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Tourist levels in Thailand are now recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic with 11.81m tourists recorded in 2022 compared to just 400,000 in 2021. As airports begin to get busy once again and airport services come under more pressure, security must not be neglected. For both the safety of passengers and staff, as well as the reputation of the country, stringent security measures but be enforced at all times. In this blog, we will look at 8 essential steps for aviation security in Thailand.

1. Pre-boarding security

This is the first layer of airport safety and is a vital step before passengers are allowed airside. It involves aviation security services patrolling the check-in hall to check for suspicious objects or passenger behaviour, as well as issuing airport passes to workers and verifying travel documents at the airline check-in counter.

2. Post-customs security

Airport checkpoint operations post-customs involves aviation security staff scanning baggage and the passengers using x-ray machines and other detection devices to ensure there are no explosives, dangerous or forbidden items being carried through.

3. Baggage searches

If any suspicious items are detected in luggage, a more thorough investigation via a physical baggage search by trained aviation security staff is needed to ensure nothing slips through.

4. Airside security

Airport safety continues as we pass through to the airside with baggage and cargo container escorts. Aviation security staff must closely monitor baggage and cargo containers to ensure there is no unauthorised access to items going on board the aircraft. This is also involves spotting and reporting any damage found on cargo during the loading and unloading process.

5. Aircraft security

Again, trained aviation security staff need to conduct a thorough search of the aircraft before passengers board to ensure total aircraft safety. This will involve both manual check through experience trained security staff as well as using metal detection devices.  Checking and recording of each person entering and leaving the aircraft, as well as verifying airport security permits is also required.

6. Apron & ramp area search

Airport aprons and ramp areas need to be searched prior to the arrival of an aircraft. Cargo compartments need to be checked and cleaners and other airport services personnel must be screened and monitored, and any equipment brought on board must be inspected.

7. Catering security

Monitoring and inspecting catering operations to prevent any possible introduction of weapons, explosives and/or dangerous or unsafe items into the air transportation system is another critical step in airport safety. 

8. Aviation security training

Last but not least, the whole aviation security system relies on highly trained staff to ensure it runs effectively. As required by Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Airport staff who are involved in airport operations should be expertly trained and attend regular aviation security training every year  to ensure their knowledge is up to date and their awareness of existing and new threats is refreshed. It is everyone’s job to maintain airport safety and security to provide a safe and welcoming environment for visitors to Thailand.

Learn more about Guardforce Thailand’s services

Guardforce is a trusted security expert company in Thailand, in operation since 1989. It is one of the very few agents authorized by the to have accredited professional trainers provide aviation security training on carrying out security checks at Thai airports and to provide professional screener training courses as well as comprehensive training covering topics such as body searches, metal detector usage and conducting all other related services for airlines and airports.  Besides security, Guardforce also offers many other airport services for airlines and airports such as wheelchairs, left luggage counter services, concierge for airline lounges, etc. To learn more, click here.