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POST BAG

POST BAG Follow rules, be polite

It seems that embassies in Bangkok are getting it in the neck again.

I'd like to say that during my 19 years in Thailand, I have had to make numerous visits to embassies here. Each visit has been a pleasure, and both my Thai wife and I have had absolutely no problems at all.

For visas to the UK, Australia and New Zealand,we were treated very well and our applications dealt with efficiently and in a short period of time.

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  • Will there be blood?

    In 2012, the question most often put to me is not "Voranai, how are you?" Or, "Hey there, may I have your pin number?" Nope, it's "Will there be violence?" I'm not clairvoyant but I do know that fate is inexorable, so let's consider this.

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  • Roberto @ Bkk

    Discussion 18 : 02/09/2010 at 11:10 PM18

    Not all embassies do well. The Dutch ministry of foreign affairs is, as we speak, investigating persistant rumours (more then just rumours I am sure)on corruption by employees of the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. Also being investigated are claims of mishandling visa requests and assistance requests by Dutch citizens in some sort of problems in Thailand. A special team from the MFA arrived in Bangkok last weekend. It is all in the Dutch newspapers and the Dutch ambassador to Thailand posted a newsletter on their website on this subject, saying that according to procedure, claims of one employee are now being investigated. Actually the ambassador refers to this employee as being a local on a temporary contract. Insinuating ??

  • Ronnie Conrad

    Discussion 17 : 02/09/2010 at 08:50 PM17

    So it seems my use of English is too cryptic. Surely 'will' implies a future experience, therefore compares against a previous (19 years if you like) one.

    A Thai national having obtained a visa in the past will receive better treatment than a 'first-timer'.

    Is that clear enough for you?

  • just the facts

    Discussion 16 : 02/09/2010 at 07:40 PM16

    #14 just an old man , Thank you

  • Bibi

    Discussion 15 : 02/09/2010 at 07:16 PM15

    Amzing to see How Cham-am Jamal can write insightful comments when it's not about global warming. However, I think JC Wilcox (disc #5)did not read the refered article which exposes very well how Thai elite use this belief that farang cannot understand Thailand to dismiss any discordant comment form foreigners, and particularly from foreign media.

  • JustAnOldMan

    Discussion 14 : 02/09/2010 at 06:08 PM14

    Regarding Discussion 11. Ronnie Conrad can't read either or has little understanding of the English language. Phil Langley clearly stated that he has made numerous visits to embassies during his 19 years in Thailand, not that he made one visit 19 years ago!

  • dao

    Discussion 13 : 02/09/2010 at 06:01 PM13

    Thanks for not writing about global warming Cham

  • Ruby Ridge

    Discussion 12 : 02/09/2010 at 05:49 PM12

    If you are having problems with European and Australian Embassies, consider China. I have been many times and no visa issues, quick service and friendly staff. Wonderful country I love it

  • Ronnie Conrad

    Discussion 11 : 02/09/2010 at 04:35 PM11

    non-believer can read and has a point!

    If a Thai national initially obtained a visa 19 years ago, they will experience a very different attitude from embassy staff compared to a 'first-timer'.

  • Mike Bell

    Discussion 10 : 02/09/2010 at 03:01 PM10

    Dear Phil Langley, I appreciate your comments re Visa for Thai wife. I note you have never tried the US Embassy. Having finally got past the accursed DS-160 (6 days, having purchased a PIN & paid for a Tourist visa, when you get to the schedule appointments page - joy on joy, there is one a week hence. This is merely a cruel trick. There are no appointments visible for the next 2 months. My PIN runs out in 90 days. Is this another Bangkok scam?

  • Al Eagan

    Discussion 9 : 02/09/2010 at 02:48 PM9

    I've lived in Thailand for more than 10 years, which means I've had to make close to 20 trips to the US Embassy to obtain notorized documents to obtain and renew a Thai driver's license, a noterized statement of income in order to renew my annual Thai retirement visa and noterized affidivits to prove my maritial status. The worst part of this experience is having to fork over such an exorbant fee ($50.00) for such a trivial service that should be free!! The whole process takes less than 5 minutes if you bring with you a completed application form that you can download and fill in from the Enbassy's web site. It doesn't cost the embassy anything as they claim because I use my own ink and paper!!

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