Phuket International Airport has rejected claims circulating on social media that passengers can pay for faster access through immigration checkpoints. The airport confirmed that no additional fees are charged in exchange for special privileges at immigration control and said it is working with relevant authorities to improve passenger processing during busy periods.

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The clarification was issued on 31 May following online posts from foreign tourists alleging long queues at immigration checkpoints at Phuket Airport and suggesting that faster processing was available for a fee. Airport officials said they were aware of the concerns raised by passengers and the public and were treating all feedback seriously.

According to Phuket Airport, it has been working continuously with the Phuket Airport Immigration Checkpoint to improve efficiency, particularly during peak flight periods. Measures include preparations to introduce an automated passport control system, known as the Auto Channel or ABC system, to reduce waiting times for passengers.

The airport has also increased the presence of proactive support staff and passenger management personnel within the terminal to assist travellers and oversee queue management more closely. In addition, coordination with relevant agencies continues to ensure flight schedules and passenger flows are managed as effectively as possible.

Airport officials stressed that immigration services operate under procedures and standards set by the relevant government agencies. They stated that there is no policy allowing the collection of additional fees in return for preferential treatment during immigration processing.

However, the airport acknowledged that large passenger volumes at certain times may create confusion. It also noted the possibility that individuals outside official channels may have made misleading claims or representations to travellers. Phuket Airport said the matter is currently being investigated thoroughly in cooperation with the relevant authorities.

The airport said it understood the impact that long waiting times and travel disruptions can have on passengers’ experiences. It reiterated its commitment to improving services despite physical space limitations and increasing passenger numbers.

Daily News reported that Phuket Airport said it would continue developing measures to make travel through the airport more convenient, efficient and secure for both Thai and international passengers, while the ongoing fact-finding process examines the allegations raised online.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 1 June 2026

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"Who are you going to believe - me, or your lying eyes?" 😉

I have used it and hope i can again

Saves standing all day

Unfortunately this might have screwed it up for those that do use the unofficial fast track service...for a couple of weeks until it's back to business as usual.

“They stated that there is no policy allowing the collection of additional fees in return for preferential treatment during immigration processing.”

Of course there is no “policy”. These were officers practicing corruption.

“However, the airport acknowledged that large passenger volumes at certain times may create confusion.”

No “confusion” about it. Outbound the guy in uniform is in the immigration hall holding a sign saying Fast Track. Inbound you go to the Thai channel and say to the immigration officer there, “fast track” and he lets you in and you go to the office to pay and then go through the Thai channel.

I was having medical treatment in Singapore on a weekly basis in Feb/Mch and had to use it on most occasions. I have bladder cancer and simply couldn’t stand in the queue for more than an hour because I couldn’t hold my urine long enough.

I had to use the corruption to my advantage, but I wish they could cater for the number of passengers that they have in high season. They DO know the numbers of people in advance. It’s not like they all just turn up.

And while we are at it, Phuket international departure and immigration halls stink. These carpets have soaked up all the sweat and dirt and bodily fluids over a few high seasons now and the place is beyond tired.

Given the choice between believing people who have used the service and officials denying that it exists... well...

Wondering why there are queues... At arrival you fill in a TDAC form whicj creates a QR. But at the immigration, you still need your QR , a boardingpass ( I never had to show at any immigration in other countries), if applied your visa letter and passport... Why need extra things as the TDAC would be enough. Long queues and not all tourists, expats or long stayer are being treated the same, why not give them the priority lane.. disabled people, re entry people, or even first time longstayers with valid visa... But as always.. No we never ask for a fee, and if we did we deny it.. No smoke without fire

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

They stated that there is no policy allowing the collection of additional fees in return for preferential treatment during immigration processing.

Well, that statement definitely makes me believe they are acting with integrity and honesty...!!! All you cynic should be ashamed of yourselves! 😉

No smoke without fire.

Officially NO but Unofficially a big YES 🙂‍↕️

how do u know when a Thai govt official is lying? Easy, he always is !

When I arrived in Bangkok 2 weeks ago there were long lines in Fast Track and it appeared there were many people who did not belong there . I have not experienced this before

2 hours ago, biggles45 said:

how do u know when a Thai govt official is lying? Easy, he always is !

An even easier, and 100% proof that an official is lying.......their lips are moving.

Phuket International Airport has rejected claims circulating on social media that passengers can pay for faster access through immigration checkpoints.

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

7 hours ago, khunjeff said:

"Who are you going to believe - me, or your lying eyes?" 😉

As they say in Singapore about the Thais: Don't Thai to me

8 hours ago, pest said:

I have used it and hope i can again

Saves standing all day

How much did it cost you to get priority ?

8 hours ago, pest said:

I have used it and hope i can again

Saves standing all day

Yes i have used it - brilliant straight through exit and also on return including barging the Chinese masses aside to clear a path- hope it resumes

6 hours ago, Searat7 said:

When I arrived in Bangkok 2 weeks ago there were long lines in Fast Track and it appeared there were many people who did not belong there . I have not experienced this before

Yes - same - the usual suspects with relatives with fake disabilities, feeling faint, etc - reminded me of london Heathrow

If I can bypass the lines for a fee, show me where to sign up.

18 minutes ago, Jack Hammer said:

How much did it cost you to get priority ?

I paid 500 on the way out and 300 on the way in. I saw an immigration official agree a payment of 300 each for parents and a toddler for free. It’s not hidden. All done in the open.

Or, I guess now it’s not done given the ….confusion. But wait till high season when the lines lengthen again.

