Don't get in lane: Bangkok arrivals confusion

BANGKOK'S MAIN international gateway – Suvarnabhumi Airport – surprised the business traveller community this summer when, without notice, the airport removed the fast-track arrival lanes for business and first class passengers, replacing them with an allpurpose priority lane. The airport authorities later explained the decision was made to alleviate congestion in the fast-track lane areas, which are now reserved for various categories of passenger, such as those holding diplomatic passports and those requiring special assistance. Suvarnabhumi explained that first and business class passengers were “encouraged to use passport control Zones 1 and 3 upon arrival, which have priority lanes offered by Immigration Division 2 to make travelling more convenient”. Travellers have reported back that these priority lanes are not clearly marked. Frequent Bangkok commuters have also noted the general immigration…