Tourist complains about crowded visa office, shoddy treatment by Thailand

[gmmarvin]

The crowds are a normal thing for me when extending once a year.  When the virus is all over, the tourists will return again like "Lambs to the Slaughter". 

[terryofcrete]

8 hours ago, colinneil said:

Social distancing... Some stupid sods around.

Why are immigration so determined to make problems for tourists?

They are helping to trash tourism here in the future, with their crazy antics.

I hope fervently that this behavior by the Thai Authorities pays appropriate dividends to the tourist industry in the future ! I really would  love to hear them say in 2/3 years time that they behaved responsibly during the pandemic and can’t explain why the numbers never bounced back . Actually I will write to TAT to tell them why I will not be taking my 4 Months .. different months ....holiday in Thailand every year spending thousands of euros in the country ... millions of baht... simply to take my personal revenge on their stupid government. 
My son demanded “ get out of there Dad ... it is a second world country without a clue “ and he presented me with expensive return flights to do so ! He was right ... today I see my original return flight cancelled for tomorrow while the airline are e mailing me saying ..” we will get you home” 

I am lucky that I am home ... Lucky that I have a caring family with more sense than me...Bye now Thailand ... we had some fun together but in the end you let us all down...  

[473geo]

11 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Sorry, but a tourist is just a tourist, no matter short term on a holiday, or long term stay expat, workers here on a WP, or even someone married and with family here.  We are all tourists, I apologize if it hurts your sensibilities......

Ha Ha somebody married is a 'tourist' they are on a 30 day exempt are they - give your head a shake man

 

All the married men rushing to extend their 30 day exempts no wonder the IOs get <deleted> off ????

[ThailandRyan]

6 minutes ago, 473geo said:

Oh but they are you see I was scheduled to arrive right now in Thailand in January decided not to travel did not even book a ticket

 

Yeah all down to luck I expect ????

Very nice to know that a true keyboard warrior is on the loose somewhere not in Thailand, but still has to chime in on events here that do not really concern him at this juncture in time.  Good on you for escaping from whatever you want to believe.  Enjoy your day, and continue to drink your cup of coffee while you fire up nonsensical posts......

[Odysseus123]

39 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

An employee of TAT more than likely

....Ministry of Truth.

[Liss Camber]

To be sincere, I'm not quite convinced that all tourists that are applying for a Visa extension due to covid 19 were and are really stranded. I know a few that simply didn't want to fly home "during their planned vacation" some ignored the calls of their embassies to join the repatriation flights home and some that simply didn't and don't want to go home. I know only a few that absolutely can't! 

[Chongalulu]

8 hours ago, UbonThani said:

All tourists should have left 3 weeks ago. Don't these whingers read the news. Forget holidays for 9 months.

That’s certainly one thing tourists will be doing and for many years ,not just 9 months - forget considering Thailand as a holiday destination. The government’s behaviour will ensure the lack of recovery of their tourist industry.

[ThailandRyan]

5 minutes ago, 473geo said:

Ha Ha somebody married is a 'tourist' they are on a 30 day exempt are they - give your head a shake man

 

All the married men rushing to extend their 30 day exempts no wonder the IOs get <deleted> off ????

Many a married family man who is here on a Non-Imm "O" Visa, which now can not be extended by a border hop, and now has to go to immigration as well.  You can really tell that you are not astute in the way of Visa's by your comment....

[Chongalulu]

8 hours ago, UbonThani said:

Why did they enter after March 10? By late Feb it was clear travel would be a problem. No sympathy for people like this.

Does your 'no sympathy' extend to unnecessarily spreading the virus amongst both the tourists and thecThais they inevitably come into contact with?

[Joinaman]

1 hour ago, 473geo said:

Why the downer on Thai people

Relax, you pay your way in Thailand, you adhere to the requests for information, you remain dignified, polite and understanding and 99% of the time life is ok

 

Alternatively, try insisting you have 'rights' be aggressive, moan and complain about Thai skills and attitude, voice opinions about how bad the system is you are set for a disappointing time

 

Thai people are concerned about the virus, they would probably really prefer these farang tourists had gone home rather than take the selfish gamble of being stranded and risk the health of the Thai IOs by cramming into an already crowded office

 

But then selfish the 'tourists' have been, and, selfish they continue to remain, my sympathy lies with the Thai office workers who have to face this kind of person in this kind of environment clearly tourists who do not give a damn about social distancing or the welfare of others

 

 

why ? so you don;t mind if people lie to you, cheat on you and then show how inept they are at doing their work ?

