Chaotic Scenes At Don Mueang Airport Due To Staffing Issues

Unstaffed immigration desks at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport caused hours of delays for frustrated passengers on Friday evening.

The problem was caused because airport officials did not provide immigration with updated flight data, which resulted in chaos as desks were left without appropriate cover by immigration staff.

The situation was exacerbated due to additional flights landing later than expected following delays due to bad weather.

A Mr Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, who was waiting the arrival of his wife from Singapore, posted images on Facebook and Twitter. The pictures showed scores of people in the arrivals hall, remarking that it took over four hours to clear security. He also said one passenger feinted during the long wait.

The Daily News reported that 25 flights with almost 5000 people, contributed to the lengthy delays, which lasted from midnight till 05:00.

Last month a passenger complained that immigration at Don Mueang was a disgrace, after spending an hour and 45 minutes to clear immigration. Named only as "Greg T", he apparently wrote to The Nation, remonstrating because people were forced to urinate on the public concourse due to the unacceptable waiting times.

He informed the news site of "puddles on the floor", believed to be urine. He said people had no choice to go where they stood or face missing their flights.

He also mentioned many people queue jumping, which added to the frustration of the chaotic scenes.

It seems that officials from various departments need to talk to each other. There would have been evidence that planes were delayed and in the skies, heading to Bangkok, which should have been provided to the likes of immigration, so they could make adjustments to staffing levels.

Let us hope they do not make the same mistake again.

Source: Thai Visa Content: TPVS