From the Australian Consulate of Chiang Mai

 

Will be interesting to see how things go

Whether things will change

 

The Consular Corps of Chiang Mai hosted a meeting with and a reception for the new Governor of Chiang Mai (Supachai Iamsuwan) this week. The purpose of the meeting was for representatives of the Corps to have the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest with the Governor and other Officials as well as to welcome him to Chiang Mai.
Some of the matters discussed involved Immigration services, work permits, Quality of public life and planning for the annual burning season.

Briefly, we were informed Immigration will relocate to their new facilities near the airport on 24 September. At this stage all services will be moved. Queuing has been an issue of late due to resourcing problems. In the new facility they are planning to reinstate on line queue reservation system, improvements to 90 day on line reporting (a Bangkok system problem) are anticipated and for the new facility parking arrangements are to be available across the road at the spa facility.
In terms of work permits for volunteers there is a conflict of policy application of a new law by two departments that requires the Government Cabinet to resolve and provide direction. We were told that volunteer work permits are being extended for 3 months at a time to permit visa extensions to allow for this matter to be addressed by Bangkok. It is not clear when this will be resolved.
A briefing was provided on how the City and Province through numerous projects are tackling many public interest issues including reduction of plastic use, waste disposal, sidewalks, public transport.
We received an excellent presentation from Chiang Mai University on the health impact of burning pollution - The Provincial Government is fully aware and this matter is of national interest with challenging resolutions to be managed.

A social evening followed at the lovely Service 1921 Restaurant, Anantara Chiang Mai - the lovely colonial house that was once the British Consulate.

Hmm, time will tell.

 

Reinstating online appointment  booking, as long as it is restricted to individuals and not agents although I already see a potential business.

Online appointment booking sitters, just give them all your info and for a fee they will stay up until 12.01am to book your golden ticket. ?

 

One company ready to go!

 

Thank you for the report on the meeting.  Let's hope some progress is made this year in reducing the air pollution in February, March, April, the burning "season," seems to get longer every year!