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How long does it take to go through immigration and customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport during a 6 PM arrival?

Suvarnabhumi AirportImmigration ProcessCustoms ClearanceTravel TipsConnecting FlightsThailand VisaExpat Advice
May 23, 2025
2 days ago
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How long does it take to get through immigration and customs, without picking luggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport arriving at 6pm?

*update on my question*

The reason I'm asking this question, is because I have an international connecting flight 4 hours after landing, the connecting flight is not with the same airline. I have to check out and then check in with the other airline. That's why I asked if I gave myself enough time, to go through immigration and customs and then reach the check in desk at the same airport with the other airline.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The amount of time it takes to clear immigration and customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport after arriving at 6 PM varies significantly. Most responses indicate a range of about 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on factors like the number of incoming flights, the time of day, and the efficiency of immigration staff. A typical estimate is between 30 to 45 minutes, but it can be quicker for those without checked luggage, and those who can use expedited lines.
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Colin *******
1 hr
11 hours ago
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Colin *******
Good luck
10 hours ago
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Colin *******
appox
11 hours ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ******
 thanks for the information
10 hours ago
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Colin *******
@Steve ******
 Just depends on the line up, could be less
10 hours ago
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Colin *******
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Michael ***************
Not tried it since dtac introduced but normally takes me about
*****
minutes
17 hours ago
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Phil *******
I had no problem, walked thru and out...
18 hours ago
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Johny ******
I'm not having that 🙏🙏 plse tell some plonker didn't actually ask this question 🤣🤣
19 hours ago
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James ********
You must be dieing for boom boom
a day ago
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Howard ********
If you are handicap take longer
a day ago
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Bill *******
@Howard *******
 There is a special line for people over 70, or in wheel chairs, or with disabilities. I have used it in the passed and it took a lot less time than the regular line. At 1 point, they were telling people from the regular line to go to the handicapped line because it wasn’t very crowded. But like anything, it will vary from time to time…
a day ago
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Bill *******
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Erhan *******
a.h.
a day ago
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Dave *********
How deep is a lake?
a day ago
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Michael *******
It's not that bad. Just take your time. You could be first out you could be last out. Enjoy it
a day ago
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Henrik *****
Nobody can say, there are to many variables.
a day ago
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MD *******
Depends on how many flights arrive close to 6pm.
a day ago
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Phil ********
Minutes now.
a day ago
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Brett *********
Dress older. Walk up to immigration dragging your suitcase with a limp. Fast lane hack. Thank me later. Hint: if you don't have grey hair wear a hat....
a day ago
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Tom ****
27 hours
a day ago
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Kathleen ********
Took us 10 mins tops - but we were in the front of the plane and walked quickly once off board.
2 days ago
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Alan *****
Depends on what time of year. Around this time you’ll be through in no time
2 days ago
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Andy ***********
if you happen to be over 65, you can use the express priority lane, which is to the far right as you approach the passport windows. Works like a charm! basically five minutes and you're through
2 days ago
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Bill *******
New system in place, scan QR code, enter information, get a confirmation, stand in line wait…last Wednesday, I came through about midnight, the line was moderate. About 5 minutes later, the line swelled as many more passengers arrived. I waited in line maybe 20 minutes or so, long enough for my Thai wife to go through the Thai line, collect our bags and wait for me… Honestly, the new system does not seem much/any faster…
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Brian **********
@Bill ******
 If you’re travelling with your Thai wife, you can go through the Thai line with her.
a day ago
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Bill *******
@Brian *********
 ok I will check next time we go through.
a day ago
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Bill *******
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Jeffrey *****
Depends how many people in front of you in immigration didn't do their TDAC online. That will slow things down quite a bit.
2 days ago
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Jay *******
Typically 20 minutes
2 days ago
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Jeremy ******
I’d say your best chance at success is to get off the plane as quickly as possible and stay ahead of the crowd. However, you can’t control other planes that have arrived.
2 days ago
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Mark ********
Wait till I get my piece of string out!
2 days ago
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Chris *********
With elite it's a 4 minute golf cart to immigration 5 minutes and straight into a waiting limo
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ********
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Geoff ********
2 TOO 3 hours
2 days ago
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Cesar *******
The longest time -in my experience- is walking from the airplane door to immigration. The queue time may vary from 1 to 10 min.
2 days ago
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Colten *******
If you want the best idea of time.

