Unanswered5 years ago
What are the current immigration rules for transiting through Bangkok for a short layover?
If anyone can help with the following is really appreciate it... I'm a bit stuck as to where to find advice on this!?
I'm traveling back to the UK in January and I've got a direct flight from Bangkok booked. I live in Cambodia and will fly from Phnom penh to Bangkok and then to go through immigration and check in for my new flight in Bangkok.
Has anyone done anything like this recently, I used to do it all the time but I'm just not sure of the rules on this right now? I will be in the country for a maximum of about 12hrs, I won't be leaving the airport but I will have to go through immigration to collect my luggage and check in again.
I'm traveling back to the UK in January and I've got a direct flight from Bangkok booked. I live in Cambodia and will fly from Phnom penh to Bangkok and then to go through immigration and check in for my new flight in Bangkok.
Has anyone done anything like this recently, I used to do it all the time but I'm just not sure of the rules on this right now? I will be in the country for a maximum of about 12hrs, I won't be leaving the airport but I will have to go through immigration to collect my luggage and check in again.
Summary so far
The original poster is seeking guidance on the immigration rules for transiting through Bangkok, as they have a layover of about 12 hours after arriving from Phnom Penh on their way to the UK. Several commenters question the necessity of going through immigration, suggest booking a flight that avoids this requirement, and mention the complications that have arisen due to pandemic-related regulations, including the need for a Thailand Pass and possible quarantine if not vaccinated.
16 repliesnewest first
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Marc ********
you cannot transit in BKK
Unless you get the thailand pass and stay 1 night in quarantine hotel if you are vaccinated.
Then you could take the flight the next day.
Unless you get the thailand pass and stay 1 night in quarantine hotel if you are vaccinated.
Then you could take the flight the next day.
Marc ********
@Michelle ******
Serious? Better you transit in Singapore
Michelle *******
OP@Marc *******
OK thanks, I was thinking that might be the best way 
Nigel *********
Just rebook another flight where you stay airside.
Osama ************
In pre pandemic this was ok but now it is difficult to say.
I was going to suggest the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh but I they are not really of any help.
Your best source for answer is Trunk. you can join their group ThailandPass, Visas & Sandbox and post your question there for an answer.
Good luck!
I was going to suggest the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh but I they are not really of any help.
Your best source for answer is Trunk. you can join their group ThailandPass, Visas & Sandbox and post your question there for an answer.
Good luck!
Michelle *******
OP@Osama *************
thankyouTara **********
Why do you need to go through immigration to get on another flight at the same airport? Are you bringing more than a carry on?
Wannikea *********
You'll need to apply for a Thailand Pass.
***************************************************
Michelle *******
OPI have a business in Cambodia and I need to bring things back from the UK that is impossible to get here, otherwise I'd have taken just hand luggage. It's crazy but it's actually a difference of about $400 to book my flights this way!
Tara **********
@Michelle ******
You really don't think you can pair down your wardrobe for three weeks so it can fit in a carry-on? That said I don't think it'd be difficult to do what you're trying to do (so long as you have enough time in between flights - like an hour or two). It's an easy thing to prove to immigrations/customs (proof of your next flight). You're not trying to actually enter Thailand (which is their main concern, no? people entering who shouldn't be), you're just trying to grab you bag so you can check it and yourself in to another flight. I mean they'll probably be like 'why the hell would this person book their flights this way', but I don't think it'll cause you much strife...that's just my opinion, though.Michelle *******
OP@Tara *********
3 weeksTara **********
@Michelle ******
How long are you traveling to the UK for?Michelle *******
OP@Tara *********
because it's a different ticket and the luggage won't be checked through and I won't be checked in. I have to check in again and in order to do that you always used to have to go through immigration, I've done it many times, but not since the pandemic. John ***********
Why would you book it like this 🙈 why not just book it from Phnom Penh and transit through BKK avoiding immigration
John ***********
@Michelle ******
ah I see, good luck hope it works out Michelle *******
OP@John **********
it's actually because I didn't want to have to change flights in the Middle east right now. There are no flights currently from Phnom penh that just stop in Bangkok, they all stop somewhere else too. Things are still so unsure at the moment and If I was going to get stranded anywhere for any reason I'd just rather it be uk or Bangkok rather than the middle east. I've actually done this many times before the pandemic to save money, it's usually about $300-400 cheaper to book 2 tickets and fly from Bangkok than to book a flight from Cambodia on 1 ticket. Activity
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