Originally Posted by
dtsm
First use of brand new USA issued ABCT. Arrived Bkk Saturday around 6 pm, flew business so had a premium pass to get fast track. Folded the card and put in my passport wallet.
The APEC lines are NOT CLEARLY marked, went to the regular non-Premium Pass - thinking it would be there. Wrong, actually had to ask and was told they sharee the Premium Pass entrance, which by the way is BOLDLY MARKED.
Thanks for the detailed report!
I didn't notice the APEC lane either when I was recently in Bangkok. Sorry, I should have mentioned that in several economies (including the U.S.) APEC cardholders share a multipurpose fast track lane with a couple other select groups (such as crew or disabled senior citizens). In some cases "APEC/ABTC" may not be prominently featured in the signage, although I hope this is rare.
There were six counters opened and one said "Official".....even though the others had shorter lines, I patiently waited on that line, to see what if anything would happen or not happen. On my immigration card, I checked off boxes for 1)holiday; 2) meetings; 3) business.
Officer and I exchanged wai's, he looked at my APEC card, handed back to me, couple of chops later I was through. I did not have a visa and had entered/visited the Kingdom twice already this year, each for 3 wks.
Is Thailand immigration usually strict about business visas?
For those who claim they often go on the APEC lines without ever being asked for the card, my serious doubts ??????. For sure, you can't get through the Premium Pass counters unless you've either got the Premium Pass or some official status.
I was quite surprised by those claims as well. Not saying it couldn't happen from time to time, but it is my strong impression that in most economies the staff will at least look at the ABTC card.