Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang airports boost screening of S’porean, Japanese passengers to same level as Chinese

By THE NATION

 

Don Mueang Airport's passenger screening staff (File Photo)

 

Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports have increased the intensity level of screening for passengers from Japan and Singapore, putting them on the same level as those from China after the number of Covid-19 coronavirus infections in those two countries have been on the increase, Suvarnabhumi Airport general manager Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat said today (February 18).

 

“Inbound passengers from Japan and Singapore will have to undergo the same screening procedures as those from China,” he said. “Incoming planes from these three countries will stop at separated bays at the FEC building, while passengers will have to go through two thermal scanners – at the FEC gates and immigration checkpoint.”

 

Suthirawat said passengers showing symptoms similar to those of the new coronavirus pneumonia such as fever and coughing will be quarantined at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute.

 

Meanwhile, Don Mueang Airport director Flying Officer Samphan Khutranont said the airport is following Suvarnabhumi Airport’s practice of increasing the screening level of passengers from countries that have a high number of Covid-19 infections.

 

“We have already prepared separated bays at Building No 6 for aircraft from China, Cambodia and Hong Kong,” he said. “And from now on planes from Japan and Singapore will have to stop only at these bays too.”

 

Samphan said the building can accommodate up to 50 flights per day.

 

“If more planes are to come through here, the airport will increase staff as well with thermo scanners to speed up the passenger screening process. This measure may result in a longer waiting time at checkpoints for all passengers, but it is necessary to keep the public safe,” he added.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30382325

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-02-18

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15 minutes ago, webfact said:

Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang airports boost screening of S’porean, Japanese passengers to same level as Chinese

Well most of them are around the same height, so it seems obvious.

We were in Impact Muang Thong for a fair, at the mainentrance there was no check at all and nobody weared a mouthmask.

 

We left the hall at the other side at a backdoor and there was a guy with a thermometer measuring the incoming guests.

 

Typical Thai...

Edited February 18, 20206 yr by Thian

3 minutes ago, Thian said:

We were in Impact Muang Thong for a fair, at the mainentrance there was no check at all and nobody weared a mouthmask.

 

We left the hall at the other side at a backdoor and there was a guy with a thermometer measuring the incoming guests.

 

Typical Thai...

every where... it is all about making the money, first...

3 hours ago, webfact said:

“Inbound passengers from Japan and Singapore will have to undergo the same screening procedures as those from China,” he said. “Incoming planes from these three countries will stop at separated bays at the FEC building,

 

At first, I had first understood that Thailand had finally understood the gravity of the virus by refusing planes from infected countries;
something that China and a lot of other countries have been doing for several days, even weeks.
but no, of course not, planes from infected countries always have the right to land and their passengers to come and walk on the soil of Thailand ...

From Germany "According to the researchers, “a symptom-based screening process was ineffective in detecting” the virus.".... This lackadaisical attitude of the Thais towards the virus may come back to bite soon. ????

I call BS on this. Just arrived yesterday from Taiwan and there was NO additional screening on arriving passengers at all. So what will they apply to the Japanese and Singaporeans?

On the other hand, upon arrival in Taiwan (first rate country btw), there were multiple levels of screening for all passengers. Perhaps this is why Taiwan has a much lower incidence of the virus that other countries in the region despite their close connections with China. 

The volume at BKK was down significantly compared to previous times - late afternoon arrival and the place felt like it was midnight. Finally a stress free Swampy experience!