The Customs Department of Thailand will install 23 x-ray machines at the country’s main international airport before the end of 2019 and operationalize them by early 2020.
Customs director-general Krisada Jinawijarana said on September 6 that the x-ray machines will be set up above the baggage carousels at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a move to enhance security checks of inbound luggage and prevent goods smuggling.
“The machines will help improve the security check of luggage transported from inbound planes before the passengers can claim them,” Krisada said. “The x-ray machines will be switched on early next year.”
Krisada said that at present Thai Customs resorts to random checks by the staff, a system that allows smuggled goods to slip through sometimes.
He also said that with the x-ray machines, customs officials can immediately see what is in the luggage and prompt the passengers to pay the customs duty before leaving the airport.
“The x-ray machines at Suvarnabhumi International Airport will not only help with tax collection, but also prevent the smuggling of sensitive goods into the country, such as agricultural products, palm oil, fuel oil and drugs,” said Krisada.
The x-ray machines will scan all pieces of luggage after they arrive on flights. The ground staff will then mark each piece before the passenger takes it for clearance at the counter.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana said that in addition to installing the x-ray machines, he has also ordered Customs to use IT systems to improve work processes.
“The government aims to establish the National Single Window (NSW), a comprehensive network of import-export database that connects all related departments nationwide and with those of neighbouring countries,” he said.
“The system is scheduled to be up and running in three months and we only have two countries left to connect with—and that should also be finished by year-end.”
Photo: Koudkeu