Go to suvarnabhumi arrivals online and see how many international flights are arriving within a 10-15 minute range before yours is also arriving.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colten ******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Gordon *******
It's not particularly the wait in Immigration it's the walk from the plane to Immigration which takes the time
2 days ago
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Kerry *******
5-10 minutes if you go through Thai passport holders with a Thai wife
2 days ago
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Richie *******
For me normally around
*****
minutes
2 days ago
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SH *****
2 hours
2 days ago
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Dennis **********
All depends on how many other planes land at the same time, I arrived 10pm and it took longer to get to immigration then go through it , dont offer the dtac if they don't ask as its on the computer as soon as they scan your passport
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dennis *********
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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James ******
how many flights arrived at 6 PM?
2 days ago
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Mark ********
For me five minutes! I’m over 65 and have a re-entry permit. There’s a special line for senior citizens. If you’re over sixty they pull you aside and let you go to a different window that expedites the process. So anywhere between five minutes and two hours depending on amount of arrivals and your personal situation.
2 days ago
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Jonnie *******
@Mark *******
 wow, been in/out almost monthly for 16-17 years and wasn’t aware of that, and never pulled over, mind you just last couple years since over 60, maybe because I’m still looking a Hansum man and don’t look 60 even though I bloody feel it,,, 😆

I guess not so relevant now as before since on my recent entries there’s never been more than 3-5 people in front of me at the immigration booth.
2 days ago
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Mark ********
@Jonnie ******
 wow, I guess the limping has paid off the last five years !! Haha 😆
2 days ago
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Jonnie *******
@Mark *******
 I did a google search on it and the age limit suggests it’s over 70’s but certainly worth a try if I do run into a busy immigration hall.
2 days ago
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Mark ********
@Jonnie ******
 as you approach immigration control on the right there’s a couple of young women. You sort of have to walk up to them. They’re not psychic. I don’t look a day over 60! lol 😂
2 days ago
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Mark ********
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Robert *********
You have no control.

Nobody can tell you .

You are going anyway .

Just accept whatever happens .

Luck
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
 thanks
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Tim ********
Takes 30 - 45 minutes on average from leaving plane collecting luggage and outside
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim *******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Greta *****
Anything between 10 minutes and 3 hours
2 days ago
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Jonnie *******
Depends where your arrival gate is, likely take you longer to walk to immigration than it will take to to pass through immigration, they seem to be more efficient now, I’ve had 5 entries this year and each entry been fairly quick in passing immigration, I’d agree with earlier reply, should be cleared in around 45 mins.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonnie ******
 thanks for the information
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Lucas **********
9 hours easy
2 days ago
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Chad **********
Not long. Depends on what time you land.
2 days ago
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Richard *********
Not long,I've never waited more than 20 mins,very efficient.
2 days ago
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Leigh ************
Best I've done is 30 minutes .. depends where the plane docks and how far you have to walk
2 days ago
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David **********
1 hour
2 days ago
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Phillip ********
4 hrs what a question
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phillip *******
 what answer 👏
a day ago
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Phillip ********
@Steve ******
 thank you. I thought it was good.
a day ago
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Phillip ********
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Marty *********
How Long is in Vietnam.
2 days ago
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Mar *****
How longs this Piece of String ...?
2 days ago
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Martin ********
@Mar ****
 1.53 metres
a day ago
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Martin ********
@Steve ******
 I was replying to Mar Wan 😁 Just having a little bit of humour with someone to lighten the day. Bless you 🙏🏻
14 hours ago
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Martin ********
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mar ****
 thanks for your wonderful advice.
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Wim ************
It will be about a 10-15 minutes walk from the plane to the exit. Immigration will take from 2 till about 45 minutes, depends on how many flights come in around the same time.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wim ***********
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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David *******
Up to the day and you.
2 days ago
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Simon *********
This time of year, few minutes. Just do the DTAC before you land...

**************************************************
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon ********
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Luc ************
30 min last Tuesday.
2 days ago
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Chris **********
I recently heard yesterday that the unionized taxi workers are doing a protest at BKK has anyone experienced any delays departure or arrivals due to this
2 days ago
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Brian ********
White guy from America, 20 minutes. But it depends on how long the line is.
2 days ago
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Richie *******
@Brian *******
 Oh so your white 🙄 was there really any need to state that ??
2 days ago
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Paul *******
@Richie ******
 Sniff sniff Need a tissue Shirley?
18 hours ago
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Richie *******
@Paul ******
 Twatt
18 hours ago
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Richie *******
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Paul ********
24 minutes and 39 seconds ... give or take a few seconds.
2 days ago
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Steve *********
What's your rush?
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ********
 I arrive 6pm and have another flight leaving Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.30pm. But I need to check in again, so I have to exit and then reenter
a day ago
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Steve *********
@Steve ******
 gotcha
a day ago
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Steve *********
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Janne ***********
@Steve ********
 Noone likes to stand in line with hundreds of people, it's like grocery store.
2 days ago
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Janne ***********
Reply
Bennito *********
2 days ago
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Robert ******
My piece of string is this long
2 days ago
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John ********
How long is a piece of string?
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
 if you read the messages, you weren't the first that said that. But thanks for your advice
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Frank **********
Depends obviously on how many flights are arriving at the same time. Or if you are one of the "lucky" one who gets checked out by customs and other variables.
2 days ago
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Michael ********
< 15 minutes, when not busy. (Including collecting check-in luggage, if the bags are flagged as priority)

This requires either;

1. You know the Airport well & how to clear immigration fast.

2. You have escort assistance, to pick you up at the plane & take you through.

30 - 60 minutes: If your not familiar with the airport, how to get through immigration fast or if immigration arrivals is very busy.
2 days ago
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Michael ********
If you want airport Fast Track escort service, Iv'e used this company a few times.

