Suvarnabhumi hates "Dang Dao".

[escpncanuk]

I was recently in Thailand. I entered on Feb 03/11. I had very little problems at the immigration when entering or leaving. A good friend had told me what to expect, and how to respond and act.

1) That wait times could be expected.

2) That officials could be grouchy or even rude.

3) That a simple greeting of "Sawadi Khrap" would be a polite thing to say.

4) That my responses should be simple and clear, and when prompted as to my intentions, I should be clear and state " I hope to be a guest in the Kingdom of Thailand."

I can see how some people might have had some problems. I am glad that I have not (yet at least).

[dutchboy]

I am a "dang dao" and have usually very little problems in or out of Thailand when it comes to immigration officers.

Of course you can always catch one that woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but I guess that can happen to anybody.

Based on overall experience I can't say that they are more or less rude than in other countries. Actually in the time I was working (legally) in the U.S. I felt more scrutinized at immigration there than here in Thailand.

[plakapong]

I have had both good and bad experiences at Savarnabumi. More Bad than good.
I speak Thai Fluently and usually address the officials in "polite" Thai, Garoona, Krap Khun Mok.
Krap, Krap etc.
I know its a boring job, but its a cushy job for a Thai. I hope they remember the old adage,"you never get a second chance
to make good impression".

[surinfarm]

I landed at Thailands International Airport was was treated very badly by the immigration official. I made a small mistake on my entry card and the guy was outraged.
I kept my cool even though this rude person treated me in a most disrespectful manner. I felt he was egging me on to start a fight..
I had just been to the Thai Consulate in Laos and was also treated in a disrespectful manner by a staff member there too.
Land of Smiles?
Don't think so.
Just for the record, I am not a drunk or slob. I always am polite and well mannered.
The treatment by Thai Officials is shocking.

The general character traits that can be displayed by those whom find themselves in a role of officialdom, quasi-officialdom, and authority {wannabe or not} stems from a natural class insecurity - most distinctly manifest from a social order the derives from traditional class order and hierarchy. It's a feel good factor.

[chazthai]

Does Suvanabhumi exist for the convenience of travelers or for the workers? I returned yesterday from a trip out of the country and went to the usual Express Shuttle Bus stop outside of doors 9 and 10, where there are signs in English. After waiting almost 25 minutes and still no bus (and no place to sit), I walked up a bit and asked some fellows why no shuttle bus?
They laughed and said it was now at door 5! (Remember, the sign and arrow is still at doors 9-10). I walked up there, and sure enough there was another shuttle bus sign and arrow pointing to the roadway. Talking to the men there produced more laughs and the information that the shuttle now travels on the INNER lane, not on the sidewalk lane. Also, there are barriers at the crossover points and still no place to sit....

Finally a shuttle came, and I noticed that at least 95% of the users were Thai airport employees..no baggage, and they took up all the seats. I am 73, and no one offered me a seat. Upon reaching the bus terminal I had to deal with a bored, disinterested ticket seller who spoke no English. The ticket said "15:00" and I know that my van uses Gate 4, so I waited there. Now, at the waiting dock there are 18 - count 'em - 18 airconditioners belching hot exhaust into the waiting area. The temperature must have been about 37. 15:00 came and went, no van, but it finally showed up almost 30 minutes late, and AT THE WRONG GATE.
Also, it was already full with airport employees, and I became the 15th unwilling passenger! Of course, there is NO PLACE for luggage.

Now, my recent past experiences tell me that the van service is increasingly unreliable and totally unresponsive to the needs of travelers. The last time I used the van it was not only an hour late, but then it circled the airport TWICE to pick up more passengers at Arrivals and Departures!

Is there a solution to this situation, or it is another Thai mai pen rai situation. I just returned from Singapore, and what a difference! Does the Airport Authority control the vans, or are they outside contractors? To whom should I complain? I am not one of those persons who just shrugs his shoulders and forgets....

[critical]

I guess I'm one of the lucky one's who has never encountered a problem at the airports or with the immigration staff. On the contrary, they are always polite and some even ask "how are you?" (especially the female officers). I'm not joking! But then again I always give my passport at the immigration counter and say sawadi krub with a

[surinfarm]

Oh well...
MAI PHEN LAI