KRABI — Across Thailand, tourism queues have reportedly expanded into full human lifespans, as travelers wait decades for ferries, temples, and anything with a Tripadvisor star rating.
At Bang Rong Pier, experts now estimate 8.2 million people are in line for a ferry to Koh Yao Yai, with a projected wait time of 83 years. The end of the queue currently trails into Laos.
“I joined the queue in 2016,” said Shauna Williams, 36, of Kingsbridge, clutching a faded boarding pass. “The Tourist Police told me I’m scheduled to board in August 2099 — assuming no weather delays.”
To manage the crisis, officials have introduced a new “Queue Visa (QV)”, allowing tourists to legally remain in Thailand solely to stand in line. Some choose the popular Hereditary Queue Permit add-on, letting descendants inherit their position upon the original applicant’s death.
“I’m 28,” said Eirik Solberg of Oslo, while waiting to enter the White Temple in Chiang Rai. “By the time my turn comes, I’ll be 111. If I die, my son will take my place. Hopefully he’ll get to admire the murals of Keanu Reeves sometime before 2150.”
At press time, your spot in line was farther back than you thought.
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