Flying to Bangkok? You might get a pat-down body search from Nov 1

If you're passing through Don Mueang International Airport the next time you're in Bangkok, be prepared for a more hands-on security screening at checkpoints.

In an announcement on Tuesday (Oct 27), the airport said it will replace handheld metal detector checks with pat-down searches starting Nov 1.

Travellers will still undergo primary screening by entering a walk-through metal detector or body scanner first, and a manual search will only be carried out if further checks are needed.

The change is meant to enhance efficiency and aviation security, as well as to align with screening requirements as set out by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, and to adhere to recommendations by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the airport explained.

Don Mueang International Airport added that passengers might experience longer wait times and inconveniences, especially during peak travel periods.

To smoothen the process, the airport urged travellers in the queue to remove metal objects and belongings on them in advance.

Travellers should also inform airport security officers about physical limitations that could affect the search, such as injuries, implanted medical devices or pregnancy.

Instructions by the officers should be strictly followed as well, and it is up to passengers to plan ahead to allow for sufficient time to get to their flights.

While the airport said that the searches will be conducted "with due consideration for appropriateness, dignity and respect for passenger rights", it did not provide further details on how they will be carried out.

The airport's announcement video shows the manual pat-downs being conducted professionally and by security officers of the same gender as the person being screened.

A check by AsiaOne on Oct 29 shows that Bangkok's other international gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport, has not announced similar changes to its screening procedures.

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dannon.har@asiaone.com