IMMIGRATION officials plan to introduce a bar code system for processing arrivals and departures at Phuket and other Thai airports later this year, Phuketwan was told today.

The bar codes would be placed as stickers rather than stamps in all passports, the Chief of Immigration at Phuket Airport, Police General Suksopon Maneeson, said today.

The system would mean that an officer at an arrival or departure counter could have access to detailed information instantly via a computer screen, General Suksopon said.

He hopes the new system will make the arrival and departure process more efficient, but warns that it is likely to become slower.

The Immigration department's chief from Bangkok visited Phuket airport on Saturday to see for himself how crowded the airport becomes during its weekly 'rush hours.''

Today General Suksopon said: ''Why does everybody blame Immigration for delays?

''I would like to have 50 counters available at Phuket airport but the airport cannot provide us with more space.''

Full story: Thai Visa Bar Codes 'Coming Soon'

if the system is slower, than the current one, why bother introducing it? Better to wait sometimes for the more advanced solutions, which will give a real advantage

Interesting comment about the counters. If they fully manned the counters they've currently got, there wouldn't be as much of a problem.

the new system will make the arrival and departure process more efficient, but ....... slower.

Perthaps slower lines (but better at catching frauds, pervs and psychopaths) is an acceptable tradeoff.

Perthaps slower lines (but better at catching frauds, pervs and psychopaths) is an acceptable tradeoff.

You forgot to mention British topless tourists.

There was me tinking when I read to headlines that "Thai Visa Bar" 'coming Soon' to Phuket

Ohh well better stay in Kan then

Yours truly,

Win