Laughs and sadness — The life of Australian consular officials in Thailand

[webfact]

Laughs and sadness — The life of Australian consular officials in Thailand

Brad Crouch - The Advertiser

 

Picture: istock

 

THE man came to the Australian Embassy with a hat in hand asking for taxpayer support to pay for a lady of the night — fortunately, the request was declined.

 

But it is just one of the many bizarre, and often serious requests our consular officials contend with every day. Maybe you heard the one about the woman who contacted the Australian embassy in Thailand asking “do you know where Marjorie is?”

 

Or the family worried their Dad had gone missing but didn’t have a contact for him in Bangkok, and helpfully suggested officials look in “any sports bar showing AFL”.

 

Full story: https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/sa/laughs-and-sadness-the-life-of-australian-consular-officials-in-thailand-ng-6b91eeadb51647064aa998e9c3b70625

 

-- Perth Now 2018-2018-09-26

[ezzra]

Entering the newly built embassy is like entering a maximum security prison with dozens of guards everywhere,, consular staff shielded behind thick glass pane and everyone has a deadly serious expressions on their faces, not a good and comforting feelings visiting your country safe haven, and don't get me started on the fees and charges they take nowadays some nothing short of scandalous, ludicrous and utterly disproportionate amounts, trying to ask the staff why is it so and you get the standard reply 'not us, talk to the people in Canberra'...

[marko kok prong]

Found the Embassy very effecient and well run when i renewed my Passport,a complete contrast to the British Embassy,were really they would rather you don't turn up at all,as they may actually have to do some work.

[overherebc]

32 minutes ago, Father Fintan Stack said:

 

Indeed and exactly how I felt entering Australia some weeks ago through 'border control'. Thankfully I have now left and unlikely that I will return.

 

Shame for a once free and fair go nation resembles a Police state but not unlike most if not all Western nations now. 

My explanation for all the security that exists now in gov' buildings would be completely off topic.

[DoctorG]

2 hours ago, Father Fintan Stack said:

 

Indeed and exactly how I felt entering Australia some weeks ago through 'border control'. Thankfully I have now left and unlikely that I will return.

 

Shame for a once free and fair go nation resembles a Police state but not unlike most if not all Western nations now. 

Sorry for your experience my friend.

I always feel welcome returning and I have no problem with enhanced security.

[Aussieroaming]

Poor basturds will likely need a stress payout from the government after their arduous posting. 

[crutchy26]

The Au Embassy ppl must be on a great wicket. Subsidised accommodation. Tax benefits. Free flights. Stressful Outreach to CM every few months. Kaching……………….Service nil, oxygen thieves.

 

[Ulic]

If Australia and other foreign governments really wanted to help the poor in South East Asia they could do much worse than pay for this guys lady of the night. Seriously, look at the money wasted by NGO's. Money skimmed by overhead and corruption. This chap would cut out the waste and corruption dealing with an independent businesswoman who would then pass the biggest part of her earnings to her parents who are looking after her children who have been abandoned by the children's father. Of course, this is not a politically correct solution but dismiss the moral judgments it would be a cost-effective method of getting money into the hands of business women who do the bulk of the work raising children. Just my opinion.

[Darcula]

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Laughs and sadness — The life of Australian consular officials in Thailand

 

Oh, the poor dears....life must be so hard.