Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport escalator has gained viral fame as the "world's saddest escalator," capturing the sentiment of tourists reluctant to leave Thailand. Frequent visitors and social media users have tagged emotional videos with phrases like "Thailand blues" to express their fondness for the country's culture, landscapes, and hospitality. The trend highlights Thailand's enduring appeal, drawing visitors who often extend their stays or plan future visits.

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The "Thailand effect" is a shared experience among many travelers, including German tourist Brajan Bolewski, who felt three weeks in the kingdom was too short. He praised the friendly culture and environment, contemplating a potential future in Thailand. Thailand has become a preferred destination for digital nomads and remote workers due to its affordable living costs and vibrant infrastructure.

Visitors like Mills McManus and Megan Blunt exemplify how short trips often turn into prolonged stays. They found themselves captivated by Thailand's appealing lifestyle, prompting a reassessment of priorities. Similarly, British national Mark Haldor's brief visits have led to a permanent relocation to Bangkok, fueled by the region's quality of life and welcoming atmosphere.

Looking forward, Thailand continues to benefit from a strong post-pandemic tourism recovery, attracting millions with its diverse landscapes and cultural allure. As travelers leave Suvarnabhumi's escalator, they carry memories and an eagerness to return, marking a testament to Thailand's lasting impact.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 27 Apr 2026

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It seems a soft pierr stunt of TAT. Thai holidays are known for scams, double standards, too high hotel prices, air pollution, dangerous roads and violent ladyboys. None of it is mentioned...make things better than itbreally is to attrack tourists. Andbof course Cambodia must be mentioned as a plave not to go. Laos is better. Duh??

There’s no denying Thailand has its unsavoury sides, but there are far more things that give it a charm and appeal that keeps people coming back.

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

3 hours ago, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

And the reason they are sad is that they are leaving their rental girls behind. The girls likely will be off to arrivals now to meet the next customer.

10 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

And the reason they are sad is that they are leaving their rental girls behind. The girls likely will be off to arrivals now to meet the next customer.

Amen brother!

6 hours ago, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

Loser comment still makes you a loser

The escalator at the airport that chews peoples legs off is sadder than this one. IMO

"You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class."

Or an old fart like me, who walks past it to the Priority gate. Oh, and takes my 33 yr younger partner with me!

55 minutes ago, biggles45 said:

"You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class."

Or an old fart like me, who walks past it to the Priority gate. Oh, and takes my 33 yr younger partner with me!

Long may your 33 year younger partner find you (and your wallet perhaps!?) attractive

9 hours ago, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

So why do you think that your a winner ? Explain than what's a Winner ?

Do you think that you better than anyone else ? Don't forget that it took the same effort to make you than it took to make (conceive ) anyone else .

We are all the same.

Get of your high horse everyone is the same Poor or Rich lucky or unlucky Disabled or not.

10 hours ago, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

Check me if I’m wrong. Yesterday I took the same escalator to security then to immigration. Then to the gate, then to a business class seat.

4 minutes ago, TedG said:

Check me if I’m wrong. Yesterday I took the same escalator to security then to immigration. Then to the gate, then to a business class seat.

You are right and he is wrong which is par for the course. He also does not pay to fly business his wife buys the tickets.

Ex sent a picture of me going up that escalator when we were together, the story hits a nerve there.

13 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

There’s no denying Thailand has its unsavoury sides, but there are far more things that give it a charm and appeal that keeps people coming back.

Sex tourism!!!

I was almost moved to tears when I read this article.

You might be leaving Thailand, and that may be positive or negative, but by the time you use that escalator, assuming it's the one I think it is, you're leaving the overcrowded check in part of the terminal so not so bad. Mind you it can get worse during passport control and security. I'm lucky in that as I'm 71, I can use the fast track section for international departures.

23 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It seems a soft pierr stunt of TAT. Thai holidays are known for scams, double standards, too high hotel prices, air pollution, dangerous roads and violent ladyboys. None of it is mentioned...make things better than itbreally is to attrack tourists. Andbof course Cambodia must be mentioned as a plave not to go. Laos is better. Duh??

You can always stay at home. Or not come. 🤷🏼

On 4/27/2026 at 11:13 AM, snoop1130 said:

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport escalator has gained viral fame as the "world's saddest escalator," capturing the sentiment of tourists reluctant to leave Thailand. Frequent visitors and social media users have tagged emotional videos with phrases like "Thailand blues" to express their fondness for the country's culture, landscapes, and hospitality. The trend highlights Thailand's enduring appeal, drawing visitors who often extend their stays or plan future visits.

Get today's headlines by email

The "Thailand effect" is a shared experience among many travelers, including German tourist Brajan Bolewski, who felt three weeks in the kingdom was too short. He praised the friendly culture and environment, contemplating a potential future in Thailand. Thailand has become a preferred destination for digital nomads and remote workers due to its affordable living costs and vibrant infrastructure.

Visitors like Mills McManus and Megan Blunt exemplify how short trips often turn into prolonged stays. They found themselves captivated by Thailand's appealing lifestyle, prompting a reassessment of priorities. Similarly, British national Mark Haldor's brief visits have led to a permanent relocation to Bangkok, fueled by the region's quality of life and welcoming atmosphere.

Looking forward, Thailand continues to benefit from a strong post-pandemic tourism recovery, attracting millions with its diverse landscapes and cultural allure. As travelers leave Suvarnabhumi's escalator, they carry memories and an eagerness to return, marking a testament to Thailand's lasting impact.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 27 Apr 2026

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Embrace it????? Who writes this???? It’s hated.

5 hours ago, marin said:

You are right and he is wrong which is par for the course. He also does not pay to fly business his wife buys the tickets.

I am not wrong. You have no clue as usual.

Made that ascent a handful of times before I settled here. Got harder to do it each time. Sometimes for romantic reasons, sometimes just dreading the return to stressful USA big city life.

Even after meeting my wife to be in 2018 I still went up two more times without her. I started calling it Summertime Suvanabhumi Sadness.

In 2021 I was able to make the climb WITH her next to me.

24 minutes ago, Celsius said:

I am not wrong. You have no clue as usual.

You are wrong.

2 minutes ago, TedG said:

You are wrong.

The escalator doesn't take you to fast track security. You pay for business class to rub shoulders with Indians?

Or maybe that business class is "different"

18 hours ago, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

*myself = me.

It's a shame that a 'winner' like yourself cannot use the grammar that befits such a person!🙄

22 minutes ago, glennamy said:

*myself = me.

It's a shame that a 'winner' like yourself cannot use the grammar that befits such a person!🙄

What kind of a forum loser do you have to be to correct grammar of non native speaker like MYSELF

Don't tell me, you are THE English teacher in Thailand rofl

19 hours ago, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

I don't use the escalator because I use a wheelchair and fly 1st class.

16 hours ago, jacko45k said:

And the reason they are sad is that they are leaving their rental girls behind. The girls likely will be off to arrivals now to meet the next customer.

What about the rentboys? or the ladyboys?

7 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

What about the rentboys? or the ladyboys?

Not my thing but enjoy if you like!

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Not my thing but enjoy if you like!

OK, but you made an assumption. Patong, Pattaya, Krabi, Chiang Mai et al would not be over flowing with sex workers if there wasn't a consumer demand.And there are just as many male and transgender hookers giving a send off to their loser customers.

On 4/28/2026 at 5:07 AM, Celsius said:

You only go up that escalator if you are a loser flying cattle class. Winners like myself fly business, so no reason to be sad.

24 sad people disagree.