Comments on: Bangkok, World’s Most Tiresome Immigration

By: Allan

Allan — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:23:44 +0000

I fully agree. I left Thailand on 25 November 2010 with queues at both immigration counters more than 100 meters long reaching far into the departure area. It took 1.5 hrs to get through, a very stressful experience among all those panicking passengers worried about to miss their flight etc. Totally unacceptable.

By: dr.k.conor

dr.k.conor — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:23:32 +0000

Details: IPB Thai immigration enacts the “ideas” of Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The last injection of “mininisters” to the MFA was by PM Thaksin Shinawatra … who is very anti-foreigner.

When the Thai drug suppression “ended” their northern campaign against “suspects,” a notable amount of DSP police transferred into immigration. As for the “new” director of IPB, also from DSP, he is looking for criminals “entering Thailand.” I would suggest that if IPB or DSP want a nano of respect, deal with your own first.

By: ChuckWow

ChuckWow — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:50:36 +0000

Over the past 21 years, while traveling into and out of Thailand through both the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports, I have found that my most arduous journey through immigration awaits me when I return home to the United States!

I have to admit that entering Thailand through U-Tapao in November 2008 when PAD closed both of the Krung Thep airports has to be my all time favorite immigration experience.

By: TRYUTAPAO

TRYUTAPAO — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:31:45 +0000

Above report might be outdated. In the meantime situation has improved tremendously. Arrived last Sunday at U-Tapao – feels like paradise – 5 minutes to clear immigration, another 10 minutes until luggage arrives – within 15 minutes I passed through the airport. We should make this airport a permanent solution …

By: BangkokDan

BangkokDan — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:41:57 +0000

Jay:

Is it that bad? I remember back in the 80′s when you could easily enter and stay in the U.S. with a tourist visa.

All you had to do is to send in the entry-form. And wait for an approval or refusal. Neither of which ever arrived. So according to the law you were legally in the U.S. until you received written word …

Seems to have changed drastically that laissez-faire immigration policy.

But still, compared to its regional neighbors Bangkok immigration is a disgrace. Singapore and Hong Kong let you in within minutes. Even Indonesia’s a piece of cake.

BangkokDan

By: Jay

Jay — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:14:46 +0000

30 years traveling around the world and the longest wait have always been either Newark or JFK. I consider myself lucky when I can get through in one hour.

By: Thaigolfer

Thaigolfer — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:25:47 +0000

Tell me about it, I seem have a gift for choosing the wrong lane too. Some free advice: Avoid queues with turbans and other Middle Eastern dresses, Indians and Africans. Don’t mean to be racist but go with the whites …

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:34:07 +0000

Spot-on.