Tourists departing from Phuket International Airport have complained of excessively long queues at immigration, with unverified claims circulating that some travellers paid 200 baht to access a faster “special lane”. The issue, reported on 28 March 2026, has sparked widespread criticism online and raised concerns about airport management during peak travel periods. Some passengers reportedly came close to missing their flights due to delays. Get today's headlines by email Images shared by the Facebook page “Phuket Info Center” showed large crowds lining up at outbound immigration counters. The post questioned whether a paid fast-track system was being informally offered, though no official confirmation has been provided. Authorities have yet to verify the allegations, and the matter remains under investigation. The situation occurred over a busy weekend, when high passenger volumes strained airport operations. Reports indicate that not all immigration counters were open, contributing to slow processing times. In some cases, airline ground staff intervened to escort passengers directly from queues to boarding gates to prevent missed departures. Observers and social media users have suggested that the issue may not be new, with some claiming similar problems have persisted for years. Concerns have also been raised about the potential damage to Phuket’s tourism reputation if such bottlenecks and alleged practices continue unchecked. Critics have questioned operational efficiency and the adequacy of staffing during peak travel periods. Amarin reported that the issue has now reached political attention, with local MP Chalermpong Saengdee, known as “Sam”, reportedly preparing to investigate the matter. Complaints have been submitted for discussion in the House of Representatives and the parliamentary tourism committee. The aim is to establish the facts and identify solutions to prevent future disruption. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 29 Mar 2026
View full article
