Big Joke takes credit for "SMS notification" scheme - but was it really his bright idea?

[webfact]

Big Joke takes credit for "SMS notification" scheme - but was it really his bright idea?

 

 

The Thai Immigration Bureau website is praising their new chief to the skies for coming up with the "innovation" to notify people about the imminent expiry of their visas. 

 

They said that "SMS Notification" was being done in Chonburi province in a "first for Thailand".

 

Gushing praise came from members of the public who posted on the site.

 

However, Thaivisa published a story from Daily News on November 17th that stated it was the idea of Prajuab Khiri Khan immigration chief Pol Col Chalermchon Laemthong. 

 

No mention was made of Maj-Gen Surachate Hakparn on that occasion although he had already taken over at the helm of the Immigration Bureau.

 

So who's bright idea was it really?

 

Critics of the high profile Maj-Gen have said that he takes credit for the work of his underlings but no mention was made about the Prajuab SMS scheme on the latest IB website post.

 

The IB website today refers to their boss by his nickname of  "Big Joke" in the first line of their post praising the chief for his bright idea. This marks a departure from the usual stiff protocol. 

 

They said the SMS scheme was in line with measures from prime minister Prayut Chan-ocha and deputy Prawit Wongsuwan to stop people overstaying their visas in Thailand. 

 

In a "first" in Thailand the SMS scheme would be introduced in Chonburi because that is the province that has so many tourists and foreign residents who would benefit from the bright idea. 

 

 

It was deemed as a great help to those who had been forgetful or misunderstood their expiry date.

 

But the IB blurb reiterated that Big Joke would come down hard on anyone deliberately overstaying.

 

That could mean deportation and five to ten years on a blacklist depending on the case, they warned. 

 

Apart from coming up with the innovation Big Joke was also praised for saving money - the SMS notifications would mean that letters and postage could be saved. 

 

Chonburi immigration chief Pol Col Songprote Sirisukha and Region 3 commander Maj-Gen Atchayon Kraithong were also mentioned as having played a role in the SMS plans. 

 

Source: Thai Immigration Bureau

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-11-30

[scubascuba3]

As usual not enough detailed info. On an METV expiry date of visa is less important than valid until entry stamp

[darksidedog]

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

Critics of the high profile Maj-Gen have said that he takes credit for the work of his underlings

Highly accurate observation. Every villain nicked, he was behind it, or so he would have everyone believe. I have no qualms about a copper doing his job, but everything we are fed about arrests is almost always nothing to do with him in reality, he just loves to steal the limelight. I note nothing whatsoever has changed at immigration, despite his promises. In fact with the debacle of the Embassy letters, it looks like it is going to get worse.

[AhFarangJa]

Published on the 17th. November as having been introduced in Hua Hin, now it is Big Jokes idea......Of course it is.......

It must have taken 12 days to design, order, and print the posters..............irony alert on............

[ThreeEyedRaven]

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

 

Gushing praise came from members of the public who posted on the site.

Which shows the Thai public to be extremely gullible. I can understand their hopes that there is an honest copper out there somewhere, but you have to say their faith in Big Joke is somewhat misplaced. If he were honest, he would change his nickname to Big Glory Hunter.

[Samui Bodoh]

Publicity-Seeking Glory Hound; I bet his colleagues and (especially) his underlings hate him with a passion.

 

Anchor!

(spelling)

 

 

[worgeordie]

Better not call him a liar,or he will be around your house in no time, 

with a backup force of at least 10 officers.

regards worgeordie

[Oziex1]

6 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

Better not call him a liar,or he will be around your house in no time, 

with a backup force of at least 10 officers.

regards worgeordie

And of course the camera crew.

[rkidlad]

Sorry, but if you buy into the BS that he's some kind of super cop who works miracles, you're far too easily sold. 

 

Even if Big Joke did come up with the idea of sending an SMS to remind foreigners of their expiration date, who cares? The idea is hardly anything groundbreaking. The idea was simple. Now let's see the most important part - the implementation and maintenance. 

[happy chappie]

The last thing I would do is rely on a SMS reminder for my visa from a Thai.when the system goes tits up which it will do there's going to be a lot over overstayers and fines dished out.as for big joke I think the name gives a hint to what he really is.

[Vacuum]

1 hour ago, darksidedog said:

In fact with the debacle of the Embassy letters, it looks like it is going to get worse.

Blaim the Embassies.

[anon7867763]

I just got one today ! 

[dickjones2018]

I will give that "big joke" a new idea to call his own

 

an 90 day report website that works with computers from this century ...