If a "normal" thai person does any of these, then they get a mouthful from me, not politeness. Why be polite to someone who cannot do the job they are paid to do, who refuses to accept they do not know how to do the job. The only time i bite my tongue is in immigration, but will still point out to them if they are wrong, or ask , Why? when they want another 5 copies of papers they already have. Immigration even disputed the new rules on bank deposits with me, even though i had copies both in Thai and English, still told me they were wrong, But when pushed , she finally admitted she did not understand many of the rules, but i must still do as she says

So we have an official officer, who does not know the rules, will not accept the official rules on paper in front of her, makes me return 2 days later, then  fines me because of this, and you want me to stay polite, dignified and understanding ?? For me, people earn respect , my politeness, and understanding, of which most people get, but never a buffalo brain who cannot do their job

[473geo]

3 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Very nice to know that a true keyboard warrior is on the loose somewhere not in Thailand, but still has to chime in on events here that do not really concern him at this juncture in time.  Good on you for escaping from whatever you want to believe.  Enjoy your day, and continue to drink your cup of coffee while you fire up nonsensical posts......

Nice try ???? I have a wife, two kids and a home in Thailand, so 'events' actually do concern me, and shortly, despite all the negative 'aren't we hard done by' emitted by the blowhard fossils I will migrate to Thailand and enjoy a wonderful life

 

Enjoy your day too

[473geo]

4 minutes ago, Joinaman said:

why ? so you don;t mind if people lie to you, cheat on you and then show how inept they are at doing their work ?

If a "normal" thai person does any of these, then they get a mouthful from me, not politeness. Why be polite to someone who cannot do the job they are paid to do, who refuses to accept they do not know how to do the job. The only time i bite my tongue is in immigration, but will still point out to them if they are wrong, or ask , Why? when they want another 5 copies of papers they already have. Immigration even disputed the new rules on bank deposits with me, even though i had copies both in Thai and English, still told me they were wrong, But when pushed , she finally admitted she did not understand many of the rules, but i must still do as she says

So we have an official officer, who does not know the rules, will not accept the official rules on paper in front of her, makes me return 2 days later, then  fines me because of this, and you want me to stay polite, dignified and understanding ?? For me, people earn respect , my politeness, and understanding, of which most people get, but never a buffalo brain who cannot do their job

It really can't be good for your blood pressure, what are you doing in Thailand?

[473geo]

10 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Many a married family man who is here on a Non-Imm "O" Visa, which now can not be extended by a border hop, and now has to go to immigration as well.  You can really tell that you are not astute in the way of Visa's by your comment....

Why not a visa based on marriage?

[martin3]

8 hours ago, UbonThani said:

Why did they enter after March 10? By late Feb it was clear travel would be a problem. No sympathy for people like this.

Please tell me where its states after the 10th?

The only date i can see is the 1st of March.

And what we don,t know is each individual,s circumstances as to why they are still here,So have a little heart in times like this!

[Chongalulu]

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Most of them already go home in the low season to help on the farm so yes, maybe they will do more of that.

 

Anyway, lost tourism means only 9% to 17% of GDP that needs to be replaced. Pretty sure the already mature services sector can fill the gap and the younger more agile generation of workers will easily retrain and adapt.

 

The notion that Thailand will become a total basket case after all the foreigners stop coming is quite funny. Did you come up with that one yourself?

'Only' 17% of GDP shows your economic illiteracy. I guess you haven’t or had the mental capacity to read the significant slowing of growth in Thailand in the last couple of years. To imagine that size of loss as insignificant when the country emerges into a global recession post Coronavirus indicates an IQ lower than a typical government minister.

Edited April 5, 2020 by nchuckle

[Mavideol]

9 hours ago, rooster59 said:

an official at the Foreign Ministry told The Nation that Immigration authorities are aware of the issue and the Cabinet had agreed in principle about the automatic visa extension.

but he didn't comment about waiving the fees, which are called highway robbery

[Accidental Tourist]

I have never understood the forum members; which are mostly selfish, cynical and posting platitudes.

