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Home  >  thailand  >  My Arrival Experience In Bangkok
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My Arrival Experience In Bangkok

Matthew Klint Posted onDecember 9, 2021December 9, 2021 52 Comments

I have to give Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) credit for a smooth and efficient arrivals experience despite the pandemic. I made it from my aircraft to the arrivals hall in less than 15 minutes.

Arrival Experience In Bangkok BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport [2021]

After arriving in BKK on ANA, passengers were invited to disembark as if it was a normal flight. The arrivals hall was quiet, but looked no different than usual, at least initially.

However as I approached the main terminal hall, I as greeted by row after row of blue plastic chairs. There were hundreds of them stretching as far forward as the eye could see.

Everyone was taking a seat in the next available chair so I did the same.

 

Here I expected quite a long wait, but the line moved rapidly.

Masked workers in blue vests asked each passenger if they had their paperwork. They then glanced at it, not for detail but just to make sure the requisite components were there like proof of medical insurance and quarantine hotel booking.

Four minutes later, I was directed to a counter where a government agent (based upon the uniform) more closely checked my paperwork.

Recall, I had flown from Los Angeles to Washington to Cairo to London to Tokyo to Bangkok over the preceding five calendar days and taken my PCR test in Los Angeles. Would my PCR test, now almost five days old, be accepted?

The agent was a bit confused about the date, but when I explained I had begun my journey in Los Angeles, she accepted my test and allowed me to proceed.

For the next few minutes, I journeyed down the long corridor toward the immigration counters, just as I would normally do when arriving in Bangkok. Lines were not long.

The blue arrival forms are still necessary and are presented to the immigration agent who stamps them, tears off your departure card (you need not fill it out in advance), and stamps you into the Kingdom of Thailand.

From there, you proceed to baggage claim, gather any checked items, and exit. Outside, dozens of representatives will be waiting, each representing a different hotel.

 

Whether you are participating in Test And Go or Alternative Quarantine, after you find your hotel point of contact your name will be checked against a list. You are not allowed to leave that area without an escort.

CONCLUSION

I was surprised at how easy the arrival process was at Bangkok BKK. Arriving travelers were quickly and efficiently processed and I made it from the plane to the arrivals area in less than 15 minuets, which may be an all-time record for my many trips to Bangkok over the years.

I took these pictures on the way out – the airport is like a ghost town in the morning:

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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52 Comments

  1. Camille Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    Hey Matthew, great post. Thank you for sharing your experience. I have a question regarding PCR-RT test. I have a similar case next week, but I have two 25hr layovers in between, before landing in BKK. I was almost sure I’m gonna need to do quick test somewhere during my journey. Did he confirmed your test with his supervisor or he didn’t care that much and just let you go?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      No check with the supervisor was necessary. ANA checked me in London and combed though every detail, but determined the test was valid because it began less than 72 hours from my first point of departure to Thailand. I think there is some wiggle room, but I was ready to re-test in London if necessary. Thankfully, it was not necessary.

    • Helmut Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 9:52 pm

      PCR test is required for boarding the plane, and should not be more than 72 hours old at check in. There is no need to worry about the date/hour of the PCR test at arrival in Bangkok.

    • Harry Reply
      December 10, 2021 at 4:24 am

      Connections > 24h usually count as a stopover, rather than a transit. Better check with the airline upfront.

  2. Mitch Cumstein Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    When it comes to COVID theatre, this looks to be Shakespearean quality. Thailand is a beautiful country, but there are plenty of other amazing countries that don’t involve jumping through so many hoops. Hard pass for now.

    • Jan Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      Europe and maybe UAE/Qatar/a few middle east spots are the only realistic worry-free destinations for US travelers right now. Asia and Oceania is still in June 2020.

      • Pierre Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 3:17 pm

        No idea why countries, including the US,, are testing for a disease that is endemic in their native populations. Bizarre.

    • Pierre Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      LMAO, well said!

  3. derek Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    There are reports in the US that not an insignificant number of Covid-19 patients with the omicron variant were fully vaccinated and even had a booster. One woman was in her 20’s and healthy.

    Therefore, not traveling, eating out, and leaving the house should be reduced for the sake of yourself and others. For example, Matthew has small, unvaccinated children, who occasionally die from Covid-19. He also has parents that live in the area. Earlier, I supported Matthew for his travels because it provides a service to all. Now, I leave it up to him and hope he will exercise good judgment. Everyone should not be lulled into thinking “omicron doesn’t result in hospitalization” because the variant is too new to know.

    As for the trip report, so interesting!

    • cargocult Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      Any talk of “the children” comes from a mind crippled by fear and completely incognizant of relative risks. About 750 children have died with COVID-19 in the US, most with comorbidities. That is a fraction of the number who die in motor vehicle accidents. Do you let your children get in cars? Stop the insanity of safetyism.

      • Mitch Cumstein Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 8:02 pm

        It’s a good point, it boils down to poor risk management. Interesting stats I read: 66 kids age 5-11 died of COVID in the US from Oct 2020 – Oct 2021. Almost all of those had pre-existing medical issues. In the same time period 650 kids in that same age group died in car accidents, and 88 died of the flu.

        And remember there were no vaccines for that age group during the entire year period. So even an unvaccinated child is 10 times as likely to die in a car crash than die of COVID, yet nobody freaks out every time a kid rides in a car.

  4. pm Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    What’s the step by step for getting into Thailand now for vaccinated Americans? I heard that on December 15th the Thai government will ease restrictions further. I don’t know if that’s true though. I’d like to go in January.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      Please see this post:

      https://liveandletsfly.com/thailand-test-and-go-guide/

      We heard that on 16 Dec PCR testing and one-night quarantines would no longer be required (rapid antigen only), but that may change due to omicron.

      • pm Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 2:25 pm

        Damn omicron
        Thanks for the info *_*/

      • Mike1977 Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        Any further information on the end of one night quarantine with the implementation of a rapid test on December 16? I am arriving on December 19 and am hoping that is the case.

  5. Miamiorbust Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Did you even read any of this? Fill out a few forms. Go to hotel to sleep off jetlag and when you wake up the test result is returned and you leave. Have also done Test and Go at BKK. Thousand times less convoluted than UK and less burdensome than nearly any other country in Asia (at least for foreigners). Testing everyone on arrival is not theater and forcing everyone to have insurance is just common sense. Biggest issue for thailand is not the burden of getting in. Prepandemic most visitors were from other countries in Asia. That market has been cut dramatically given challenge to returning back to many countries in the region. Dealbreaker for many western travels shouldn’t be entry requirements. It is masks. Everyone wears them, even outside, and I don’t see evidence that’s changing anytime soon. So if you hate masks, you can write off most of Asia for many years to come.

  6. Mike Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    Thanks Matthew. Great post as always. The pics of those chairs dramatically demonstrates we are a long way from having COVID behind us.

    I have a team based in BKK and like you have transited BKK more times than I can count. For ground transportation to and from BKK I can highly recommend the AOT Limousine Cars. I have used them for years and they are always less expensive than the hotel car, easy to book with counters both inside and outside baggage claim, and there are several price points. English is spoken and if you book your return car when booking your outbound car there is a price break. Cars are clean, drivers in white uniformed shirts, water and hand wipes normally provided.

    The new train is also good, but not direct to most hotels.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks for the tip, Mike. I’ve used the train several times…not the quickest or easiest with a transfer required, but doable and cheap.

  7. Samsung Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    Yet 2 years ago you landed after a long flight give your fingerprints on a machine that had not been cleaned or sanitizer anywhere then the world got covid thank you bkk

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 3:06 pm

      Guess what? That hasn’t changed. Fingerprinting still exists and is not wiped between visitors.

      Good point.

  8. Batchcaloupe Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    Efficiency and Thailand are not usually at all synonymous.

    The Thai elite, we know who THAT means, are so overtly desperate to have the country open.

    I do have a question though what exactly does the proof of insurance entail and how did you show proof?? If you have some type of insurance plan here in the US of A, is it just matter of getting a letter or what??

    • Batchcaloupe Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 3:03 pm

      Matt, I read this article before I read the previous two. I still wonder if one can get a letter from ones insurance company here in the US of A….

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 3:05 pm

        I would think so, but for $15 it wasn’t worth the hold queue.

    • Jeremy Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      Yes, it’s as simple as that. A statement of coverage from your US provider showing at least the required amount of coverage and it must specifically say that any costs related to treatment of COVID-19 are covered.
      I have CIGNA travel coverage through my employer in the US and have used their statement of coverage with no issues when entering Thailand over the last 18 months (most recently 2 weeks ago).

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 7:38 pm

        Thanks for the datapoint!

      • Asad Reply
        December 10, 2021 at 11:59 pm

        Hello how are you do you have any worries or any long wait in thailand please tell me how is it for

  9. Batchcaloupe Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Well, that’s only for three days. I have connections with Thailand so when I go it between 3-6 weeks at a time.

  10. Randy Brant Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Greetings Matthew
    We’re you able to exchange currency & get a SIM card? In the past all was readily available in the baggage claim area?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 7:39 pm

      Still available, but most currency exchanges in town were closed. I’m going to do a post on this.

  11. Mark Beebe Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    I arrived last night from USA and can confirm Matt’s report. Very easy and painless. Only interesting thing for me was getting to Hyatt Place. The person who administered the test had full blown hazmat uniform with shield. Doesn’t she realize everyone she is testing has been vaccinated and just had negative covid test done? Talk about paranoid.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 7:38 pm

      Yes. Was probably the same woman. That part of the report is coming tomorrow.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 7:38 pm

      Yes, we probably had the same woman. Total overkill. I’ll cover that part of the trip tomorrow.

      • Mitch Cumstein Reply
        December 9, 2021 at 8:29 pm

        If you want to be in the play, then you have to dress the part.