 

why not a 90 day report SMS ...  that would even work on those old fart dumb phones

[iamariva1957]

Though it is a nice idea on the surface and will most likely help to remind those that their time here in LOL is limited and/or coming to an end. Is it helpful? Sure. Why not. Just like the reminder notice that I get from Amex reminding me of the date my payment is due that I get via email every month. 

 

But answer me this:

 

1. Who came up with this idea and what official governmental body was its author?
2. How much was paid to have the site, graphics, etc designed, and constructed?
3. How much did it cost to have it all implemented (whenever that really happens that is)?
4. Who is going to staff and/or oversee that the system works and bugs and crashes are dealt with? 
5. How much is #4 going to cost?
6. Finally... How much was spent on getting it passed?

 

Now, couldn't the money have been better spent improving the Imm services, get their officers to actually be able to speak English, French, Russian, or Chinese (the latter I am sure there will be a push on to accomplish as China is such a 'good friend")? Publish the rules that we are all supposed to follow rather than perpetuating this 'crap-shoot' methodology that IMM lives by? To actually be clear and concise and make every officer and office follow the same rules? 

 

But as a start perhaps... it is not a bad idea. It will certainly help those coming off of their Full Moon Party highs... not miss their departure dates..... well with any luck anyway. If not the door would be open for IMM to issue the fines and trip to the slammer and that escorted walk to your departure gate. All without any possibility for you to say it was an honest mistake and was not done with any malice; you forgot.... hmm... there is money there for someone I am thinking.

 

[Ulic]

It seems most people just don't get it. It is the staff's job to make the boss look good. It is the boss's job to help the staff make him look good. Many will think I am joking but all works well in a company that runs this way. 

[meinphuket]

And what if you don't give them yr mobile number, or actually don't have one ? Anyway, it is pure plagiarism, not that that ever stopped anyone here, since the idea is entirely based on the '90 day reporter' app, NOT developed by immigration.

[meinphuket]

And what if you don't give them yr mobile number, or actually don't have one ? Anyway, it is pure plagiarism, not that that ever stopped anyone here, since the idea is entirely based on the '90 day reporter' app, NOT developed by immigration.

[HalfLight]

A brainwave and no mistake, using SMS to notify of something every single visa holder already knows. Or should do.

 

Remarkable really, such an intellect.

 

 

[meinphuket]

And what if you don't give them yr mobile number, or actually don't have one ? Anyway, it is pure plagiarism, not that that ever stopped anyone here, since the idea is entirely based on the '90 day reporter' app, NOT developed by immigration.

[holy cow cm]

Waste of time on the effort as we all know when our exp de is. 

[lamyai3]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Big Joke takes credit for "SMS notification" scheme - but was it really his bright idea?

To take credit for it? Sounds plausible. 

[Thailand]

12 hours ago, Ulic said:

It seems most people just don't get it. It is the staff's job to make the boss look good. It is the boss's job to help the staff make him look good. Many will think I am joking but all works well in a company that runs this way. 

So credit where credit it not due? Don't think that is the way to instill trust and loyalty from your subordinates.

[namatjira]

Proper handy, he can also sms the contact details of the “ we take care of the funds for you “ immigration fast track seasoning...

very convenient...

[racket]

“hello farang wake up. Go immigration now or you fine me 5,000baht. You leave Thailand tomorrow. we wait you bye bye. -Big Joke

[mikebell]

When is he going to come up with an alternative to Embassy letters?

When is anyone for that matter?

[csmith]

Kudos to Thai Immigration … another step in the right direction …  congrats

[mok199]

Thailand showboating...where no deed goes unnoticed....

[ParadiseLost]

On 11/30/2018 at 10:15 AM, webfact said:

Gushing praise came from members of the public who posted on the site.

Which members of the public are affected by this? Perhaps those married to foreigners but in my experience they hate immigration more than the foreigners.

[ParadiseLost]

On 11/30/2018 at 10:15 AM, webfact said:

the SMS notifications would mean that letters and postage could be saved.

...so, the plan was to mail a notification?

 

So, as a tourist you could have expected a notice, in the mail, delivered to your hotel?

 

What about visa exempt entries? No visa there so...

 

Maybe he meant your permission to stay date, but surely he would not describe it incorrectly, what with being head of immigration and all.

[ratcatcher]

Since the majority of posters on this forum no longer have visas, I haven't had one for 10 years, I hope he will extend the SMS to expats to remind them to get their shit together for their next contest with their local Immigration officer to beg for permission to remain a temporary resident..