Phuket —
On December 19th, 2024, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanumas Bunyalak, the Acting Chief of Immigration Bureau, inspected Phuket International Airport to evaluate its readiness for the influx of tourists expected during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
With Phuket as a key southern tourist hub, the government’s visa-free policy for 93 countries has driven a significant increase in arrivals, boosting Thailand’s tourism economy.
Phuket now ranks third in tourist traffic after Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, with a high-season daily average of 23,000 arrivals projected between October and March.
Previously, Thai immigration police inspected Suvarnabhumi Airport to ensure readiness for the expected surge in foreign tourists during the New Year holiday season.
November 2024 saw Russian nationals leading the pack with 4,100 daily arrivals, followed by Chinese at 1,800 and Indians at 1,790. During the holidays, the airport expects around 60,000 daily passengers, split between 40,000 international and 20,000 domestic travelers—110% of pre-COVID levels.
To accommodate the surge, immigration has implemented streamlined entry processes, including reducing document scans, eliminating signature requirements on entry stamps, and optimizing passenger queues.
Security has also been intensified, with targeted screenings for travelers from flagged countries to prevent criminal infiltration, while ensuring minimal disruption to passengers. These measures aim to enhance convenience and safety, building trust among holiday visitors.
