Sweet and sour on arrival

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Apparently, all of the Immigration officers at BKK airport went through training a couple of years back and new recruits receive training to provide a good attitude and service to foreign visitors as they get their passports stamped on entry and exit to the Kingdom.

 

Has anyone noticed an improvements ??? I have seen little. Most of them are miserable looking bastards, and hardly even make eye contact.

 

I don't expect them to be over friendly, but they could at least say " enjoy your stay in Thailand" after they stamp your entry.

 

The minute we get off the plane we see images of "Land of Smiles" yet it is not until we clear customs that the smiles appear, and then it is because they are trying to get you in a Limo, or taxi to your destination

 

Its not until you get to Pattaya that you see more false smiles as some new meat in town either

 

Is Thailand really the land of smiles or is it something TAT dreamed up as a promotion ??

[Mirkwood 342]

Don't start me off.

 

I hate these buffalos big time. I just know they were driving taxis around 5 years ago.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Don't start me off.

 

I hate these buffalos big time. I just know they were driving taxis around 5 years ago.

 

 

Deffo something to do with Uniforms I reckon.

[danboy 151]

I don't think the immigration guys realise they live in the land of smiles.

 

I have never seen a smile from any of the sour faced cunts!

[Obsession 571]

They are probably pissed at seeing so many sheep, but they aren't allowed to fleece them!

 

I say they should allow tips. That way they would be like chesire cats at charm school!

[alexist 12]

I've travelled to many countries and the only place I've encountered friendly immigration officers was Australia.

 

Every other countries entry/exit points are manned by sour faced people who appear to hate the world.

[Mirkwood 342]

I always make sure they hear me mutter kwai (buffalo) when I walk past.

 

Also, NEVER smile or say thank you. Don't open your passprt to the right page and always put the wrong visa number on the form.

 

The falang fights back

[joekicker 53]

Also, NEVER smile or say thank you. Don't open your passprt to the right page and always put the wrong visa number on the form.

 

Hmmm, so that's why the guy was so unpleasant last time I went through. Thanks, Mirk.

 

Seriously - immigration people are very pleasant and constantly smiling - EXCEPT at airports. Better than you can say in the US, anyhow, where it's constant from top to bottom of the immigration industry.

 

.

[butterflyblonde 30]

Apparently, all of the Immigration officers at BKK airport went through training a couple of years back and new recruits receive training to provide a good attitude and service to foreign visitors as they get their passports stamped on entry and exit to the Kingdom.

 

Has anyone noticed an improvements ??? I have seen little. Most of them are miserable looking bastards, and hardly even make eye contact.

 

I don't expect them to be over friendly, but they could at least say " enjoy your stay in Thailand" after they stamp your entry.

 

The minute we get off the plane we see images of "Land of Smiles" yet it is not until we clear customs that the smiles appear, and then it is because they are trying to get you in a Limo, or taxi to your destination

 

Its not until you get to Pattaya that you see more false smiles as some new meat in town either

 

Is Thailand really the land of smiles or is it something TAT dreamed up as a promotion ??

 

 

Perhaps it's time to crack open the box of Hello Kitty arm bands?

[statman208 41]

You guys have too much time on your hands if you are worried about the immigration guy smiling. All I care about is that they are efficient as hell so that I can get through. If they are chatting up each falang, that long wait would be a LOT longer.

[rightsaid 44]

I always make sure they hear me mutter kwai (buffalo) when I walk past.

 

Also, NEVER smile or say thank you. Don't open your passprt to the right page and always put the wrong visa number on the form.

The falang fights back

 

 

So you do all you can to prolong your stay in the immigration line?

 

Bright thinking Einstein.

 

ps. Let me guess, you stay up all night studying for a urine test?

[DjMiami 18]

I get a look everytime when they start fanning threw my passport. And its not a look of happiness.

Its not much differant on the return into the states.

Fill the forms out correctly and anwser the correct questions and move on threw.

50% of the time I am stopped by the sercurity and they take a look inside my computer bag. But the think is they really dont look in it. its just a stop open and a quick peek in.

[vego2u 7]

Never really cared if they smiled or welcomed me to thailand..I'm not there to buy them a beer..I just want to get into their friggin country and molest their women..I can't see why they would be pissed off about that..

[9cisco999 107]

I get a look everytime when they start fanning threw my passport. And its not a look of happiness.

Its not much differant on the return into the states.

Fill the forms out correctly and anwser the correct questions and move on threw.

50% of the time I am stopped by the sercurity and they take a look inside my computer bag. But the think is they really dont look in it. its just a stop open and a quick peek in.

 

 

 

Do you have an idea as to why they're scrutinizing you as much as they are? Once after a 6 month visit in SEA my luggage was searched and that was at the USA customs and surprisingly even after I told them I had a lot of prescription meds in one bag, they didn't bother to look at them. Pretty much overall as you describe your experience.

 

 

The last time I went through Thai customs, as I was leaving the inspection area the Asian fellow directly in front of me was pulled off to the side by a young guy who was not even in a uniform. It happened quickly like a spider pouncing on a fly.

Edited March 8, 2011 by 9cisco999

[DjMiami 18]

Do you have an idea as to why they're scrutinizing you as much as they are? Once after a 6 month visit in SEA my luggage was searched and that was at the USA customs and surprisingly even after I told them I had a lot of prescription meds in one bag, they didn't bother to look at them. Pretty much overall as you describe your experience.