But I usually only do it for departures, as I get in very quickly.

**************************************************************
10 hours ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Sonik ***********************
This time of year it's pretty quick. It will take you longer to walk to immigration from the terminal than it will for you to get stamped in.
2 days ago
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Anne *******
Also if you are over 70 you can go through the special line.
2 days ago
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Anne *******
Well marked. Or just ask.
2 days ago
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Steve *********
@Anne ******
 where is that please. ?
2 days ago
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Mark ********
@Anne ******
 it’s over 65. I’ve been using g that line for a few years now and I just turned 70 last week. Or maybe they were giving me a break!! Always good to limp as one approach’s the special line!!! Haha 😆
2 days ago
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Mark ********
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Mitchell *******
If you want a number, I will say 45 minutes.

I have done it in 10 minutes without luggage, and I have done it in 90 minutes WITH luggage. Depends on:

- number of flights at the same time,

- number of officers working,

- the number of people who "haven't done it all right",

- and how far you have to walk from your plane (sometimes it is 600 meters I think). That walk itself can be 15 minutes for fairly fit people.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mitchell ******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Kenny *****
Maybe 5-15 mins
2 days ago
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Paul *******
@Kenny ****
 😂🤣
18 hours ago
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Paul *******
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Paul ********
How long is a piece of string
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
 I just asked for a little advice, next time I need a comedian, I know where to come
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Bob **********
All Night
2 days ago
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Tim ****
Fly buisness

You get through quick
2 days ago
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Bob *********
Recently i saw a sign at immigration pointing to VIP im sure ive read somewhere if you go this way and pay 200 bht you get through a lot quicker i was gonna try it but the normal queues where going down quickly might be worth checking VIP
2 days ago
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Bob *********
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Chris **********
You’ll spend more time walking to immigration from your plan than you will spend in it.
2 days ago
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Brian *******
depends on amount of incoming passengers and how many workers are working
2 days ago
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Fra *****
In who you believe , Jesus, Buddha ….. only they can give you the right answer ! From 15 min to 2 hours all can happen
2 days ago
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Nigel *********
Not long at all, it’s never taken me longer than 10-15 minutes, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a bad run. Definitely quicker than when I come back into Australia
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel ********
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
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Adam ********
I did it in a couple minutes arriving at about 5am from Finland. One guy ahead of me when I got to the line and he was already talking to the immigration officer. Another time was mid afternoon and it took over an hour coming from Cambodia.

Walk fast to immigration from the plane and you can get ahead of a lot of people coming off your plane and others.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam *******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam *******
 thanks for the info
a day ago
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Jeff ********
@Adam *******
 if you have luggage you still have too wait we express last time which was good but had to wait for our luggage then the other people caught up with us
2 days ago
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Adam ********
@Jeff *******
 true, I was not express but in both cases I was carry on only.
2 days ago
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Jeff ********
@Adam *******
 true
2 days ago
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Jeff ********
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Greg ***********
*** from exiting the airplane, you can walk to Immigration within 10 to 15 minutes

*** at the Immigration counters, there you might meet a crowd or not. It might take you 5 minutes or another 15 minutes

*** if you don’t have to pick up any luggage, you will have passed Thai customs 1 minute after having entered Thailand
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
 thanks for the information
2 days ago
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Steve *******
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Erhan *******
1 minute if early morning…
2 days ago
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Erhan *******
What is Funny ?
a day ago
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Erhan *******
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Janne ***********
Ive arrived in the satellite terminal, made it from plane to immigration and out on the street in 10min, really depends on the arrival rate

Early morning around 6a when most Europeans flights drop in is the busiest.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janne **********
 thanks for the information
2 days ago
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Steve *******
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Nigel **************
Impossible to answer this often asked question. 20 mins to 1 hour best guess
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 thank you
2 days ago
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Steve *******
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Paul **********
I can do it in 10mins. But I do hot foot it off the plane. If a A380 and B777 has also started offloading then allow 45+ minutes.
2 days ago
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Janne ***********
@Paul *******
 i do brisk walk as well, passing by hundreds of people sometimes. 10min out on the street is my fastest arriving around 845pm'-930pm
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
 thanks for the information
2 days ago
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Steve *******
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David ********
2 Minutes with carry on only
2 days ago
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Baz *********
This question gets asked regularly and the simple answer is it takes as long as it takes..

Anything from 15 or 20 minutes to 1 hour plus.

It all depends on how many other flights arrive around the same time as yours and how many immigration staff are on duty that day..

So there is basically no way of knowing until you get there..

Allowing around 30 minutes to 45 minutes would be about average.
2 days ago
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Rod *********
@Baz ********
 just tell the ones waiting for you to wait at Maccas
2 days ago
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Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Baz ********
 thanks for the information
2 days ago
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Steve *******
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