15 hours ago, Paul Henry said:

What happened to automation? Many countries you "self serve" immigration process through an automated system if you have a passport that is coded.

3 mins to go through Heathrow and I’m quite sure they have more traffic than Bangkok, Baggage arrives 10 mins after.

15 hours ago, Rumpelstilskin said:

This business of charging handicapped people for wheelchair access is cruel and inhumane, sad really. All persons requiring help and seniors can exit on the right hand side and have a minimal wait.

Agreed. I think the problem is that you have a larger number of people asking for wheelchairs who don't necessarily need them, which leads to shortages of wheelchairs and attendants to help them. On my last flight into Bangkok there were over 11 wheelchairs waiting for people to disembark, which led to a blockage at the departing ramp. I saw two people getting into wheelchairs who I saw walking around at the airport in Korea (where the flight originated.) I don't know how airports can accurately determine who really needs a wheelchair and who just wants one for convenience- but, it is causing problems for those with a real need.

7 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I don't think the queues are due top extra checking. A big part of the problem is scheduling all flights to arrive at the same time. Look at the photo--this is not one planeload.

There are always multiple flights arriving around the same time.

Happens to be very early in Thailand when I'm posting. About 8 per hour between 3:00 and 6:00. Then 28 flights just for the hour between 6:00 and 7:00. About half that amount per hour to 9:50.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK/VTBS) | Arrivals, Departures & Routes | Flightradar24

I think what changed is time per person in immigration. I personally have always been processed quickly, though some people in front will take longer. Last September I arrived mid-day and it took 1:45 to get through. That was the longest it has ever taken me in 45 entries. In January it took less time, though was somewhere over an hour. The officer averaged 6 minutes per person. That doesn't seem long except if there are 8 people in front of you. I think it was about 20 minutes to get to where it feeds the lines and then 7 or 8 people in front of me in the line. Neighboring officers were faster. But now, I think they're all 10 to 15 people per hour or similar. I think many officers were doing closer to 20 per hour before.

And then, to make your visit to LOS more enjoyable,, let's charge an additional 300THB as tourism tax.

14 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I don't think the queues are due top extra checking. A big part of the problem is scheduling all flights to arrive at the same time. Look at the photo--this is not one planeload.

Exactly . E.G. Thai Air & Eva Air arrive between 15 00- 15 30 hours daily with a potential total of 800-850 passengers between them . That is not good planning . Maybe at least 2 hours apart might stop the long immigration queues and waiting times ?

9 minutes ago, superal said:

Exactly . E.G. Thai Air & Eva Air arrive between 15 00- 15 30 hours daily with a potential total of 800-850 passengers between them . That is not good planning . Maybe at least 2 hours apart might stop the long immigration queues and waiting times ?

Duh. You expect airlines to change their global schedules to accommodate immigration queues? Gate availability, yes, immigration no. That's a local issue.

Since I'm going on a trip abroad next month, can anyone give a good tip on the best and worst times to avoid the top of the queue at Suvarnabhumi? Thinking of flying premium economy out and returning in business class if necessary to avoid this extended journey at Suvarnabhumi, if the airline offers priority/fast track!

Thanks

Felt

23 hours ago, Mario Cosmopolite said:

For Bali it is eGates with no queue and then short queue for customs. Almost up to Sg speed.

dont forget e gates in cambodia ..not any waiting Q since they open 2 years ago.

why they in thai not make pre check on TDAC?????? and than mark or deny the traveler instead of making trouble at the airport

i ask my self for what is all the <deleted> pappers if here or in sg ,my,vt,cb if nobody pre checks them..only more heache on traveling

19 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

No, I think it is because the IOs have been suddenly asked to use more on the spot scrutiny of incoming travelers. So that's slowing things down. Like I said, for decades I've never had more than a word or two uttered to me by a Thai IO at the airport of arrival. The whole thing takes 30-40 seconds. But now, if they are expected to do what most western countries do - ask things like: "so you're from Canberra, why are you here? How long are you planning to stay, what do you do back in Australia for a living?" it ads another minute or so for each traveler. This is SOP in western countries at ports of entry, but in Thailand it was very, very rarely the case and only if they had real suspicion would they start asking Qs. Now it might be routine. But yes, they'll need to deal with the backlogs is creates.

Thanks for the full detailed response but it doesn't create any positive news as to whether this is a short term problem or is it a permanent problem. As you state "they'll need to deal with the backlogs is creates". Will be fixed eventually and before Xmas 2026 or earlier?