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Answered10 months ago

Can seniors over 60 bypass immigration queues in Thailand?

THIM and TDAC notice
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Stephen ********
asked Dec 31, 2025
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Just a update on previous post I asked can you jump que with visa and over 60 years old answer is no .

Come through immigration last night 19.30 took 1 hour 20 min.

Make sure all your paperwork is correct return tickets etc. Seen a lot of people getting turned around .and Immigration officers taking people away .
Answer summary
A recent update indicates that travelers over 60 cannot skip the immigration queue in Thailand, as the age requirement for Fast Track services is set at 70 years or older. Reports from various travelers highlight the importance of having correct paperwork, such as return tickets and arrival cards, to avoid being turned away. Several users shared their personal experiences, with some able to use the Thai counter due to ties with Thai nationals, which expedited their processing times. Discussions emphasized the need to fill out the required TDAC form before arrival to minimize delays. Travelers have noted diverse experiences, from long wait times to utilizing priority lanes through special conditions.
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Mark *******
Mark *******
Couldn't agree more Ed! Much of it is uninformed crap! 😂
Ed ********
Ed ********
I was at Bkk at 8pm on December 31 Small lines and for me on fast track 10 minutes tops Regular lines were short to non existent Be careful what yoy believe on FB
Neville **********
Neville **********
Travel business class and you go through Thai section
Michael *********
Michael *********
Another perk of being married to a Thai national I get to go thru their line, ten minutes tops, sometimes less than that.
Steven ********
Steven ********
To all travelers to Swampy please remember that there are two arrival halls, on occasions where the first was so crowded. I walked down to the next hall which was empty
Mike *******
Mike *******
It’s a total joke if you are Indian or Chinese you have priority and free visa

But western English Europe

Treated like sheep disgusting no wonder so many of us are choosing Vietnam and other Asian countries to visit. After the 5 th January it will be low season in Thailand early as so many of us will have to leave due to the new 97 day visa rule for western tourists
Allen ******
Allen ******
Indian and chinese line up like the rest of us.
Willy *******
Willy *******
@Mike ******
New 97 day visa rule? No idea what you're talking about
Adam ******
Adam ******
Get to the back young 'un. 70+ and/or a Thai wife is the way to travel. 😆
Mountain ******************
Mountain ******************
yes you can over 60 i go though side done it for years im 73
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
@Mountain *****************
Over 70. The sign outside that lane says so.
Jeffrey *********
Jeffrey *********
Need be 70
Barrie *********
Barrie *********
if you can its much easier to arrive at Don Muang or phuket or another airport to avoid such waiting ...landed at Don Muang last year i was through in less than a minute
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
@Barrie ********
But their immigration appears more severe.
Barrie *********
Barrie *********
Travis *******
Travis *******
Life hack, bring a baby. You get put in the fast track line.

The more you know 🌈⭐
Peter ***********
Peter ***********
Im on my 6 th visit in the year no problem thru the Apec lane.. I did apply for an evisa however I was processed then she said you have a visa,can I have a look lol. Just to add the days.
Harvey *******
Harvey *******
You would have thought by the year 2026, they would have come up with an area for automatic gates for the long term residents that have already been vetted, have provided a book of evidence to fulfill resident requirements and chucked 800k in the local bank, some even with expensive properties in the country!!

It's not rocket science ! 🚀
Mike ******
Mike ******
Very true - they could even cut down on the number of times you need to submit a small forest of paper several times a year at Immigration Offices across the country - they have the data on their computers but insist you resubmit. I don't think it's stupidity so it must be a power thing.
Harvey *******
Harvey *******
@Mike *****
very true and for sure'
Gianpaolo ******
Gianpaolo ******
1 hour and 20 minutes... you were more than lucky! In Vietnam, with the same number of people, you would have celebrated the New Year at the airport😂😂😂
Pattaya ****
Pattaya ****
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nick *********
Nick *********
‘IO taking people away.’

