Foreign visitors arriving at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport are again reportedly facing waits of two to three hours at immigration during some periods, as stricter screening and staff shortages create bottlenecks.
Tourism industry sources say the long queues have returned as a major concern at the airport, with the delay affecting travellers' first experience on arrival in Thailand. The problem is most apparent during busy flight periods, when checks can build into lengthy lines.
Tougher checks add time at the border
One factor is the government's increased scrutiny of suspected Chinese grey-capital groups, transnational criminal networks and the use of special Fast Track services, according to tourism industry sources.
The more detailed screening process means immigration officers need longer to process individual passengers. Arrivals whose information is incomplete, or whose documents require further examination, can add to delays which then accumulate during peak periods.
Previously, some agent networks offered facilitation services allowing tourists to pass through immigration more quickly, charging several hundred baht per person. Following inspections and tighter controls by relevant agencies, those channels have become more restricted, leaving most passengers to use standard immigration queues.
For foreigners living in Thailand, tourists and those arriving to activate or return under a visa, the reported delays mean it may be sensible to allow extra time after landing before booking airport transfers, connecting domestic flights or appointments. Passengers should ensure arrival information and supporting travel documents are complete and readily available.
Immigration staffing remains a constraint
A source at Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) said the other main issue is a shortage of immigration personnel relative to the continuing rise in international passenger numbers.
The airport has expanded its space and increased the number of immigration counters, but staffing at the Immigration Bureau remains insufficient to handle the volume of arriving international passengers, the source said.
Tourism operators believe prolonged immigration waits are damaging Thailand's tourism image at a time when the government is seeking to revive the economy through the sector. They have called on the agencies involved to increase staffing, improve screening procedures and introduce technology to ease congestion.
A priority for Thailand's tourism gateway
Suvarnabhumi is a principal entry point for overseas visitors and returning residents, so delays there can affect holidaymakers, business travellers and expatriates alike. A slow arrival process can also complicate onward travel for passengers heading to other Thai destinations.
Industry figures argue that resolving immigration delays is urgent if Thailand is to retain its position as a regional tourism and aviation hub. They say the first impression created at the border may have a lasting effect on the country's image among visitors.
Picture courtesy of Manager Online
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17 July 2026
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