        • Sandy kelly Reply
          December 11, 2021 at 11:34 am

          Ok this made me laugh, but, to be fair, the vax isn’t as widely available as it is here in the states. And a majority of the vax available is the Chinese one, so to be fair, yes, it’s over kill but possibly she or her family might not have been vaxed or she got the Chinese one…

    • James Herd Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 10:56 pm

      Definitely agree Mark.
      I arrived at my hotel and confined to my room. At 3.00pm I was called downstairs passed many other guests, all wearing masks, to a Nurse in a Hazmat suit and Double face mask. Even though I was negative in London 48hrs ago, back to room confined until cleared at 01.00am!!
      A bit O. T T.
      In reply to previous comments, I think the Antigen tests are cancelled because of new STRAIN. Still Test and Go with PCR.

    • Asad Reply
      December 11, 2021 at 12:00 am

      Hello how are you do you have any worries or any long wait in thailand please tell me how is it for pir sahib

  12. cargocult Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 7:45 pm

    Do you need hardcopies of all the documents?

  13. April S Chu Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    Thanks for Sharing Matt – I just sent this to a coworker who is traveling to Thailand bc her dad is sick. I am curious why didn’t you book a direct flight to Thailand? or are you doing to get miles ? Apologies if you already explain in a previous post.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Hi April, I explain my routing choice here:

      https://liveandletsfly.com/bangkok-l-1011-trip/

  14. Dave Edwards Reply
    December 9, 2021 at 10:25 pm

    In response to your earlier comments on my “fixation” on the fact that the sex trade is a major source of tourism dollars for Thailand.

    It seems you are ok with Thailand being the world leader in children being made available to perverts since they are a “cheap” place to visit. Tell me, what hotel, food and other experiences are there that you can’t experience elsewhere in the world? Your promotion of this country is embarrassing for someone of your stature. You have no business dealings there so every trip you take, and article you write about the place is showing your acceptance of their refusal to deal with the problem.

    Honestly I think you are better than this. And I’ll never apologize being “fixated” on pointing out a place in 2021 where tourists can rent children of almost any age for sex.

    • stuart r Reply
      December 9, 2021 at 11:11 pm

      Thailand is a great economy and is more diversified than the sex trade.

      Go there for yourself and see if you have different experiences. I have heard a lot of good things about the place.

    • Fonzi Reply
      December 10, 2021 at 1:29 am

      Obviously ypu going on the sex trade crusade as in every Mathew post abput Thailand you wrote these things. The children sextrade country is Cambodia btw which is trying to fight against pervert. And when you asl about what food you cannot get in other country it shows me like you never been there.Otherwise you would know the things do not taste the same outsode of Thailand. One of the reason i very rarely go to Thai rest abroad.

    • Batchcaloupe Reply
      December 10, 2021 at 8:11 am

      The man doth protest too much, methinks. Fanzine is totally right in that Cambodia is a haven for pedophiles. Even before COVID-19 it was much poorer than Thailand and lawless to boot.

      I would argue there is more underage sex trafficking and, in general, sex trafficking here in the USA than there is in Thailand. In Thailand things are mostly above board in the sex business. Pimps are pretty much unheard of. Although prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, it’s out in the open. Authorities turn a blind eye to it partially because the elites make money off of it.

      Let’s take a look in our own backyard first regarding exploitation in the second trade. I would argue it’s much worse here than in Thailand.

      • Dave Edwards Reply
        December 10, 2021 at 8:52 am

        I’m thinking you guys were all fine with visiting South Africa in the 80’s as well. At some point people have to stand up and stop making excuses like it’s cheap and the food is good to justify visiting the place. Kids are being openly exploited and there are travel companies specifically running trips there for it.

        And no, if Cambodia is worse it doesn’t justify it.

        • Batchcaloupe Reply
          December 10, 2021 at 12:57 pm

          Really?? What companies specifically in this day and age are organizing trips to Thailand in order to procure underage prostitutes?

          The incidents of sex trafficked minors are more numerous in the USA I would hazard a guess.

    • Love my Thai Reply
      December 10, 2021 at 9:11 am

      You sir are a moron.

  15. Kim Jorgensen Reply
    December 10, 2021 at 6:56 am

    Absolutely. My Thai wife and I returned to Bangkok 4 weeks ago and we were completely floored how smooth everything went. Immigration officers etc were meeting us before the counters to guide us to the nearest empty one and trolleys were lined up next to the baggage conveyor belts. Why was it not always like that…..

    • cargocult Reply
      December 10, 2021 at 8:27 pm

      Were digital versions of all the documentation fine for the border agents?

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        December 10, 2021 at 9:36 pm

        Yes.

  16. William Reply
    December 10, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    How do I get my phone Sim card? I have always gone directly to dtac and changed from my USA sim and either renewed or got a new one. Will the hotel let me renew/change my sim card?

  17. Terry Hooper Reply
    December 11, 2021 at 7:45 am

    I had the same experience at Bangkok, so efficient and safe. Coming back to Melbourne was so different, everybody herded into one congested line.

  18. David rubenstein Reply
    December 13, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    I have visited Thailand for over 30 yrs. I’m older with some medical issues (diabetic). Many Thai people are scared of the vaccines and will not take them,, which may increase community transmissions. The WHO is saying older people over 60 with medical issues should not travel where their is high community transmissions. Thailand is at
    T a 71% vaccination level. I am cancelling my flight this year with a heavy heart. I am terrified of COVID-19

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