Thai Senator Calls For Stricter Thai Visa Rules

[george]

Disgruntled senator calls for stricter visa rules for foreigners

BANGKOK: -- A senator from the north-eastern province of Mahasarakham today called on the government to review its issuance of visas to foreigners, after he failed to gain a visa from the British Embassy for a trip to England.

Responding to his treatment at the hands of the British Embassy, Mr. Wittaya Masena said it was time to review visa regulations that allowed foreigners easy access to Thailand, while Thais - 'even politicians' - were forced to wait in lengthy queues in order to gain visas to go abroad.

Mr. Wittaya claimed that over 30 senators had recently failed to gain visas on time to undertake their foreign travel as scheduled, despite having requested the visas in advance.

Saying that Thailand should consider its 'national honour', Mr. Wittaya called on the government to undertake background checks of foreigners entering the country, rather than simply issuing visas indiscriminately as a means of facilitating tourism.

"People from several countries can travel to Thailand without a visa, regardless of whether they are--parliamentarians, businesspeople, tourists, or even hooligans, or traders in illegal goods", he said.

"But when Thai people request visas to those countries, they need to get up in the early hours of the morning to wait in queues to submit documents, and have to waste the entire day in order to hear whether or not their visa request has been granted. This is like begging! Where has the honour of Thai people gone?"

Mr. Wittaya cited the recent example of Deputy Senate Speaker Niphon Wisityutthasat and a number of senators, who failed to gain visas to the UK, and missed their scheduled flight as a result.

He called on the government both to review its issuance of visas to foreigners, and increase visa charges, noting that while Thai visas were a mere Bt400-500 each, Thais often had to each pay up to Bt3,000 for visas to travel abroad.

-- TNA 2004-07-06

[Lifelover]

Har Har Har. What a good laugh I had this morning reading this. Welcome to the real world senator!

[Miker]

Perhaps it is because he is a "politician" that his visa was refused !!

As to his "bitch" in having to get up early and queue for document submittal and approval, he obviously hasn't spent any time in similar circumstances in the Thai Immigration Departments.

Welcome to the real world Khun Wittaya. At least the British Embassy treats all alike, politicians get no special privileges.

[maerim]

If he wants to start a tit for tat campaign how about not letting Thai's own property in the UK?

hooligans, or traders in illegal goods", he said.

That would look good on the reason to visit Thailand wouldn't it?

[mrvietnam2001]

If he wants to start a tit for tat campaign how about not letting Thai's own property in the UK?

Or the USA.

Give them a little something to whine about. Oh but khun so and so, you can "lease", and renew said lease which is "tantamount ( sort of) to ownership"!

Or marry an American "babe" and put the property in her name. Don't fret, everyting ire mon.

Mr Vietnam

[PvtDick]

So, Mr. Senator -- do you want to be uppity, or do you want tourist revenues?

[PvtDick]

PS: remember when notorious Samut Prakan parliamentarian Wattana Asavahame got all huffy when he was denied a US visa? He demanded to know the reason, so the embassy told him (and everyone else): you are suspected of being involved in the narcotics trade.

[bangsaen bob]

I guess he doesn't understand that Thailand is a 3rd world county and becoming more like a banana republic every day.

[Martin]

Hey. Sober up, fellas. 'Tit for tat' gets us all nowhere.

It just happens that I was discussing this with a friend a few days ago, so I'll quote:

"Also, I think that I am going to try not to have to get cash on my VISA cards in future, but do it all UK Bank to Siam Bank. That way there is a paper trail, if I have to prove that I am a 'financial asset' to Thailand.

We are OK now, but I worry about how easy it would be for anti-farang feeling to be whipped up in the wake of some scandal, and the pressure on the Thai Government to show they were doing something about it (like the tabloid-induced hysteria in UK about 'bogus asylum seekers'). Some of our farang 'long-term tourists' are so bogus that it would be easy for an opposition politician to make a reputation of 'Protector of Thailand from the Farang Hordes of Perves and Gangsters'.

I am operating on the basis that I may have to prove my innocence sometime in the future."

We have also been having a discussion about the British Embassy in the thread "How the British lost India". And there has been a News item by George on the UKvisas Section of the Embassy getting itself so overloaded that it can't handle the number of daily applicants.

Cool diplomacy, and the putting of houses in order (and BOTH, for the one is no use without the other) would seem to be the best way forward.

[Phil Conners]

Som nam nah.

[MekhongKurt]

The Good Senator apparently hasn't been keeping up with things. For many of us, visa fees *start* at 1900 baht -- not the 400-500 quoted in the TNA article.

According to family and friends in the States, there is a growing sentiment to force our own politicians to enact tit-for-tat laws -- such as one to deny property ownership to a national of a country that has such a law itself.

Those points said, I will say I personally known Thais who were treated questionably, at best, terribly, at worst, in various embassies, including my own, the U.S. embassy. And the U.S. is charging US$100 for a tourist visa application these days -- non-refundable, no explanations given, thank you very much. So, while generally don't have much sympathy for members of government (anywhere) who want to use their clout to get revenge, IMHO visa procedures could be made a bit more rational (speaking only for my own country -- I'll leave it to nationals of other countries to decide whether or not their own countries' visa procedures are fair and equitable).

