UK Ambassador To Thailand Asif Ahmad Replies To Your Questions

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QUIZZING AN AMBASSADOR

UK envoy replies to your questions

The Nation

Recently, we asked you to submit inquiries (on any issue) to British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. A subsequent video interview based on your questions was broadcast on Asean TV but he felt obliged to address every single question and comment (some of them are quite emotional as you shall see) and put his honest replies on the record here. So, as we promised you, here are the UK ambassador's answers to your questions. It must have taken him considerable time to tackle all of them and we are grateful for that.

The first nine questions below are covered in the video interview I did for The Nation:

part 1

part 2

US citizens and businesses enjoy condiderable special privilages under the Treaty of Amity. What are the UK government doing about securing a similar treaty for UK citizens and businesses? Or, is it something the European Union should be addressing?"

Next: There are a lot questions concerning visas and passports. Among those who asked are Andrew Cherry, Gary Thomas, Derek Bingham , guys named Marc, Taff, John Ship, Paul, Greg, Rupert.

This is to name just a few. Let me summarize their questions for you.

1. Why is it taking quite long to process a passport? Even people in emergency complained they had to wait and sometimes overstay. Can the process be shortened to, like a week or three days?

2. This is from DB- He wants to know how much money the consular section get from British citizens each year.

3. Why is the cost of getting UK passport from your embassy is twice as much as that charged in the UK? And why it takes longer?

4. One Mister "Edward" is an angry man. He wants to know if your office reports to London about "discrimination" toward foreigners by the Thai government.

5. A lot of questions concern pension payment from UK to expats living in Thailand. Can things be improved or will they have to remain the same?

6. From Mr Taff. More or less about the issues we are going through. "How can you justify the costs for Passports, Pension Letters, Affirmations etc when other Embassies are charging a realistic price?"

7. Let's turn to politics. From Mr Malcolm Williams. He's upset by what he said was lopsided report by the BBC on political situation in Thailand. He doesn't think Thaksin Shinawatra is leading a real democracy movement. What's your views on Thai politics, Mr Ambassador?

8. A lot of people want to know if Thaksin, who was banned from UK, can visit the UK now?

HERE ARE ANSWERS TO ALL OTHER QUESTIONS POSED BY THE PUBLIC:

Andrew Cherry

I have had to, recently, renew my passport as it is full. Previously I renewed it at the Embassy in Bangkok. This process took 10 days and in effect the Consular officer called me after 7 days to say it was ready. Now I have to send it by DHL to Hong Kong, which 'processes' the paperwork and then forwards for printing to UK before it is returned to me by DHL. I accept that with new security measures implanted in the passport it is probably better to have the passports produced in UK. However I query the time - 4 weeks. My company wanted me to urgently go to Egypt for a week. This was not possible. They emailed me the Passport agency web site that stated I could obtain a passport in 1 day if I called into a UK regional Passport office. Does this mean that in future, if I need a passport urgently I will have to purchase a return ticket to London and pay the expensive fee for the passport?

I note that my American colleagues can have additional pages added to their passports at the embassy if required.

Answer: I can understand the time it takes to get a passport renewed is inconvenient. A number of business people and Chambers of Commerce have also expressed their concern and we have sent the feedback to London. The Identity and Passport Service agency is centralising printing and distribution in the UK and that will address the inexorable rising costs of producing the document overseas. As the process beds down, the focus can shift to reducing the time lines. If you are able to apply in a period when you are unlikely to need to travel, you can send in your documents earlier than the expiry date and the validity will not be shortened. Those who are frequent travellers can apply for a second passport. As you have said, it is possible to renew your passport in the UK if you are there in person. An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is available for any urgent travel requirements. My understanding is that it is no longer possible for American citizens to have additional pages added to their passports.

DB

I recently needed to provide proof of address in Thailand. The only proof that was acceptable was a letter from the British Embassy- I completed what I thought was a form and handed it in to your office with the 1800 baht (as I recall). 4 hours later the exact same form was returned and only modified with a signature and marked (words to the effect) the British embassy take no responsibility for the contents of this document).