Talk about scaremongering. 🙄
Sue **********
Sue **********
I alway book the fast lane+lounge in advance if flying economy. Its worth 30 bucks
Steven ********************
Steven ********************
Use wheelchair attendant then it’s priority lane I did
John *********
John *********
@Steven *******************
were you in a wheelchair?
Steven ********************
Steven ********************
Yep the attendant approach me as I looked old 64 lol paid 50thb straight thru
Lucas **********
Lucas **********
Bullshit .. thats a small line , no where near 1 hour and most get turned away for not having there arrival card done...
Jim *******
Jim *******
@Lucas *********
TDAC arrival cards before Immigration , July 2025, October 2025, Souvarnabhumi airport had 3-4-5 kiosks to fill it in. No more than 3 people queuing. For those who had not filled in. No drama.
Jerry ******
Jerry ******
Always seems busy
Kenny ******************
Kenny ******************
They normally direct senior citizens to the priority lane. I am 72 and of course look to be over 60. Maybe you look to be much younger than 60?
John **********
John **********
70 year old then you can use the faster lanes
James ******
James ******
I came in 2 hours after that and went through the whole process in 10 minutes
Kike *******
Kike *******
You don't need a return ticket
Jonnie *******
Jonnie *******
Not sure if your response to me or not, but I don’t need a return ticket but that’s irrelevant?
Jonnie *******
Jonnie *******
I can use the fast track going the other way when exiting but exit queues generally been minimal on the 5 exits I’ve had this year, but returning haven’t yet been permitted to use it
Greg ***********
Greg ***********
I always approach the Fast Track Lane on a walking stick, I will be limping a bit, I got a 1-year extension retirement and I was never refused to use the Fast Track
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
@Greg **********
I was limping after a long flight and I was invited into the fast track.
Elías ********
Elías ********
Don't ask, don't tell haha 😂 Specially if you look "old enough".
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
@Elías *******
They checked my passport.
Mike ******
Mike ******
I've always used the Thai channels by saying 'guerre lao' (rhymes with 'where now'.) In reply to the ridiculous and pointless TDAC supporters, it took me over an hour to fill it in on a small phone with a slow internet connection in Spain. It only allowed me to proceed to the next page after I entered a fictitious UK telephone number which shows what a waste of time & resources it is.
THAI ******************************
THAI ******************************
@Mike *****
If you are experiencing connectivity issues, you can use our application form here:

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It is completely free when submitted within 72 hours of your arrival date, the same as the official government form.

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Laurence **********
Laurence **********
I've seen many many under 70 in the seniors line. Turned around for what? Stop taking photos which is frowned upon and live your life without telling us crap like this.
Farang *********
Farang *********
@Laurence *********
agreed. But if you are not 70 walking into that office is like walking in to the Lions den.
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
Over 70s can use the priority queue.
Marvin *****
Marvin *****
@Ralph ******
a TikTok video indicated that anyone can use the priority line for a fee. I couldn’t find the queue though. Does anyone know if that s true?
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Marvin ****
you pre-book not queue
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Marvin ****
many agencies do it
Marvin *****
Marvin *****
@Graham *****
pre book for priority? How is that done? TIA
Ralph *******
Ralph *******
@Marvin ****
Yes. For a fee.
Mari *************
Mari *************
Colin *********
Colin *********
So many irresponsible foreigners telling people in groups like this, that the TDAC can be filled in at the airport upon arrival! This is obviously adding considerable time queueing when arriving in Thailand airports.

Do the TDAC BEFORE your flight, it's not too hard. You don't need to answer questions with a red asterisk (*), as they're not compulsory. This can be done UP TO 72 hours before arrival in Thailand. Make it easier for yourself and other people.
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
OP
I had every thing trying to

advise maybe future problems

At immigration
Frankie *****
Frankie *****
@Colin ********
finally someone advised correctly 👍
Rusty ******
Rusty ******
you can complete the TDAC on arrival. You're not "in Thailand" until you clear immigration and customs. Given the wait is so long will give you something to do while waiting in-line. Obviously you need an internet connection.
Colin *********
Colin *********
@Rusty *****
ohh for goodness sake another goose telling people to fill it in after the plane arrives - have you not read some of the recent posts about people taken out of the queue to go through Immigration Control at the airport because they hadn't completed the TDAC before they boarded the plane? This problem means that Airport staff are having to do work that they shouldn't have to do, rather than the work that they should be doing. It should be completed BEFORE boarding the plane, thus causing less headaches for everyone.
Rusty ******
Rusty ******
@Co***
I'm not telling people to complete after arrival, I'm saying if you haven't done it prior you can do it on arrival and if the queues are long it will kill time. Your the f**ing goose!

