Hi
We flew out of Suvarnabhumi last Sunday. Check-in was absolutely fine but then came passport control - the queue just to enter the passport control section stretched the length of the airport - seriously. It took us an hour and a half to clear immigration. Security wasn't too bad but that was probably because anything seemed relatively quick following the longest queue EVER.
Lots of people were panicking about missing their flights and once we got through to departures, airline staff were standing round holding 'Last Call' signs for about 10 different flights. People were running in all directions trying not to miss their flights. Mayhem.
I last flew out of there 4 years ago and it was much better - don't know what's changed and it may just have been a temporary blip.....just thought I'd pass it on in case it's ongoing.
It's been gong on for quite some time. We started talking about it on here last February. The News has been quiet lately, but your first hand experience tells me nothing much has changed. Pete
It seems to be complete pot luck I'm afraid.
The last couple of times I've been through this year there has been minimal queing but I've spoke to others that have had similar experiences as those above. Actually coming in once this year, I walked straight up to a desk with no queue at all which was a first for me in Bangkok and I've been visiting since 1998. I've only once had to queue outside the passport control section itself going out so it's not a common occurance.
It probably happens if you hit a shift change, meal time, something good on the TV or something of that nature!
What time was your flight KateB? I'm thinking that they may draw a lot of their manpower off of departures at those peak times when all the EU-UK flights are arriving....when is that....late evening I believe? Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Well, my theory may be up in smoke. Check around the below link, both arrivals and departures. Seems that all the time is peak time now, except perhaps midnight to 0600. Pete
Our flight was at 9.55am on Sunday, we got there early, thankfully, as the traffic was pretty light, so joined the queue at about 7am. Now we know, we'll allow lots of extra time next time but it could have been a bit of a nightmare.....worth it though....we'd fly back tomorrow if we could!
Thanks for the heads up. I'm flying out on Sunday 14th and will allow plenty of time.
A bit off topic but I've just realised that getting to BKK on that date after The Queen's birthday on Friday could well be a nightmare. I'll take a tent to Swampy. Can I bring in my own beer as Swampy prices are outrageous?
Had some customers arrived last December off the Emirates A380..it took two and a half hours to clear immigration and baggage reclaim!..these 2 people were pensioners and all they wanted was to sit down a while.
On a praise-worthy note..I flew out 3 weeks ago, when I got to passport-control, because I am now partially disabled & need a crutch..I was surprised when an official-looking lady directed me to the very left-hand desk..specially for disabled folk, passengers with young kids, & a couple more categories ..I cannot
remember now..but I did not expect this at Swampy.
Yes, if you have kids with you you can get through a little quicker. Also, if you're traveling with your Thai wife you can go through the Thai passport control.
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
45 mins after landing at 3 pm. Could have avoided 35 of those if they put a sign up letting Thai nationals know where the lane was instead of letting them find out after a long wait. 36 Bt for a beer whilst waiting for a pissed off taxi driver that had been doing circles for an hour at least. Hardly a rip off compared to what I paid for a couple of soft drinks on the way out.
from the UK
Pete 
