Special Immigration-Officer (Elite-Visa)

[Silktouch]

Hello! Have a quick question.

 

The last time I flew from Phuket to Singapore, I went to a normal immigration line, when it was my turn everything was normal until the officer saw my elite visa.

 

After that he said he is very happy to meet me and wanted my mobile number.

 

After that, he contacted me and told me to always let him know when I or my friends land, because he then makes the express way.

 

Did this for tomorrow, he sent me a picture with a meeting place on the airport when I land.

 

My question now, something he expects, right? Can not be that he is just so, so friendly. He just sent me some funny WhatsApp Videos too [emoji23]

 

Regards

[ChiangMaiLightning2143]

Making real friends with Thai males is unlikely unless same economic status.

After a few lunches you will be asked to "loan" money, not insignificant amount (happens every time). Chumming up with Immigration officer maybe not such a good idea then.  What mischief could  possibly he cause for you when you refuse? ? 

DELETE him, and keep to the VIP channel. I have PE also and even I was "questioned" there at BKK once last year by a female IO.

 

I thought maybe she liked me too..

[glegolo]

Yes, to choose who is, or who is NOT to be my friend, based on elit-VISA, or just maybe he is gay or something, that is NOT the way I would ever give a person my phonenumber,,, unless me myself was¤#"#%&/.......

Be careful.......something will soon pop up.....

 

glegolo

[BritTim]

Thais are very status conscious. Your immigration official "friend" may have nothing more nefarious in mind than being associated with a foreign big shot. The only thing likely to be expected is that you, as the one of higher status, will be the one who pays if you go out for a meal together. Retain the connection, but keep him at arms length. He could come in useful sometime.

[holy cow cm]

If you can afford an elite visa sounds like you can afford to have a new friend who can help out someday. Even if it is lunches or a dinner etc. 

[anon789561]

was your gaydar working? think it could be that?

might just be a friendly guy, personally i wouldn't get too close to any officials unless they were through friends i already have. that includes coppers inviting to join for a drink to an immo officer asking for my line id.

a random male at the counters at passport control, i'd find that strange and question his intentions.

how often is he asking people for their numbers and stuff and just to make friends, seems odd.

many i am sure will have good intentions, i would be wary of those that don't.

He could 'help' you in the future some say. if you have an elite visa and i assume once that's up you'll organize yourself another visa so not sure what 'help' he can provide you especially as he is still working the counters.

it's a bit like if i was still single would i date an immo officer i didn't already know through friends, absolutely not.

women can cause you shit if you find you don't really fancy them and call it off, a disgruntled immo ex could quite easily get you turfed out of the country. wouldn't be worth the risk  IMO

[richard_smith237]

Standard response : "Its a work phone and I'm not allowed to give out the number"...

 

Its extremely strange that anyone wishes to make friends so quickly...  its unnatural and quite possibly borne of financial reasons. I'd be wary of such an approach in my home country, extremely weary here. 

 

As 'Happy Enough' mentioned there is nothing wrong with having friends in officialdom here just so long as the relationship is mutually respectful and neither party wants anything from the other, other than friendship. 

 

My closest friend here is now a Police Colonel.. having met in our early 20's were friends here for a number of years before he joined up with the RTP... its quite possible to make great friendships here but the same rules apply as anywhere - it has to be natural.... this situation you described simply seems too forced to  generate anything other than suspicion. 

 

It is a sad truth that it is rare in Thailand that a Thai Male of unequal socio-economic status who wants to become friends with a foreigner without 'wanting' something.

 

 

[Briggsy]

I think the gay theory is most likely, particularly if you are not so old. However all the theories put forward so far are perfectly possible. Expect a hand to "accidentally" brush against your leg for a start. I don't know if you are gay. Up to you how you deal with it.

[overherebc]

The word bargepole keeps coming into my head on this one.

[geriatrickid]

Possibly cultivating an information source. It is not unusual to make certain "friends" who can be used to inform on others or activities.

[impulse]

Wow.

 

Back home, when you sign up for a premium service, you actually get premium treatment.  If only in hopes that your word of mouth endorsement will help others decide to pony up their money to get the same treatment.

 

I didn't realize I was being groomed...

 

Gotta say, this is the first time I've read about treating customers nice backfiring so badly.