behuman

Well, just been refused service at the "fast track" immigration counter TG C boarding pass in hand , I write regrding the counter on the very right hand side where TG also escorts its F passengers.

This post does not concern the new central "Premium" service for which reputable airlines ^^ hand out fast track passes to their premium passengers.

So sad that each time TG is getting a little bit better they manage once more to disappoint their premium passengers. Just one reason more to book with the competitors.

Can others comment on recent experiences arriving at BKK in TG C ?

dsquared37

A couple of time recently I've used my months-old purple FastTrack cards with no problem. Interestingly enough both times were not arriving from a TG C segment.

BKKROP

No, it is so easy arriving in Bangkok, I think we have to make it better for you, can't be that hard!! Now if you are not prepared to get status with Thai which would be the easiest, how about LHW, they do fast track as does SPG. Upgrade your American Express card to Plat, they do it too but if you are doing work in this area, get yourself an APEC card. Otherwise take a flight to Yangon and pick up some cheap first class tickets

newshound

You need to be (perm) resident of a specific group of countries (pacific rim I think) to get an APEC card.

BKKROP - any thoughts on the specifics of the OPs comment that he is being refused fast track even with a C boarding pass?

BKKROP

Yes, my first thought was that the OP may think the fast track is open 24/7, whereas it is closed for at least half the day, so it would be interesting to know what time it was. I noticed the OP said it was a BP not a fast track voucher that he was refused on, so I would double check that and thirdly stated that access was next to First class which it isn't. Finally, you may have heard about the person that thought, I would double check your facts about the APEC card.

somkiat

If I remember this correctly , the counter is for " Diplomats and Officials " whatever the latter might be . Therefore you have possibly been rejected because you do not look like a diplomat or an official .

I have never been rejected from using any counter at BKK airport , it just needs a friendly smile . This is Thailand .

planr

Yes, I came in from MNL on Monday afternoon and there was no queue for the regular immigration line so I didn't bother seeking out the Fasttrack line.

Same experience coming in from SIN a week ago and from MNL again about two weeks ago.

I'm under the impression (though 3 observations is hardly statistically significant!) that the changes Suvarnibhumi implemented in the last month or so (at least for inbound pax) have really made a difference, in a good way of course.

behuman

It was not a drama indeed. The purple TG fast track cards are not distributed anymore and so TG appears, unlikely other airlines, not to offer fast track upon arrival anymore for its C passengers. Given this, I will use other carriers offering such benefits. Even UL gives you the new premium passes....

And yes, I have an Amex Platinum, but stay on my own in BKK, so no hotel assistance. Just canceled my TG C reservations and will fly with SQ, UL and LX, all offering the fasttrack passes. Tired of the circus .

And no Dear BKKROP, I will not go to RGN because of this . Just fed up very very much about the TG inconsistencies.

Fan2502

The high season is over now. So the Thai system worked again. Just wait and the problem will go away.

dsquared37

Two weeks ago we arrived at 10PM on a Thursday and the lines were out to the carpeted walkway. This is one of the times I used my old purple FastTrack passes without the corresponding TG C stub.

A_Lee

I arrived last Friday night (actually early Saturday morning) about 01:00 and it was the busiest I've ever seen it at that time night. Their roped off snaking queue area wasn't long enough, and there was a large group of passengers waiting to get in and absolutely no organization. Just every body for themselves, fighting to get in. Given that this was a normally very slow time at night, I'm afraid the place is still completely mismanaged and will be a real madhouse even in the off-season. They simply do not have enough immigration officers to handle the loads. And whoever they have to look after that area where passengers arrive into the hall do absolutely nothing! They just stand around and watch the disorganization. This is the second time I've seen this.

Unfortunately, even though I've sworn off BKK, I was forced this time to use it. But if I can at all avoid it, I do these days. I prefer the direct flights to HKT and CNX where so far I've not had any issues with long queues.

BarryJS

It's not just a lack of staff. It's the lethargy combined with the cumbersome process. Time to do away with the landing cards and capture the information another way, such as when checking in.

sven60035

I arrived on Sunday at 1250 PM local and the queues were spinning all arround.

Even on the premium counters on the right of the main queues (diplomatic/first class) we had to wait 15 minuntes as they had pulled out families with children from the large regular queues and put them into the premium counters and one counter was busy processing passports of a group of VIP's that got uniformed escorts through the area.

behuman

http://www.thaiairways.com/thai-serv...mi-arrival.htm

Does a website constitute a legally binding offer in Thailand and how could such offer be enforced.

It reads: "Royal First and Royal Silk passengers are invited to use Fast Track Immigration service." But is not specific regarding which Fast Track service .

I think we should not let them get away with it that easy. What do you think?

It is the lack of clarity and enforcement of rules that drives people crazy about Thailand.

kapitan

Well, you can elect to stay home and not visit Thailand.....