Answered8 years ago
Can Expats with a Retirement Visa Use the Thai Immigration Line at Suvarnabhumi Airport?
I flew into Suvarnabhumi yesterday and Thai Airways showed a video about arrival procedures. It stated that Thais and Foreigners living permanently in Thailand should use the Thai passport line. I showed the girl my Retirement Extension of stay and she said I could use the Thai line. I think this is new?
Answer summary
The post discusses whether expats with a Retirement Extension can use the Thai immigration line at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The author reports being allowed to use the Thai line, based on their Retirement Extension status, but seeks clarity if this practice is new or widely accepted. The comments highlight mixed experiences and perceptions about the immigration processes for foreigners. Some users report using the Thai line without issues, while others emphasize the importance of understanding local rules and practices regarding immigration queuing.
38 repliesnewest first
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Tod *********
and on that note we're done.
I'll caution everyone to play nice in the sand box or you'll be invited leave the playground ;)
I'll caution everyone to play nice in the sand box or you'll be invited leave the playground ;)
Kari ********
LOL! So I am blocked for following rules?! Great advice in this group! 😂😂😂
Matt *************
@Kari *******
blocked.Up to you whether you want to take advice Kari. You keep joining the foreigner queue. You need to understand how Thais think and act in situations like this.
I NEVER join the farang line and go to a manned station.
Matt *************
That's right,
Instinctively foreigners follow rules, Thais have a stronger sense of doing what they can get away with.
@Jay *****
If @Kari *******
had joined the "pregnant" line, they would have processed his entry. He would not have had to be pregnant!!!Instinctively foreigners follow rules, Thais have a stronger sense of doing what they can get away with.
Matt *************
You should have joined one of the two manned stations. Asking the question, you were bound to get a negative answer.
Kari ********
@Jay *****
I showed him my Thai work permit.
Jason ******
He probably thought "wtf is an expat you're still a foreigner"
Kari ********
The two manned stations were for handicapped, pregnant or family with infants.
Kari ********
Update: I arrived at Swampy yesterday and was disappointed that the Thai line is now just automated machines. They had 2 manned stations for handicapped, pregnant women, etc. I even asked an officer there that if I am an expat, do I have to queue in the foreigner line and he said yes and pointed it out to me.
Cholticha **********
Even my husband can use a thai passport line , he had Non-O 🙂
Noel *************
I always go through the Thai queue behind my wife and they never say anything.
Pui *****
OK Wow, didn't know that! WP with non-B visa will work for Thai line?
Craig ********
I always use the Thai line just show my work permit with passport
Jung *********
If it's true. U've just save thousands miserable lives.
Is it really works?
Is it really works?
Rob **********
I have always used the Thai queue. I am a British passport holder but I usually travel with my daughter who holds a Thai passport. Never had an issue at airports or borders.
Paul *********
I always use the Thai line
Paul *********
Both with tourist & non-o visa with my wife
Patricia **********
F
Michael ********
I am going to the states in sept. I will give it a try. Hopefully we have some proof of procedure before then. Maybe its best to just be a farang.
Matt *************
No. I regularly do it
Jason ******
How's about Foreigners living permanently on Tourist Visa. Would showing my property leasing agreement work?
Steven ***********
Ha ha ha
Daniel ******
🧐
Daniel ************
i asked them some weeks ago - as the automatic machines state that as well - its for Singaporeans right now only ....
Rus ******
You need to be a permanent resident. The new stamp says Non-res for those with work visas and such. I am still lining up for the regular passport control.
Rus ******
Barry ***********
Then you will have to continue to line up in the normal immigration line
Rus ******
@Barry **********
, i am not old enough :(Barry ***********
If you have a retirement extension you can line up next to the Thai line
Tom **********
@Rus *****
I see :(Rus ******
@Tom ****
they have their own definition. You will waste your time trying to argue your point with them.Tom **********
Really? Then they clearly didn't understand the definition of residency.
Stephen *******
OPIt says aliens residing in Thailand can use the Thai automatic channels.
Stephen *******
OPHere's the video. See at the 3.00 minute mark.
****************************
Robert ********
I know someone who recently did this and they had to show their boarding pass to the I/O....he was under the impression it was an arrangement exclusive to TG.
Tod *********
Thanx, still good to know (y) (if it's true ;) )
Stephen *******
OPSorry but I flew business and used the priority line. But she assured me next time if not on business it would be ok. Sorry I can't confirm.
Tod *********
Oh that's good to know (y) did you use that queue and it worked okay?
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