Haters gotta hate!
John *********
John *********
@Colin ********
They really should all be hauled off to a short spell in the Bangkok Hilton for causing unnecessary delays to other prepared tourists. They are mostly law breakers, drinkers, druggies etc who suddenly realise this is Thailand not woke Britain
Richie *******
Richie *******
@John ********
Pathetic comment
CreativeRa**********
CreativeRa**********
@John ********
Why not straight to the gas chambers? What a stupid statement, classifying innocent people as law breakers/druggies, etc just because they don’t know about constantly changing laws and visa requirements in Thailand. 🙄🤯 For the record - I travel to Thailand every year for 90 days, don’t fall into any of your labels and simply didn’t know about the TDAC this time. Judging by your ridiculous comment, I should be hauled to Hilton or possibly handcuffed and arrested for being oblivious to yet another entry change? Have a miserable New Year and learn to be reasonable before throwing insults…. 🖕
Colin *********
Colin *********
CreativeRambutan3444 yeah, John's comment was over the top, but you're a member of this group and a regular visitor to Thailand and didn't see any mention of the TDAC? I would have thought that someone who's a regular visitor would keep themselves up to date with and changes that may affect visitors to Thailand 🤔
John *********
John *********
CreativeRambutan3444 seriously for a person that visits once a year for 90 days, you didn’t bother to check, the TDAC has been widely publicised and across all social media forums for ages. Also Thai authorities are known for changing the rules of entry on a regular basis, especially for border run travellers etc. they may revert from 60 days to 30 days for tourist visa exemption but no further news yet. You need to regularly check
Alan **********
Alan **********
Buy an elite visa that’s the only way to avoid queuing
Andreas *********
Andreas *********
@Alan *********
I approach the Fast Track Lane on a walking stick, I will be limping a bit, I got a 1-year extension retirement and I was never refused to use the Fast Track
John *********
John *********
@Andreas ********
not that old trick 🙈😅
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Alan *********
I've been through 7 times and the longest was 10 minutes. Shortest 2 minutes. Hardly worth the expense of an elite Visa. Granted it might be a bit busier at this time of year but still would rather que than waste so much money.
Marty *********
Marty *********
LTR can use Fast Track too
Alan **********
Alan **********
@Nick ***********
i understand but we all have different budgets,good luck
Alan **********
Alan **********
@Nick ***********
if you live in Thailand it can be worth it
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Alan *********
i do live in Thailand and I have yet to discover anything that makes the elite visa worth the money. Even getting my extension of stay only takes about an hour for 1900 baht.
Larry ***************
Larry ***************
I was told years ago if you have a one-year retirement extension or business extension of one year you can use the thai arrival at immigration. I never knew this and it saved me a ton of time on occasion
Clint *********
Clint *********
That's funny you say that, I paid the for the fast track, $30 on Agoda, I just asked where the fast track was and they just kept pointing me there, I didn't meet anyone, I didn't show my voucher, I just walked all the way up to the priority lanes, asked again, and they pointed, no checks no questions and I was the fourth person in line and it looks like this, an hour and a half long. Next time I'm not going to pay for it I'm just going to do the same thing Where's the fast track lane.
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
you need to be over 70 years old if you want to use the fast track for seniors
Pertti **********
Pertti **********
Fast Track: Long Stay Visa also.

How about the spouse of 70+ ?
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
@Pertti *********
good question
Mari *************
Mari *************
Mick *******
Mick *******
Morning, I just arrived at the airport, from landing to getting my suitcase 65 minutes, and it's was busy, seen a couple of people's got turn away probably because of visa
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Mick ******
probably TDAC not visa related
John *********
John *********
@Mick ******
what do you mean by turned away, not denied entry into the Kingdom, just hadn’t bothered to complete a simple online tdac🤷🏾‍♀️
Christian ********
Christian ********
@John ********
some of them make it wrong.
Dean *******
Dean *******
I was allowed to come through thai passport with my wife 2 mins
Tania **********
Tania **********
@Dean ******
😅😂 WHY , tell us WHY people have to say they have thai partners… the OP talk about other things !!
Ly ******
Ly ******
I travel without my Thai wife, but I have our marriage licence with me. Any idea I would be allowed trough?
Dean *******
Dean *******
Sven ********
Sven ********
Gianpaolo ******
Gianpaolo ******
Every year for me same same 😂😂😂
Christian ********
Christian ********
@Dean ******
me too. Thats one of the few privilages you have.
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
@Dean ******
yeah one reason to have a Thai Wife I done exactly the same came through the Thai section being my 17-year-old son and my wife🤣
John *********
John *********
@Dean ******
yes it’s an exclusive club😇
John *******
John *******
You need to do the digital DTAC
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
@John ******
TDAC . . . DTAC is the mobile phone provider
John *******
John *******
@Nongnuch *******
sorry selective texting
Christian ********
Christian ********
Many get turned arround because no arrival card. so fill in and que again. I was lucky because my thai wife ask if i can queue at the thai counter. It was ok. No person at the thai counter. I was the only one.
Suchada ***************
Suchada ***************
@Christian *******
I didn't know that. I lined up in Thai line and my husband went to foreigner line. Next time I will do that.
Tania **********
Tania **********
@Christian *******
Why mention thai partners to show up ? what ?