 

 

The last time I went through Thai customs, as I was leaving the inspection area the Asian fellow directly in front of me was pulled off to the side by a guy who was not even in a uniform. It happened quickly like a spider pouncing on a fly.

 

 

I would say its due to the contents of my passport. I have a lot of Visa stickers from countries as well as 18 Thailand stamps. When coming back into the states I get the same questions. What were you doing in Thailand what was your purpose to be there again.

 

not a big deal since i expect it now.

[mrlasvegas 124]

The best way never to have to deal with any of this is to use fast trak. It took me exactly 15 minutes to get through both immigration and customs using this service arriving at 1130 am. The best thing ever. I will be booking fast trak service again for my June trip. And the immigration rep. at the VIP station was seriously cute. Could have made big money in any Pattaya bar.

[DjMiami 18]

I looked into the fast track yesterday

1050 bt for just the fast track without electric cart.

 

Can you explain how the process works?

I see they met you at the jetway and i assume they walk you to a specail line.

Do you also go thru security check?

 

But being rushed thru in that speedy order did you find that you still beat your luggage by 15 minutes as well and have to wait? Seems like no matter how long I have waited in line my bags always seem to come off as i pass imigration.

[andy1 0]

coming back into the uk is a horrible experience

the immigration wimmin look and act like lesbian gestapo

sour-faced carpet munchers

i find it well embarressing as other folk from various countrys around the world experience this shit

[mrlasvegas 124]

The rep. meets you at the jetway. They walk you to the VIP station. On the way to VIP line the rep. checks out your paperwork making sure everything is filled out correctly. They then hand your passport and paperwork to the immigration officer at VIP. A quick stamp and you are on your way to baggage claim. I had the rep. wait for my bags while I used the restroom. Took only a few minutes and when I returned my bag was waiting for me. Walked right through customs with the rep. no questions asked and out the door to where my driver from Secrets was waiting. Rep. handed my bag off to Secrets driver and we parted ways. Could not ask for better service. As we walked by the immigration line the lines were easily 60 deep apiece. Fast Trak is also helpful as there is no mad rush. I walked out of the plane with no rush while everyone else seemed to try and trample me.

 

http://www.thaifasttrack.com

[stevoman 2]

I've travelled to many countries and the only place I've encountered friendly immigration officers was Australia.

 

Strange how opinions vary, I find the Ozzie custom officials a pack of the most sour faced, officious, ignorant and nosy queers/fykes (ugly dykes) in the world! Then maybe it's because I'm a KIWI and we are just so superior to those ex-convicts!

[DjMiami 18]

The rep. meets you at the jetway. They walk you to the VIP station. On the way to VIP line the rep. checks out your paperwork making sure everything is filled out correctly. They then hand your passport and paperwork to the immigration officer at VIP. A quick stamp and you are on your way to baggage claim. I had the rep. wait for my bags while I used the restroom. Took only a few minutes and when I returned my bag was waiting for me. Walked right through customs with the rep. no questions asked and out the door to where my driver from Secrets was waiting. Rep. handed my bag off to Secrets driver and we parted ways. Could not ask for better service. As we walked by the immigration line the lines were easily 60 deep apiece. Fast Trak is also helpful as there is no mad rush. I walked out of the plane with no rush while everyone else seemed to try and trample me.

 

http://www.thaifasttrack.com

 

 

Thanks for the info.

I think i will give them a go

[jacko 8,813]

Apparently, all of the Immigration officers at BKK airport went through training a couple of years back and new recruits receive training to provide a good attitude and service to foreign visitors as they get their passports stamped on entry and exit to the Kingdom.

 

Has anyone noticed an improvements ??? I have seen little. Most of them are miserable looking bastards, and hardly even make eye contact.

 

I don't expect them to be over friendly, but they could at least say " enjoy your stay in Thailand" after they stamp your entry.

 

The minute we get off the plane we see images of "Land of Smiles" yet it is not until we clear customs that the smiles appear, and then it is because they are trying to get you in a Limo, or taxi to your destination

 

Its not until you get to Pattaya that you see more false smiles as some new meat in town either

 

Is Thailand really the land of smiles or is it something TAT dreamed up as a promotion ??

Nope, likely the opposite.

 

Last time, as usual, I picked a queue with a woman immigration official at the desk as I believe them to work faster and have a less of the 'my shit don't stink, you a backpacker piece of shit' attitude. I was reprimanded for writing my Non-Imm Visa number in the visa box when apparently I should have put the number on my multiple exit/re-entry permit. 'Okay I not know' I said, 'you know now, not do again' I was told...ooooh.

I nearly got uppity and told her the exit/re-entry isn't a visa, so why should that number go in a box that asks for visa number!

 

You know what they say about the effect of uniforms.

Edited March 9, 2011 by jacko

[joekicker 53]

You know what they say about the effect of uniforms.

 

Indeed!! A woman immigration officer is still on my must-do list. I've done a soldier with her uniform (mostly) on, though.

 

.

[Jack Scagnetti 502]

I could care less if they smile or not, just don't screw up my stay and I'm happy.

[atlas2 4,329]

I've travelled to many countries and the only place I've encountered friendly immigration officers was Australia.

 

Every other countries entry/exit points are manned by sour faced people who appear to hate the world.

 

 

Funny my most sour-faced and rigorous checks have been with Australian Immigration.

 

Just doing their job..........nothing personal.......don't hold it against them.

 

 

Agree Thai Imm' rarely smile back.....even when I'm at my most obsequious. Given up trying. Nothing gonna spoil my first day back in LOS.