earlofwindermere Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Last Friday, I had the pleasure of extending my visa for another year. I noticed a few things that have changed and am wondering if others have had the same experiences.... 1. The staff seem a lot more pleasant and willing to help. 2. They now seem to require a "thai helper" even if you speak Thai and know the process. 3. When it's time to go "behind the counter," the Thai helper goes first (without the foreigner). During this time, the Immigration staff put a hard sell on the person to buy skin cream for a good 30 minutes. Anyone else have this experience? Is the skin cream sales pitch a new way to get money from foreigners instead of outright bribes? Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I guess that we must be regarded as the perfect 'captive audience', unable to run away, or slam the door in the face of the unwanted caller. Thank God the Immigration workers don't include Jehovas Witnesses ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yumidesign Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Last Friday, I had the pleasure of extending my visa for another year. I noticed a few things that have changed and am wondering if others have had the same experiences....1. The staff seem a lot more pleasant and willing to help. 2. They now seem to require a "thai helper" even if you speak Thai and know the process. 3. When it's time to go "behind the counter," the Thai helper goes first (without the foreigner). During this time, the Immigration staff put a hard sell on the person to buy skin cream for a good 30 minutes. Anyone else have this experience? Is the skin cream sales pitch a new way to get money from foreigners instead of outright bribes? Thoughts? i have no idea maybe its an on pack promotional offer, buy the skin cream get the visa...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elektrified Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I remember someone telling me last year about a similar experience in Nong Khai Immigration I think it was. Somewhere in Isaan I remember that much. They were also given the hard-sell to buy skin cream. Very odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulysses G. Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 It is probably smarter to just go ahead and buy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 But most of us don't need skin whitener. I am truly mystified. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angiud Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Maybe they are the tons of creams they seize at Swampy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlofwindermere Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 The hard sell was aimed at the Thai helper, not myself. As mentioned in the first post, they asked for only the Thai person to go behind the counter and told us (the farangs) to wait outside. It's the first time that this has happened to us. Usually, the farang go behind the counter at the same time. My Thai staff refused to buy which is probably why we had to wait the extra 30-45 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 (edited) Maybe its time to go back to the good old days, bring in the bottle of Johnny Walker Black and everything goes down easy. Rules? We don't need no frigging rules! Edited March 24, 2009 by Jingthing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlofwindermere Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 From what I've experienced and heard from others - the pressure to bribe comes from one person in particular there. She is often (ie conveniently) found at the BOI or the "Visa Extension of 90 days" window. She's affectionately known by some as the "Glasses Lady." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcgriffith Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Oh bother. Just when I thought the CM Imm office had attained near nirvana status, now this. I had no issues whatsoever when I renewed last Sept. In and out in about 1 1/2 hour, with the separate multi-entry permit application. I was not offered a "helper", and can't see how this would be of any help, as renewing a retirement extension is stupid simple. Members, let us know what you find out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyTheMook Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 At least they were not trying to push KY Jelly on you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave2 Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 jingthing. re ...bring in the bottle of Johnny Walker Black and everything goes down easy. ive been there and done that in poipet about 6 years ago ... and it works .... oil the wheels ( someones throat ) and its amazing how problems .... dissapear happy to be here even if it " costs me " .... dave2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krabbyken Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 I just received my 1 yr "long term visa" last week and I have 3 things to say about the immigration staff - polite - helpful - efficient!!! No thai helper and did not see anyone trying to sell anything. I could not have asked for a better experience...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adjan jb Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Skin cream or Vaseline? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lost in LOS Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 I just received my 1 yr "long term visa" last week and I have 3 things to say about the immigration staff - polite - helpful - efficient!!! No thai helper and did not see anyone trying to sell anything. I could not have asked for a better experience...... wow, I hope you went directly to a lottery seller and brought a ticket, lucky day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiangMaiFun Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Last Friday, I had the pleasure of extending my visa for another year. I noticed a few things that have changed and am wondering if others have had the same experiences....1. The staff seem a lot more pleasant and willing to help. 2. They now seem to require a "thai helper" even if you speak Thai and know the process. 3. When it's time to go "behind the counter," the Thai helper goes first (without the foreigner). During this time, the Immigration staff put a hard sell on the person to buy skin cream for a good 30 minutes. Anyone else have this experience? Is the skin cream sales pitch a new way to get money from foreigners instead of outright bribes? Thoughts? I believe it's only the guys in the back room? they tried to sell me an air purifier too! had to get my new visa 'approved' by the guy and he started selling me health products and an air purifier... bizarre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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