People are staying in this country for different reasons; and not all on criminal attend. 

I for example NOT staying in the country for "a long holiday", but rather visiting my family. In the past I been working in the country and visa and work permit from BOI where never an issue. Now I am working outside of Thailand and staying for the break times as TOURIST. Arrive on January 18 and got already my extension; Where scheduled to flight for my Work to Germany/Netherlands end of last months. My boss informed me that they hope to start again in May (River cruises); I do have a second home in Hurghada/Egypt, but the city is shut down. SO I AM STUCK IN THAILAND...which is not my choice; want to leave but can't move for work or to my second apartment. So guys you believe this is funny? And I need your ridiculous comments on that? During crisis like this we should help each other rather to giving out negative impulses.

Stay save and healthy and wishing you all a peaceful Easter Holiday...

[StevieAus]

9 hours ago, baansgr said:

Just one infected person in that crowded office will have a dire effect on numbers in Samui.....it really is beyond a joke, curfews, booze bans etc, yet this scene is happening on a daily basis for over two weeks throughout Thailand..madness, total madness

If it’s madness here it must be madness in other countries as well have a look what’s happening in Australia and the U.K. 

In the latter older people have to stay in their homes for 12 weeks, I was also talking to a female friend aged 55 who because she sometimes  suffers from asthma has to isolate in her own home for the same period.

Police are stopping drivers and people at railway stations and if they cannot justify their journey are directed to return home.

In relation to your so called booze ban that it is not Thailand wide 

I bought alcohol yesterday at Makro with no problems.

[PremiumLane]

9 hours ago, UbonThani said:

Why did they enter after March 10? By late Feb it was clear travel would be a problem. No sympathy for people like this.

It doesn't matter when they arrived, or when they were going to stay till - the problem is now, and the problem is people are here and it should be dealt with in a rational and logical way i.e. automatically extend all visas till the crisis is over. Other countries have managed it. 

You are arguing over inane vapid small details

[charmonman]

9 hours ago, UbonThani said:

All tourists should have left 3 weeks ago. Don't these whingers read the news. Forget holidays for 9 months.

Fair enough I suppose, but why does immigration insist on a situation that puts people in danger, including their own officers, in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis? Maybe these tourists were stupid not to get back home weeks ago but Thai immigration is doing nothing but compounding the stupidity.

[chrissables]

4 hours ago, marko kok prong said:

Why do you have to go to to the office every 90 days,post it,do online,or use an agent,try using a bit of initiative.

Post it and risk it getting lost?

Online if it works, if it 100% of the time I'm sure people would.

Paying an agent to report for what anyway? Why is there such a thing as 90 day reporting, are we all on bail here?

[0815]

A German, probably backpacking digital nomad, who preferred to "get trapped" at the nice island beaches instead of going back to the European chaos ?
Shut up please !
(Before I get shot and stabbed by some posters, I hold a German passport ????)

[Anant72]

It will be interesting to see the numbers of returnees when the next tourist season starts.

[Magenta408]

This is unfortunate. A combination of shoddy management, stringent irresponsible measures applied to people who came to the country expecting a modicum of common sense and care without receiving much, BUT one has to imagine the staff and the conditions they work under and all the consequences that come with it. You have to make sure that you prove you are not a criminal meant to undermine the system before you can expect to be treated in a civil manner. I always ask myself, under these circumstances, is everyone treated equally?

[Steve Vincent]

Immigration desperately needs a revamp “. Many purchase the necessary visas before arriving,. Sadly covid19 worrying for many people abroad with elderly parents or family members back home,. Nobody should be benefiting from a world wide disaster,whether that’s immigration or airlines ! Those with a Thai family should not be paying for visas - simple as that ‘ if so a yearly fee applicable,. there actually part of there local community,spending money and without them it would be worse. Hope immigration starts showing respect to the foreigner “ we’re here because we love the country that don’t mean we like all the rules. Working together creates a good harmony - stay safe people ????

[ThailandRyan]

30 minutes ago, 473geo said:

Why not a visa based on marriage?

You are a daft person are you not: a Non Imm "O" Visa can be a single entry which is good for 90 days, or an ME which every 90 days you need to border hop to extend for another 90 days.  Then at the end of the year you can do an extension of stay if you have the funds in the bank.  However, some folks do work in their home country. 