Why should I have to wait such a long time for a simple signature? It is very expensive and I can not imagine so many signatures are requested, so why submit in the am, and return in the pm, I would understand such a wait if it cost 1-200 baht but at near 2000baht it should be rushed to the authorised signatory on the spot.

Answer. All notary work is managed so that applicants have some certainty on timing and they can plan their day. A number of people come from outside Bangkok and the ability to return the same day means that they don't have to stay overnight. The volume of work we have would not allow us to stop and start as and when people walk in. Our work pattern allows us to receive and check the documents and process payments. The same staff can then get on with completion of the work.

The need for many notarised documents comes from Thai regulations and custom rather than UK requirements. Many of the 'facts' we are asked to notarise are not within our ability to verify or vouch for. We would be happy for the demand for such notarised services from the Thai authorities to end all together. The fact that the Thai authorities get the assurance they need by having an Embassy signature does not of course relieve the person of the responsibility of giving accurate information.

It is UK Government policy that the cost of consular services overseas should be borne by the beneficiaries of the service and not subsidised by the UK tax payer, many of whom do not enjoy the privilege of travel. Consular, therefore, ensure this by charging for the services they provide. To do this, fees are calculated on the basis of the full cost of the consular operation globally, including the cost of staff, accommodation and overheads involved, proportionate to the average time taken worldwide to perform the service. It is worth noting that these are specific costs relating to consular staff and services and not wider diplomatic expenditure. The fees are calculated in this way to ensure that every British national can expect to pay the same fee for any service they use no matter where in the world they are. The calculations are carefully scrutinised by the Treasury, approved by the Privy Council and laid before Parliament. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's responsibility is to control costs and keep them within the revenue collection Parliament authorises.

I would be interested in how much revenue the embassy extracts from its citizens on an annual basis?

Answer. The Foreign Office's Annual Report sets out the receipts and costs of Consular Services. Our charges are set by Parliament to recover costs. It is Government policy that the cost of consular services overseas should be borne by the beneficiaries of the service and not subsidised by the UK tax payer, many of whom do not enjoy the privilege of travel. Consular, therefore, ensure this by charging for the services they provide. To do this, fees are calculated on the basis of the full cost of the consular operation globally, including the cost of staff, accommodation and overheads involved, proportionate to the average time taken worldwide to perform the service. It is worth noting that these are specific costs relating to consular staff and services and not wider diplomatic expenditure. The fees are calculated in this way to ensure that every British national can expect to pay the same fee for any service they use no matter where in the world they are. The calculations are carefully scrutinised by the Treasury, approved by the Privy Council and laid before Parliament. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's responsibility is to control costs and keep them within the revenue collection Parliament authorises.

The cost of a passport also baffles me, the cost of secured delivery should not result in the passport cost being nearly double the cost of in the UK

Answer. The cost of producing a passport abroad has always been expensive. Part of the rationale of concentrating all passport production in the UK is to stop the inexorable rise in costs. There still remain a number of checks that are conducted abroad and our aim is to handle much of this in the UK in future. Courier costs apart, the fact that different processes are needed to deal with overseas passports add costs to the document.

Finally and most importantly- I am getting married in January and have been to the embassy to seek advice on how my (now) fiancee can get a visa to visit the UK for two weeks for a friends wedding in April (by then we will be married), they referred me upstairs to your contracted out provider (VFS???) who would only refer me to the website. I wish to sit down and discuss what we need to do to arrange a visa for April and again later in the year. Is there anyone there that can assist us? I understand the fees are very high and think such assistance should be provided at a minimum. Thanks

Answer. The volume of applicants in Thailand is rising at 15-20% per year. We cannot afford to employ the number of staff that would be needed to offer a face to face meeting for applicants. Our aim is to provide as much information as possible on our website. The fact that we handle visa applications well within our published standards and the refusal rate is low, shows that the system works. As with Consular services, the fees are set by Parliament and recover operational costs. The main advice I can offer on taking a spouse to the UK is to have as much proof as possible that the relationship is 'genuine'. Links to supporting document guidance is available on the UK Border Agency in Thailand website . At times, applicants or their advisers think they should narrate what we would like to hear rather than the simple truth. Not only is it better to stick to the truth, false representations can in some situations lead to a 10 year ban on visas.

