Customs clearance red channel at Suvarnabhumi

[STEVE G]

I've never been stopped with normal luggage but I've often seen the customs swoop on anyone who has boxes, packages or sacks, anything that doesn't look like personal effects.

[Dannie Boy]

I guess the concern is that Pete mentioned they have installed x-Ray machines to scan your bags (presumably before they get to the carousel), so you could be “nabbed” before you even get to customs - look out for any suspicious looking stickers on your cases!!

[HHTel]

Some years ago, presumably before en-route xrays, a friend of mine was waiting in Heathrow for his bag. It was the last bag delivered to the carousel. He moved to pick it up and was immediately confronted by customs officers - "is this your bag, sir?"
He was done to rights. Had the lot confiscated.

[centermid7]

The last time I entered Thailand in 2018 was before all the Xray machines. I had a big load of booze in my bag that was a cause of concern should I get stopped so I waited until I saw three women of the Muslim faith starting to walk through. They were draped head to toe in black and I tucked behind them on the far side as I was highly certain that they were NOT going to be stopped and all of us scooted right through.

[buksida]

Any idea on the possibility of bringing a decent bottle of single malt in? I think you're allowed a liter but have been hearing reports of customs cracking down and taking stuff anyway. Wouldn't want to take the risk with a good bottle of Scotch if they are on the take more than usual.

[PeteC]

"1 litre
Importation of Alcoholic Beverages and Cigarettes
No more than 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 250g of all types combined. No more than 1 litre of alcoholic beverage."

From the Thai Customs website: https://www.customs.go.th/list_strc_sim ... _160421_01

[Dannie Boy]

If you’re traveling in within the next few weeks Buks, it would be helpful to have an update on the overall customs/x-Ray process you experience.


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[Ginjaninja]

Any idea on the possibility of bringing a decent bottle of single malt in? I think you're allowed a liter but have been hearing reports of customs cracking down and taking stuff anyway. Wouldn't want to take the risk with a good bottle of Scotch if they are on the take more than usual.

I wouldn't worry about it, one bottle will be fine.
U.K. whisky prices will be a real bargain for you compared to here.. Worth any (miniscule) risk anyway.

Off-topic: I flew through CDG earlier this year and had to repeat security during transit (bloody frogs), they took all my duty-free liquids >100ml. Bloody fuming.

[STEVE G]

Any idea on the possibility of bringing a decent bottle of single malt in? I think you're allowed a liter but have been hearing reports of customs cracking down and taking stuff anyway. Wouldn't want to take the risk with a good bottle of Scotch if they are on the take more than usual.

I wouldn't worry about it, one bottle will be fine.
U.K. whisky prices will be a real bargain for you compared to here.. Worth any (miniscule) risk anyway.

Off-topic: I flew through CDG earlier this year and had to repeat security during transit (bloody frogs), they took all my duty-free liquids >100ml. Bloody fuming.

It's the same at most airports, any duty free needs to be in one of those sealed bags from an airport duty free shop to get it through transit security.

[Ginjaninja]

It's the same at most airports, any duty free needs to be in one of those sealed bags from an airport duty free shop to get it through transit security.

As a frequent flyer, I should know better....

What I have never understood, is why some routes have security in transit and other don't - it's just gate-to-gate.
As an example; if I fly from Aberdeen to Bangkok via Schipol, there is only security at ABZ check-in. I think BKK-AMS-ABZ is the same.

[Dannie Boy]

Lomu, in a recent thread you mentioned that you had recently returned to Thailand - was the luggage checking by Customs any different on this occasion?

[lomuamart]

DB,
I didn't notice any difference. I breezed through.

[Dannie Boy]

DB,
I didn't notice any difference. I breezed through.

I hope that’s a good indication of what to expect, although I know that they always “randomly” pull people over for closer inspection!!

[Ginjaninja]

Arrived back yesterday. Nothing different... breezed past customs.
The airport was certainly looking a lot busier. Must have been several large flights arrive as that's the busiest I've seen immigration since pre-chinese virus times. Still seems to be quicker getting through now though and it's a case of hurry up and wait for your bags.

[PeteC]

I think no TM6 has something to do with it. Previously the officer looked at it, tore off a piece and stapled it into your passport, scanned the bar code on his portion, and put it into a pouch of some sort next to his desk. Those steps are now gone, and multiplied by thousands per hour adds up to a lot of saved time.