[PvtDick]

Brazil recently started requiring fingerprints for visiting Americans, as Brazilians (and everyone else) is required these days going to the US. I can't say that I blame them.

[BlackJack]

I wonder how the new FTA between Australia and Thailand will affect his ranting regarding strict measures

Just when Thai- Australia have relaxed visa rules and WP requirements

[udon]

I wonder if the British Embassy did a background check on the senator?

Goodonyer Pommies! LOL

[sabaijai]

What is TNA, so that I can source the original article? The Nation?

I hope the senator is successful in bringing the immigration laws up to parity with the West, e.g., if a foreigner marries a citizen and resides in that citizen's country, permanent residency is virtually automatic, and citizenship follows within five years.

Edited July 6, 2004 by sabaijai

[george]

What is TNA, so that I can source the original article? The Nation?

No, M.C.O.T. Here is the link: http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=28752

[h5kaf]

The good senator was probably treated the same as all the other applicants. My bet is that he was politely and courteously treated even though refused a visa. The fact that he had a long wait is not the fault of the embassy but a result of the large number of people wanting to visit the UK. He is obviously a pompous legend in his own mind.

I make the point that the immigration departments here in Thailand are as obstructive as possible and are far from polite or courteous. The cost of a visa, Mr. Senator is 1900B not 400 or 500. The cost of an exit/entry visa to protect the annual visa extension is 1000B or 3000B and the minimum amount we need to be able to live here in Thailand (with no citizen rights at all) is 400,000 or 800,000 depending on circumstances. And we stand in queues all day long sometimes to be refused.

Som nam na Ha! Ha! Ha! (You see I have poetic tendencies as well)

[john b good]

I haven't got a whole lot to say other than Wittaya is a ######.

See how he likes it when the overseas countries exapropriate all the assets that Thais have been able to acquire outside of the realm.

[udon]

TNA = Thai News Agency.

[sabaijai]

Thanks for the link, George.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The Good Senator apparently hasn't been keeping up with things. For many of us, visa fees *start* at 1900 baht -- not the 400-500 quoted in the TNA article.

According to family and friends in the States, there is a growing sentiment to force our own politicians to enact tit-for-tat laws -- such as one to deny property ownership to a national of a country that has such a law itself.

Those points said, I will say I personally known Thais who were treated questionably, at best, terribly, at worst, in various embassies, including my own, the U.S. embassy. And the U.S. is charging US$100 for a tourist visa application these days -- non-refundable, no explanations given, thank you very much. So, while generally don't have much sympathy for members of government (anywhere) who want to use their clout to get revenge, IMHO visa procedures could be made a bit more rational (speaking only for my own country -- I'll leave it to nationals of other countries to decide whether or not their own countries' visa procedures are fair and equitable).

Well Kurt it is time to check tourist visa prices for you. A 60 day tourist visa costs $US 25 in the USofA You might as well be factual,

[astral]

If his trip was on government business I am sure he would have been granted his UK visa though the normal diplomatic channels.

The fact he went queuing up shows he does not know what he is talking about and that he went about it the wrong way.

Typical Thai!!

[kcallagmy]

It is amazing how people want to drag things to the lowest common denominator. Since foreign embassies US,UK, Canada etc. make it a pain to get visas, let's do the same. I wish these foreign embassies would look around and base their visa practices on some SEA countries. I too agree getting a visa is a pain except in Thailand,SIngapore etc. Thai officials do not lower yourselves to these other countries practices.

[Crushdepth]

He had one thing right - many of the 'western' embassies do treat Thai people like crap when they try to get a visa - particularly single females. I have been embarrased by the treatment meted out to friends trying to go to Australia for a holiday. If a country wants to have strict visa controls fair enough - but they should be able to do it in a professional and respectful way.

The Dear Senator would do well to try and put his own house in order first though. It's a shame the first thing people see in the land of smiles is a scowling immigration official. And the visa department...

[iang]

The good senator should check the recently (relatively) increased Thai visa charges - I renewed my Thai Non-immigrant 'B' Visa just last month in Australia - That had gone up to A$225, which would currently convert to an astounding Thai visa fee of Baht6,200!

Please can I pay Baht 3,000 for my visa like the senator!

[Baaksida]

The cost of a visa, Mr. Senator is 1900B not 400 or 500. The cost of an exit/entry visa to protect the annual visa extension is 1000B or 3000B and the minimum amount we need to be able to live here in Thailand (with no citizen rights at all) is 400,000 or 800,000 depending on circumstances. And we stand in queues all day long sometimes to be refused.

I know several Thais who constantly tell me, that they don't like their compatriates' attitude anymore, and who would rather sooner than later like to relocate to other countries!

My girlfriend and I are planning to re-locate to my homecountry (Germany) once we're married.

From day 1 onwards she'll have the right to claim social benefits worth tens of thousands of baht per month, without ever having worked or having paid any taxes in Germany. (She won't be required to bring a single penny into the country.)

