I just noticed on thaivisa.com that there is talk of a new immigration card for those who travel in and out of Thailand 3 to 5 times a year. Here is the news from that website:

 

Thailand to issue new immigration card

 

BANGKOK: -- A new immigration card will be introduced for use by those going in and out of Thailand by the end of this year, said Immigration Police chief Pol. Lt-Gen. Chatchawan Suksomchit.

 

Holders of the Immigration Card will include those who travel in and out of the country three to five times in a year, regardless of their nationality.

 

The Immigration Card holders, Thai and foreign alike, will bypass normal procedures of the Immigration Police which include scanning for criminal suspects or those on the police and immigration Watch List.

 

Instead, the Immigration Card holders will have the privileges to go through fast passage at airports, the Immigration Police chief said.

 

The Immigration Card, which will be issued to tourists and others by the end of this year, marking the advent of a fresh tourist season, was part of the efforts to promote tourism and investment in the country.

 

Meanwhile, the Immigration Police will open Call Centre 1178 early next year to provide tourism-related information in eight languages. Besides, the Immigration Police will take part in the crackdown on the exploitation of foreign labour and flesh trade throughout the country.

 

-- TNA 2008-10-02

Instead, the Immigration Card holders will have the privileges to go through fast passage at airports, the Immigration Police chief said.

 

This sounds very similar to the APEC business travel card which allows use of special fast track immigration queues - except that card is only available to residents of APEC countries. Application takes about 4 months but it makes travel in and out of many countries a breeze.

One concerm I have about this new card. If they issue a reasonable number, will Immigration open up more fast track lanes? Fast Track at present is in operation only at the THAI business/first counters. At the others, there is just one Diplomat/APEC card holder channel. Has anyone read about more channels being opened up when the new cards are issued?