the arrival hall, however. However some development has actually been produced travelers leaving the nation as Suvarnabhumi now has an automated channel for foreign passport holders. Nevertheless, this hasn’t helped in reducing lines at departure and there is issue over the absence of an exit stamp for travelers utilizing this channel.
Poor service might not discourage travelers who might see lines at airports as the rate of taking a trip, however it does hurt the nation’s image. In the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards, Suvarnabhumi ranked an abysmal 68th out of 100, a limited enhancement from in 2015. However compared to its ranking of 10th in 2010, it is clear authorities require to concentrate on service once again.
Besides waiting on brand-new counters and increased workforce to fix the concern, Suvarnabhumi requires to purchase innovation to make arrivals effective, as has actually currently been achieved by the setup of automated gates at departure. Innovation such as e-gates, self-service kiosks, and biometric confirmation can assist broaden managing capability beyond the minimum requirement to accommodate unexpected scenarios.
For instance, not all immigrants heading to migration control are travelers. Some might hold a long-lasting visa such as a work authorization, retirement or education visa, or the Thailand Elite card. A self-service kiosk that serves these travelers might relieve a few of the traffic and assistance migration officers procedure real travelers quicker.
Another alternative is to enhance interaction in between airline companies and airport personnel, specifically throughout peak travel times. There is no factor to be captured off guard by the unavoidable rise of travelers following an earlier hold-up. Had actually Suvarnabhumi collaborated much better, the airport would have had time to prepare and increase workforce at migration instead of effort to determine what was going on in the middle of the mayhem.
Eventually, a minor hold-up at the airport will likely be forgotten by travelers once they settle into their vacation.
However if Suvarnabhumi and Thailand wishes to attain elite status in regards to a smooth travel experience, small occurrences such as airport blockage do not operate in its favour. We do not need to look far to Singapore’s Changi Airport to see a system that can adjust to any circumstance.