From Gary Thomas

I would like to know what the UK ambassador is going to do for expats in communications with Thailand as the UK is very easy to give England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales away so easily by giving out residency permits to all. Can he ask the Thai PM bout equal rights for foreigners who want to buy land, invest or just stay here long time giving out residence permits here perhaps?

Answer: It is not an appropriate role for the British Government and its representatives to tell a foreign government how it should offer residency rights. We would not entertain such lobbying from another country telling the UK what we should do. The British Government decides the terms under which people enter and reside in the UK. We do, however, see it as legitimate to convey the wish of British businesses who want to invest in Thailand to have non discriminatory terms including the right to buy and lease land.

From Derek Bingham

First, you have probably become aware that the British Embassy in Bangkok has a poor reputaion when it comes to serving UK nationals. I know many of the problems are outside of your control, e.g. the cost of passports and the non-payment of pension increases.

But one thing you could initiate. The US Embassy has outreach meetings where they attend different provinces of Thailand to deal with various paperwork applications. Why can't the UK Embassy do something similar? Just once or twice a year to the major cities would really help.

Answer: Of the 850,000 British tourists in Thailand each year and the 51,000 who live here, the number of complaints we receive are negligible. Where we get feedback that helps us to improve our services, we respond. In my time in Bangkok, we have run a number of outreach events. I have done so personally in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya. My colleagues have been to these and other locations too. We have one of the larger network of consulates, honorary consuls and consular agents covering many regions of Thailand.

From Marc

Please can you explain exactly why the British Embassy in Bangkok is a money extortion service? A new British passport (from Thailand) is DOUBLE the cost of a passport from the UK office. In the UK (for half the price) you can get a guaranteed 10 day - or less) service. In Thailand (up until a year ago), it was a 10 day service (if you are lucky).. TWICE my passport took more than 10 days (despite me requesting it be done quickly) - the staff always say "ok, we will do our best", yet you get the opposite! and now you have sub-contracted the passport off to Hong Kong and it takes ONE MONTH!!!! and DOUBLE the cost of a standard UK -issued passport.

If you enter Thailand on a 30 day visa and apply for a passport.. - It takes ONE MONTH... - People are FORCED by the embassy to OVERSTAY!!! I think its an absolutely GREEDY and appalling service. I am sure that anyone who has ever had a passport done in Thailand will surely agree... its a rip off and pure greed, (especially for the lousy service you get). How can it be DOUBLE the cost...? (even when it was being done in bangkok,, it was still double the cost).

Also: Some people in the thread mis-understood part of the question: (people seem to think that you only need a new passport because it is expired!) So I want to clarify something important: there are MANY reasons why someone requires a new passport. (not just date expiry) when travelling, the pages in the passport run out much faster than the expiry date! or a Change of Name, etc. or people who have damaged, soaked, torn passports (from whatever travelling they have done).

or lost/stolen passports.

Anyone travelling to thailand gets a 30 day visa on entry. and if their passport is lost or stolen or damaged, it will take 30 days to get a new passport (and double the price)... when they receive their passport, they will be fined on leaving Thailand for overstaying because of the ridiculous time it takes to get your passport. (furthermore, they are potentially at risk of fines or imprisonment if they are caught overstaying by Thai police)!

Answer: Question of cost of passports issued overseas covered in other answers including the video clip. The bottom line is that you cannot expect the ordinary taxpayer to fund your costs. The charges set by Parliament are to recover the cost of providing consular services as a whole, not just issuing the document. The Embassy has no motive to make money from the passport service, the money goes to the Identity and Passport Service agency who in turn hand it over to HM Treasury. Overstaying has nothing to do with the cost or time it takes to issue a passport. An emergency travel document can be issued by the Embassy in Bangkok if someone needs to leave the country.

