JULY 29 brings the formal opening of Phuket's new Immigration HQ, and the first test for a range of new approaches to visa applications. There's also a new holding cell for near misses.

The new Immigration headquarters brings state-of-the-art technology, closer ties with the Tourist Police, and greater ease in obtaining and renewing visas.

Earlier this year, the Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, Police Colonel Chanatpol Yongbunjerd, provided a preview tour of the fresh white building at Saphan Hin.

A modern Internet-connected system will allow resorts and guest houses to advise Immigration of arrivals and departures, free from the paperwork and delays of the old system.

In a breakthrough for official transparency, a committee of interested parties from outside the department is to be set up to offer feedback and advice on improvements to the entire Immigration system.

The concepts that work well in Phuket are likely to be adopted elsewhere in Thailand.

-- Full report at www.phuketwan.com

MiniVDO: The Deputy Commissioner–General of Police vows that Immigration Police services in Phuket will improve.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=516

Ready to serve foreign visitors with efficient and friendly services, at the same time protecting the national interest in term of security and stability are among missions and responsibilities the Deputy Commissioner–General of the Royal Thai Police Department Pol. General Wirote Phaholwes vowed in front of guests and his officers during an opening speech he delivered, before officiating over the opening of the new office building for the Phuket Immigration Office yesterday morning. The new building, located in the same compound near Saphan Hin Park, cost 12 million baht to build and it came equipped with high technology equipment, enabling rapid and sufficient services and police operations. He stressed that the immigration operation is among nine urgent agenda policies of the Police Department to improve services and operation up to world class standard.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps relays/repeats on local Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Wednesday 30 July 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Contact [email protected]