1. The international arrivals experience is much improved. It's at the new terminal. Bright, airy, airconditioned. Lines range from none to 30 minutes+ long, depending on what time you land.

2. CIQ=Customer in Quarantine(?) Means you've already cleared immigration. You'll be given a CIQ sticker which identifies you as such. In BKK you will indeed be an international transfer passenger. You will be directed to a security line and then end up in the airside international departure hall.

3. Upon departure in HKT, you do indeed check in at the international terminal. You actually will stay there and board the aircraft from the international side.