From Edward

1/ I realise it's something you can do nothing about,but can you please inform H.M Government that it is not fair to many retired ex-pats, that we do not receive the yearly state pension increase, even though many of us have contributed for the maximum 44yrs. Newly retired pensioners in the U.K and those living in many other countries only have to make 30yrs contributions, in order to receive the full pension,which is then increased every year.

Answer: When the Minister of State Jeremy Browne visited Bangkok a few months ago, we organised a discussion with representatives of the British resident community. A key part of the discussion was about frozen pensions and the anomalies that have arisen. It remains a political decision as to whether this particular funding need is going to be given priority over other demands. We have done what you have asked for in bringing the issue to the attention of the Government.

2/Why are the visa application fees, for entry into the UK so expensive for the Thai wives of British citizens, while the fee for a visa into the UK for a Thai wife of a European is free.

Answer: Visa fees are set by Parliament and aim to recover the cost of providing the service. I believe the 'visa' you refer to for the Thai wife of another European national is actually an EEA family permit. This permit is a document similar to an entry clearance which has been given the name 'EEA family permit' to distinguish it from a visa or entry clearance issued under the UK's Immigration Rules. Instead, EEA family permits are issued under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 and not the Immigration Rules. It is issued for six months in all cases and is free of charge. The situation you describe arises out of the need to adhere to court rulings which directed that the EU freedom of movement legislation would apply to such circumstances and Thais nationals married to British nationals travelling to other European countries would also benefit from these regulations. More detail is available at:

http://www.ukba.home...n/eun2/#header1

3/ How much notice does the Thai government/departments take of you, when you raise a complaint or concern with them.

Answer: Diplomacy and lobbying comes in the form of a request rather than demands. We have more successes if we can persuade the host government that action on an issue would benefit Thailand. If there are matters where international law is involved, we can be much more assertive. There are many examples where on a general or specific issue of concern, we have persuaded the Thai government to be helpful. One good example is apprehending people suspected of committing crimes in the UK. There will always be issues which we will have to raise on a sustained basis until we make progress. We are fortunate that we do not have any conflict in our relations with Thailand and that enables us to talk about a whole range of issues. There will be topics where the Thai authorities disagree and do not want to change their policy. This is also true of any issues Thailand raises with the UK.

4/ Do you report to the British government, on the discriminatory and racial policies of the Thai government towards British citizens and those of other foreign countries.

Answer: There are some universal rights and conventions which apply to all nations. Where we think there are concerns, we do raise them with the Thai government. We do not, however, extend that to include the right of the Thai authorities to determine the entry and residency terms they offer to foreigners. That is a matter for Thailand.

From Kevin

I'm a British citizen born in India with nationality due to both parents born in England. However I was refused citizenship for my daughter born in Thailand 2005, due to the fact I couldn't produce P60's I was non-resident at the time. Yet I was given British citizenship to my son born in Thailand 1989. Please kindly provide an explanation.

Answer: The terms of eligibility is explained here:

http://www.ukba.home...britishcitizen/

The current policy is determined by the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 and this overrides previous criteria.

From Paul Rogers

We the expat population have two main difficulties with the UK administration.

1) If we are registered living in Thailand then we do not receive an index linked UK state pension. The pension we are entitled to is frozen at the level for the time we are in Thailand. If we move to the Phillipines etc it becomes index linked. We are aware that certain countries come with indexation as well as certain that do not. Is there not a case for looking at each country separately and giving us reasons as to how the index linking decision is arrived at so that we may contest it.

Answer: Covered in another answer and the video clip.

The visa application procedure in the hands of the 'agency' is too rigid. I discussed my difficulties with a member of the embassy staff and was told that with my personal qualifications there should have been no difficulty. However the agency specifically refused to meet me. In this case how were they to know? I accept that applications are made by individuals but often they are not single 'loners' they are members by marriage of established families; such applications should be treated as a joint application for a single person, rather than the emphasis of impersonal guarantor.

Answer: Covered in another answer. Only the applicant can be relied upon for establishing credibility as the consequences of getting things wrong (in some countries a criminal offence) can only fall to them. If a declaration by the applicant turns out to be seriously defective (eg not declaring a conviction) it can lead to a 10 year visa ban. Therefore, the responsibility for an application must rest with the person concerned.

