Travelling through Bangkok

[ozcolin]

I have just tried to check in from a flight from Perth to London via Bangkok, unfortunately when I was checking in I told them I would like to leave the airport at Bangkok as I have 8hrs to kill, and I was informed I couldn't check in my luggage all the way. I now have to pick up my luggage put it in storage and then re-check in for my flight before the allotted time. Where something i just wanted to meet with a friend before I flew to London, I'm now not too sure. What is there to stop me as soon as I pick up my luggage re-checking in again? I should still be able to leave the airport, or is it that controlled anyone know?!?

On another trip I came via Singapore and was able to leave the airport with my boarding pass and then travel again on my connecting flight, is this a Thailand regulation or was I just lucky the last time?

 

[moa999]

What is to stop you? Well normally that check-in doesn't open till 3 hrs before.


However, you should be able to find a left luggage in arrivals (from memory THB100 for 24hrs at Chubb)

Schoolboy error to tell them. Airline is just trying to protect themselves in case you miss the flight and they have to offload.

 

[JohnK]

Quite right. Sometimes it is best not to tell the check-in person your plans while in transit.

However, you should be able to find a left luggage in arrivals (from memory THB100 for 24hrs at Chubb)

I think they charge THB50 per 12 hours but may have a minimum charge of THB100.

 

[Mal]

I think they charge THB50 per 12 hours but may have a minimum charge of THB100.

$A4 for 24 hours isn't too bad.

Oh, and isn't there a further complication with Thailand stopovers that are actually transits due to the airport tax not being paid on transits? I recall others having issues with Thai immigration for that reason - or perhaps I'm thinking of a different country.

-- edit. Yep, 700 Baht "departure tax" doesn't apply on transits, but does on departures from Thai airports. So the OP may be requested to pay that before re-entering the sterile zone.

 

[JohnK]

Oh, and isn't there a further complication with Thailand stopovers that are actually transits due to the airport tax not being paid on transits? I recall others having issues with Thai immigration for that reason - or perhaps I'm thinking of a different country.

I guess you are right. I vaguely remember reading some reports about Thailand transits and departure tax required when going back through immigration.

 

[Mal]

I guess you are right. I vaguely remember reading some reports about Thailand transits and departure tax required when going back through immigration.

Yeah, did some quick searching myself. Apparently BP's printed in Thailand are marked and if you don't have one you will be requested to get one that is. Problem of course being, you won't be allowed to get it reprinted without paying the 700 Baht ... or at least that's supposed to be what happens.

 

[kpc]

DFAT have just downgraded their travel advice for Bangkok from "Do not travel" to "Reconsider your need to travel"
Travel Advice for Thailand - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade