Travel Agents Accuse Embassies Of Prejudice

[lazygourmet]

From TTR weekly:

Thai travel agents are privately accusing European embassies of outright prejudice, while making allegations that hint of corruption in the way embassies process Schengen visas. Agents estimate flawed visa processes at embassies that issue Schengen visas will cost them at least Bt7 billion in travel package revenue this summer. Failure to gain adequate interview slots at embassies forced agents to cancel close to 1,000 firm tour bookings since April.

Story continues here

[beano2274]

They go on about Schengen then mention the UK, which is not part of the Schengen agreement.

Also they say it is demeaning for the traveller, well am afraid to say it is the same for those of us with Thai partners it is demeaning for them when they walk into the Embassies sometimes to apply for Visas, some of the questions and the remarks made (this is taken from what has been previously commented on here in TV).

The Embassies need to be more focused on following the rules laid down and being more customer orientated as that is what these people are.

Also I read a comment by one of the Visa specialists saying that if a decision is made and an appeal lost the original ECO should be black marked or fined, for not doing their work correctly. If an appeal overrules an ECO then the ECO has not done the work correctly and needs further training if necessary.

Edited May 19, 2011 by beano2274

[merijn]

I think that there are much more complaints about the Thai embassy’s abroad and the Immigration system in general in Thailand.

Just ask all the foreigners whose visas are getting rejected or extra unnecessary paperwork is demanded by the Thai immigration offices and Embassies.

Not the mention the bribes which are openly asked/demanded only to get you application considered.

Compared to this the European Embassies are not bad at all for the Thai people.