It was quite a few years ago but I used to be met by someone I know who worked for Thai airways in Bangkok.

I would be picked up as I got off the plane, she was accompanied by security guy in uniform, my hand luggage was taken for me and put in a trolley, I was escorted past all of the queues and my passport was stamped etc, then taken to the departure gate for my internal flight to Phuket and there I was left.

A nice tip was handed over to the security guard.

It does not happened any more as the person retired but it is not necessary these days as when my flight arrives at 15:30 in Bangkok there are never any long queues, maybe five people in front of me, processing takes five minutes.

But I bet the there are still paid-for-express-ways if you know the right people.

Edited June 1Jun 1 by JamesPhuket10

8 hours ago, Searat7 said:

When I arrived in Bangkok 2 weeks ago there were long lines in Fast Track and it appeared there were many people who did not belong there . I have not experienced this before

I use Fast Track . I’m over 65. You can book online for Suvarnabhumi fast track with buggy if wished and then the taxi to your destination. Taxi is not obligatory. Different price.

There was definitely an Unofficial one in Phuket. A uniformed man was pocketing 300 baht , it was all over FB Phuket .Some said it was 400 baht and he stood near the fast track sign. I mentioned that no way it was an Official Fast Track at that price, but travelers said they didn’t care.

2 hours ago, connda said:

If I can bypass the lines for a fee, show me where to sign up.

For Suvarnabhumi you can book online. Very good service.

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Long queues and not all tourists, expats or long stayer are being treated the same,

Got priority with my son 13 years ago, he is Thai citizen, he was 1 year at the time.

21 minutes ago, geisha said:

I use Fast Track . I’m over 65. You can book online for Suvarnabhumi fast track with buggy if wished and then the taxi to your destination. Taxi is not obligatory. Different price.

There was definitely an Unofficial one in Phuket. A uniformed man was pocketing 300 baht , it was all over FB Phuket .Some said it was 400 baht and he stood near the fast track sign. I mentioned that no way it was an Official Fast Track at that price, but travelers said they didn’t care.

What is the link to the website?

9 hours ago, AhFarangJa said:

An even easier, and 100% proof that an official is lying.......their lips are moving.

Hmm, I'll go with "he has a pulse"

22 hours ago, Searat7 said:

When I arrived in Bangkok 2 weeks ago there were long lines in Fast Track and it appeared there were many people who did not belong there . I have not experienced this before

I get Fast Track through my visa category, and that had never happened to me, either - there would never be more than two or three people in the queue.

Twice within the the last few months, though, the Fast Track zone has been filled with 30+ passengers who were clearly members of Chinese tour groups (the immigration officer at the entrance saw my visa and directed me to the empty air crew queue to avoid them). I won't speculate as to how they ended up there.

On 6/1/2026 at 8:08 AM, khunjeff said:

"Who are you going to believe - me, or your lying eyes?" 😉

On 6/1/2026 at 8:08 AM, khunjeff said:

"Who are you going to believe - me, or your lying eyes?" 😉

On 6/1/2026 at 3:47 AM, Georgealbert said:

Phuket International Airport has rejected claims circulating on social media that passengers can pay for faster access through immigration checkpoints. The airport confirmed that no additional fees are charged in exchange for special privileges at immigration control and said it is working with relevant authorities to improve passenger processing during busy periods.

Get today's headlines by email

The clarification was issued on 31 May following online posts from foreign tourists alleging long queues at immigration checkpoints at Phuket Airport and suggesting that faster processing was available for a fee. Airport officials said they were aware of the concerns raised by passengers and the public and were treating all feedback seriously.

According to Phuket Airport, it has been working continuously with the Phuket Airport Immigration Checkpoint to improve efficiency, particularly during peak flight periods. Measures include preparations to introduce an automated passport control system, known as the Auto Channel or ABC system, to reduce waiting times for passengers.

The airport has also increased the presence of proactive support staff and passenger management personnel within the terminal to assist travellers and oversee queue management more closely. In addition, coordination with relevant agencies continues to ensure flight schedules and passenger flows are managed as effectively as possible.

Airport officials stressed that immigration services operate under procedures and standards set by the relevant government agencies. They stated that there is no policy allowing the collection of additional fees in return for preferential treatment during immigration processing.

However, the airport acknowledged that large passenger volumes at certain times may create confusion. It also noted the possibility that individuals outside official channels may have made misleading claims or representations to travellers. Phuket Airport said the matter is currently being investigated thoroughly in cooperation with the relevant authorities.

The airport said it understood the impact that long waiting times and travel disruptions can have on passengers’ experiences. It reiterated its commitment to improving services despite physical space limitations and increasing passenger numbers.

Daily News reported that Phuket Airport said it would continue developing measures to make travel through the airport more convenient, efficient and secure for both Thai and international passengers, while the ongoing fact-finding process examines the allegations raised online.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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On 6/1/2026 at 1:38 PM, JamesPhuket10 said:

It was quite a few years ago but I used to be met by someone I know who worked for Thai airways in Bangkok.

I would be picked up as I got off the plane, she was accompanied by security guy in uniform, my hand luggage was taken for me and put in a trolley, I was escorted past all of the queues and my passport was stamped etc, then taken to the departure gate for my internal flight to Phuket and there I was left.

A nice tip was handed over to the security guard.

It does not happened any more as the person retired but it is not necessary these days as when my flight arrives at 15:30 in Bangkok there are never any long queues, maybe five people in front of me, processing takes five minutes.

But I bet the there are still paid-for-express-ways if you know the right people.

Sent you the address.