Being married to a German, the formalities to stay in my homecountry will be almost formalities only. After 3 years she will automaticaly receive the right for permanent residency. (And she certainly won't need any visa then.)

Also, from day one she'll have the right to work in Germany, open a bank account, purchase and own 100% of a car/house/property/company...

The number of Thai and other foreigners in all European countries is proof, that immigration laws and visa regulations in Britain and other western countries are

in fact liberal.

I would guess, that there are (good) reasons for a top politician from Thailand being refused a visa for the U.K., e.g. involvement into the drug trade...

So, which ones are the countries which should adjust their immigration laws, Mr. Senator from Isaan??

[snowleopard]

Disgruntled senator calls for stricter visa rules for foreigners 

Responding to his treatment at the hands of the British Embassy, Mr. Wittaya Masena said it was time to review visa regulations that allowed foreigners easy access to Thailand, while Thais - 'even politicians' - were forced to wait in lengthy queues in order to gain visas to go abroad.

Mr. Wittaya claimed that over 30 senators had recently failed to gain visas on time to undertake their foreign travel as scheduled, despite having requested the visas in advance.

If his trip was on government business I am sure he would have been granted his UK visa though the normal diplomatic channels.

The fact he went queuing up shows he does not know what he is talking about and that he went about it the wrong way.

Typical Thai!!

"People from several countries can travel to Thailand without a visa, regardless of whether they are--parliamentarians, businesspeople, tourists, or even hooligans, or traders in illegal goods", he said.

Maybe he got refused because he's a politician!

No shopping trip to London granted=taxpayers' money saved!

Anyone else here who can remember how Senator (or MP) T.Sripreechaporng could visit the U.S. without even having a visa?!

How did he do it?

He was extradited to stand trial for masterminding dope dealings in the range of several metric tons!

Cheers.

Snowleopard

[Foggy Bottom]

Mr. Wittaya Masena as a politician may have been trying to wangle a diplomatic visa (extremely difficult to get for any country) alternatively he may have applied for a visitor/tourist visa but declared he would be undertaking governmental business while there (thinking it would impress the clerk) - in both cases = no way

Politicians are not diplomats and therefore not entitled to diplomatic visas.

Governmental visits are not holidays (tourist visa).

Also he should think carefully about current world wide concerns about terrorism and travelling under fake identities - the name Masena does not sound Thai - it sounds more Judaic or Islamic in origin (Messina?)and would trigger cautionary bells with consular services. If he was intending to go on official government duty, he should have applied through the normal parliamentary channels, if not, then he is travelling as a normal private citizen and has to apply in the same way, and subject to the same scrutiny, as everyone else.

Who'd like a wager he was off to buy a bolt hole in the UK for when TRT take a thrashing in the next election (I can dream, but the statement's based on popular opinion among Thais on the streets in CM who are openly criticising Cheerless Leader and his policies' effects on their pockets - TRT're gonna get a huge cut in their majority this winter - hurrah).

Gaz

[dighambara]

The Good Senator apparently hasn't been keeping up with things. For many of us, visa fees *start* at 1900 baht -- not the 400-500 quoted in the TNA article.

According to family and friends in the States, there is a growing sentiment to force our own politicians to enact tit-for-tat laws -- such as one to deny property ownership to a national of a country that has such a law itself.

Those points said, I will say I personally known Thais who were treated questionably, at best, terribly, at worst, in various embassies, including my own, the U.S. embassy. And the U.S. is charging US$100 for a tourist visa application these days -- non-refundable, no explanations given, thank you very much. So, while generally don't have much sympathy for members of government (anywhere) who want to use their clout to get revenge, IMHO visa procedures could be made a bit more rational (speaking only for my own country -- I'll leave it to nationals of other countries to decide whether or not their own countries' visa procedures are fair and equitable).

Anyone who has been to the U.S. Embassy (Bangkok) in recent times understands the difficulty. That place is a ZOO!

Michael Weldon

Udon Thani, Thailand

[BKK_banger]

Unfortunately our friend the Senator has a mighty opinion of himself. Queuing with the voters??? No way, he is far too big and important.

He is also not very well informed on what it takes to get a visa. Did he pop in, fill out a form and expect a visa?

If the Brit Embassy are shown:

1. Proof of income

2. Proof of funds

3. Employment, proof of it

4. Ties to Thailand which will bring him back

5. A valid reason for going (which can include tourism) compatible with the visa type.

in addition to the form then it is extremely unlikely to be refused. Every refusal I have seen at the Embassy has been for lack of one of these five areas. The form is not enough by itself.

Just turning up and claiming to be a Senator and expecting the Embassy to kowtow is irrational.

I suspect he was also uncomfortable sitting in a room which has a large proportion of smelly sunburnt Englishmen accompanied by Isaan working girls. These are not the types he would wish to sit with.

If he had any sense he would have had his driver pick up the forms and submit them for him. Then he could have made an appointment and seen the staff quickly.

If a real big shot he could have called on the Ambassador at the same time whilst he waited.