keep your privacy !
Christian ********
Christian ********
@Tania *********
my wife was with me. I did not have to mention here.
Tania **********
Tania **********
@Christian *******
Who CARES ??
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Christian *******
Travelling with Thai family always means you can use the Thai lanes
Christian ********
Christian ********
Simon *******
Simon *******
I arrived yesterday at 1600hrs and it was busy - took 25 minutes to get through
Mick *****
Mick *****
@Simon ******
The Flight from Sydney generally gets in around that time and it seems to be the best time of the day to arrive. I reckon in 20 odd entries it's never taken me more than 20 minutes.
Sue **********
Sue **********
@Simon ******
you were lucky then, back november arrived 13.30 h from vietnam and took us 1,5 hours!!
Jonathan ******
Jonathan ******
Mari *************
Mari *************
@Simon ******
we arrived yesterday at 11:00. 3 minutes to pass passport control
Davey ********
Davey ********
See nothing has changed in the last 20 odd years at the airport 😇😇😇
Russ ***********
Russ ***********
So sad…

What’s “a lot of people”.

Were they flatly refused or taken to another area for more questioning?
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
OP
@Russ **********
other immigration officers taking away people with no tdac sent to back of que ..

Ask me 101 questions with visa
Gary ********
Gary ********
@Stephen *******
return ticket not required with a non-O
Gary ********
Gary ********
@Doug ******
who knows mate ? 🤦🏼‍♂️

Onward ticket to accommodation fair enough but flight ticket home definitely not required. Airline may ask on outbound but show them the visa and you’re good to go
Doug *******
Doug *******
@Gary *******
That’s my understanding so why is he saying he had to show “tickets for home in three months”?
Doug *******
Doug *******
@Stephen *******
Exactly what type of visa did you have? A non O should not require return ticket info, right?
Paul ***************
Paul ***************
@Stephen *******
that's really strange and makes no sense !!
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
OP
@Marcin ******
allways carry paper tickets
Marcin *******
Marcin *******
@Stephen *******
What the actual fuck ? Did you just show them the ticket on the phone ? what did they do with it ?
Sue **********
Sue **********
@Stephen *******
Well that is absolutely new! Normally it's not the immi asking for a return or outbound ticket but the airline you board on to.
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
OP
@Doug ******
non o visa. wanted to see tickets to get khon kaen where my wife is and where I told visa office I was staying ..and tickets for home in 3 months .
Jeremy ***********
Jeremy ***********
@Russ **********
probably unfiled TDAC. if u havent filled it out you go to the back of the line or a little cordened off area to fill it out.
Mitchell *******
Mitchell *******
@Jeremy **********
I saw that a few times on Sunday.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
The age for Fast Track has always been 70+
Chris ********
Chris ********
@Brandon ***********
I have always understood that fast track was for business class passengers is that true or not
Chris ********
Chris ********
@Brandon ***********
ok me and my Thai wife both have Australian passports can we go through the Thai customs area?
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Chris *******
not unless she's using a Thai passport. If she's trying to enter with an Australian passport then she's Australian, not Thai.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Chris *******
business class passengers do have an express lane, but it's no longer through the fast track area
Genevieve ************
Genevieve ************
@Brandon ***********
thanks for posting the photo. A young staff member gently chastized me last time I entered for not using the fast lane , now I know what to look for. I've just turned 78.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Genevieve ***********
This is a pretty old photo. The Fast Track entrance looks completely different now and they've added different express lanes to the side of regular immigration. I'm not sure which line 70+ is supposed to use nowadays.
Brad ***********
Brad ***********
@Brandon ***********
at the bottom of sign on left it says mice or are my eyes playing up lol
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Brad **********
MICE = Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions

Basically a BOI special category. I know people that majored in MICE.
Brad ***********
Brad ***********
@Brandon ***********
lol thanks I thought it was strange. I was going to identify as a mouse 🐀 lol thanks
Jeff ********
Jeff ********
@Brandon ***********
Business class? And mice?
Sue **********
Sue **********
@Jeff *******
MICE = Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Jeff *******
business class has a separate line along the side of the main immigration area. Look for the Thai citizens line and ask there
Sander **********
Sander **********
@Brandon ***********
Can I also use this If I travel with my 70 year old dad?
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Sander *********
not sure. It's possible but you'd need to ask at the entrance.
Ozan *******
Ozan *******
@Brandon ***********
before month fast track 2000 baht ,now 4000 baht
Peter **********
Peter **********
Has to be some benefits to getting old

Wish you a Happy New Year and a thank you 🙏 for your excellent immigration advice and guidance over many years

Brandon Thurkettle
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
OP
@Brandon ***********
thought i would try my luck
Peter ********
Peter ********
Come back in 10 years 😂
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Stephen *******
No loss in trying I suppose
Wayne *********
Wayne *********
@Brandon ***********
I will try it in February and update you :)

According to AI they do.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@Wayne ********
not that I know of
Wayne *********
Wayne *********
@Brandon ***********
Do they treat OX visa as long stay ?

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