 

But then you knew all of this already.  Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O”, Purpose of Visit: Applicants who wish to stay with family in Thailand (Thai Family)
 

Continue on and keep digging down.....enjoy your day

[TKDfella]

5 hours ago, robsamui said:

The biggest problem with immigration officials in all small provincial offices is that they are essentially undereducated - as with all Thais. Also, they are specifically trained to work in an exact way, and lack the initiative or creativity to adjust, or find solutions, to new situations.

 

Instead of getting understandably angry at them, try to imagine that, instead of people wearing official uniforms, you are dealing with a whole bunch of people wearing 7-11 uniforms - I can't imagine there's much difference in aptitude or ability.

 

These are exceptional times, leading to floods of people (farangs) all of which have distressing visa scenarios, combined with an easily-spread disease which makes everyone edgy and nervous.

 

The situation is heightened by the rapidly-changing attitudes of central government and the ongoing poor communications between Bangkok and it's far-flung outposts.

 

Not to mention the conflict with the traditional Thai instruction that all immigration directives are up to the discretion of individual immigration officer - this has always been a nonsense but under these new emergency circumstances it's become yet another Thai farce.

 

Try to keep it in mind that 99% of Thais are conservative, shy, gentle folks who would much rather disappear through a back door for an hour than face a confrontation in a situation they are not trained to cope with.

 

Be patient with what's happening now - the staff at immigration are probably at their wit's end. It's not these individuals who are sinking Thailand's tourist boat; that's already been achieved by the simple soldiers who are currently running the nation and their insane lust for the tourist $$ at any cost and the outmoded and unreliable computer infrastructure - plus their open racism . . . not to mention their inability to take decisive and positive action - none of which is being well-perceived by the rest of the world.

I would like to give your post a 'like' because in part I would have agreed with you. However, as I posted on the 'social distancing' thread the IO's at the office are breaking their own rules. However, that post was about 'distancing' and I didn't mention other problems...and there is a reason for this. This is the first year in 25 that the treatment I received was bad so I was reluctant to give details because I thought 1 year out of 25, well, I mean...

I was dressed politely, my manner was polite and would have presented myself in the orderly fashion as I've always done. ..if I had been given the chance...and I said very little. All my documents were correct yet every time they spoke to me it was a shouted order. I was calmly sitting waiting for my turn when an IO (standing behind the seated IO's) that called me to the counter, making me a third person where there should have only have been two (distancing), and he did so by shouting 'You...come' and paid no regard to the queue card number I was holding. When the man on my right was finished I was told to 'sit' as though I was some animal being trained to obey commands. In any other circumstance I would have reacted to this treatment but I remained calm. The inside of the office had very few applicants because the queuing was done outside so there was absolutely no need for their ill mannered approach and no need to break their own distancing arrangement. It is quite clear from other posters that I am not the only one. 

Edited April 5, 2020 by TKDfella

[Khunangkaro]

5 hours ago, marko kok prong said:

Why do you have to go to to the office every 90 days,post it,do online,or use an agent,try using a bit of initiative.

Time ago I was summoned to report 90days in person at the IO because I live "close", 35km away, from Amnat Charoen Office.

Just say... I admit that to go in person is not such a hassle here. Always done within minutes because no queue ever. 

But then after all, residing 23 years in Thailand, now 10 years my permanent residence registered at Amphor (Yellow Housebook) and at Land Office (Lifelong Usufruct), the 90days requirement does not make sense at all. 

Edited April 5, 2020 by Khunangkaro
Clarify

[Peterphuket]

9 hours ago, ezzra said:

When they ever gave a rat's ass for what tourists and other non Thais feel or need? for them a tourist is a wallet with legs to get in spend the money and get out and don't hassle us with your silly requests to be understanding and compassionate because this is not our stoeger suite...

A good example are the police checks nearly every day in Huahin, in the front of Lotus, and only for fining the foreigners.

[mberbae]

No sympathy here. These tourists knew there was a Global pandemic by Mid February.

They knew Thailand is a Major Hub for Chinese tourists.

They were too distracted with the allure of the white sand beaches to connect

the dots and think ahead.