BANGKOK — In a bid to boost tourism, Thai immigration authorities have launched dedicated fast-track lanes for Chinese students and their families at major airports, aiming to streamline arrivals during the summer holiday season.

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The “Happy Chinese Summer Channel,” operational from July to September at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports, cuts immigration processing time from up to 40 minutes to just 15 minutes during peak hours. The initiative comes as Thailand seeks to revive Chinese tourist numbers, which remain 50% below pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, commander of Immigration Division 2, announced the measure on Sunday after consultations with tourism operators. He noted that 20,000 Chinese visitors arrive daily, with expectations that the special lanes will serve at least 5,000 students and family members per day.

Special immigration counters for Chinese travelers at Airports of Thailand until September 2025. ✈️🛂 https://t.co/dGKzn6LB5q

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Despite a post-pandemic shift toward domestic travel in China due to reduced incomes, Thailand continues to rank as a top-three destination for Chinese student families, trailing only Macau and Hong Kong, according to discussions with Chinese consular officials.

Pol Maj Gen Choengron emphasized that Chinese authorities have not discouraged travel to Thailand, with marine destinations like Pattaya and Phuket remaining particularly popular. The fast-track lanes aim to enhance the visitor experience, encouraging repeat tourism.

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The move aligns with broader efforts to revitalize Thailand’s tourism sector, which has struggled to regain pre-COVID visitor numbers. Authorities hope the expedited entry process will improve perceptions of Thailand as a hassle-free destination, potentially boosting arrivals ahead of the high season.

-Thailand News (TN)