The Thai government has rolled out visa relief measures following the cancellation of 166 flights amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, with immigration authorities waiving overstay fines for affected travellers.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said it is closely monitoring travel disruptions stemming from the fighting between Israel and Iran.
According to the ministry, between February 28 and March 3 a total of 105 outbound flights and 61 inbound flights were cancelled at five major international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport and Krabi International Airport.
No passengers were reported to be stranded inside airport terminals.
However, the cancellations have disrupted departure stamp procedures, raising concerns over potential congestion at immigration checkpoints, particularly at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, deputy commissioner attached to the Immigration Bureau and its spokesperson, said 10 measures have been put in place to ease the situation.
Under the Immigration Act, foreign nationals who overstay their visas solely as a result of airspace closures will be exempted from fines, provided they intend to depart Thailand.
Travellers whose visas have not yet expired but who wish to remain temporarily may apply for extensions of up to 30 days at a time, subject to certification from their respective embassies.
Should the situation persist and the number of overstays increase, the issue may be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration under Section 17 of the Immigration Act.
Airlines have also been instructed to ensure passengers complete arrival card details through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system prior to check-in. Immigration counters will be fully staffed during peak arrival periods, with officers deployed to manage crowd flow at terminal entrances, he said.
Priority lanes will be provided for vulnerable travellers, including children under 120 centimetres in height, elderly passengers, pregnant women and people with disabilities, as well as families travelling with Thai nationals.
Dedicated service areas will also be set up to handle cancelled departure stamps in order to prevent congestion at immigration checkpoints.
Security screening procedures have been tightened for individuals deemed to pose potential risks. “The volume of foreign travellers reflects Thailand’s vibrant tourism atmosphere,” Pol Maj Gen Choengron said.
“At the same time, airport immigration must enhance screening measures amid the current unrest. We are not complacent and wish to clarify the necessity of these measures to Thai society and foreign visitors.”