From John Ship

My question to you, Mr Ambassador, is: I recently asked the IPS why the cost of producing and delivering passports from the UK to overseas "customers" is double the cost of producing and delivering a passport to the UK, I also asked if and when applications can be made on-line, as outlined in the IPS Business Plan, will the cost be the same, plus the extra cost of delivery? The IPS advised me to ask the FCO who in turn advised me to ask the IPS, can you give me a definitive answer please?

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions that concern us.

Answer: Covered in another answer. The full on line process is not yet ready, though an online "SMART" form can now be filled and printed off, making the process easier. The "SMART" form will guide the applicant through completion of questions relevant to their application type, the aim is to avoid delays cause by incomplete applications. The cost implications of these online services have not yet been determined.

From Taff

1. How can you justify the costs for Passports, Pension Letters, Affirmations etc when we here other Embassies are charging a realistic price?

Answer: Covered in another answer.

2. We have to show evidence to get a pension letter however the letter to Immigration has changed from "we have seen evidence" to "Mr X has stated he receives" Why has this wording changed?

Answer. The language reflects that we cannot verify the value of the pension or in other such cases, investments or bank balances. The liability for providing accurate information rests with the applicant not the British Government. Most importantly, the Thai authorities accept the form of words we use and their underlying purpose is fulfilled.

3. On two separate occasions I have emailed the Embassy for answers to some queries they may have been able to assist me with, on both occasions I did not receive a reply WHY?

Answer: As a matter of practice, we respond to all communications we receive. There have been instances where emails have gone to addresses that may have been taken from outdated web pages or previous correspondence (Consular has an auto reply signposting people to web pages - they are asked to resend the email if their query is not covered by the information provided). But if in your case you sent your emails to current addresses and we failed to respond then I am sorry it happened. If you still have issues please send them to me [email protected]

From Malcolm Williams

Would like to understand (1 ) why the much respected BBC news is not giving correct information regarding Thaksin Shinwatra and the fact that he is a fugitive and a convicted criminal living in exile rather than answer not only gfor the offence he was convicted of in the esteemed judicary court of Thailand.

Indeed they totally ignore this and put him across as being treated unfairly and being a respected man of integrity...which he is definitely not.

( 2 ) Why are BBC continually showing his red shirt supporters as a good democratic party who have been unjustly treated and violently abused by the army ect. for no other reason than peaceful demonstration at the same time wrongly indicating and informing it,s viewers their objectives being to help the poor get a better life.

A sort of Robin Hood party who only want to give a fairer distribution of the wealth in Thailand from the rich to the poor.

This is not true, quite the opposite in fact, this not honest reporting and not worthy of the high esteeme the news channel are renowned for.

I live in what is now a recently dedicated red village and have lived here through all that has occured throughout Thailand since this unrest started.

This group are very violent and should anyone not agree with their ideals they receive very aggresive reactions and intimidation. Why do the corporation show them as reasonable democratic voters and citizens when they are anything but. I and many expats here in Thailand are very upset by this wrongful minipulation of the truth.

Do the corporation have vested interests in Thaksin Shinwatra we are constantly asking ourselves and if not why not at least give a more balanced report on what happens on the ground and what their true objectives are.

Should you go into the true background of the above among the expat community who live here much of the time and have been here for some years, I am confident the true picture of this fugitive and his dishonourable objectives will be realised. The country is completely polarise as a consequence of Thaksin's interference and the violent, paid for red shirt back up he has representing him. Giving the poor a few baht while making millions from them is not looking after their interests but pure and simple exploitation. He will go to all lengths to regain power and sadly it is self interests and not that of the Thai people.

Answer: The BBC is funded from the licence fee in the UK. Although it has to account to the Government for its finances, the BBC, rightly, has total independence in terms of what is broadcast. Viewers are within their rights to register any feedback directly to the Corporation and they have done so on many occasions about the coverage of Thailand by the BBC.

From Peter Linder

VISA Rules for Thai Nationals

Why is it that nationals of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei can visit the UK without a prior visa application, or visa required but Thai Nationals can not. How can this change so that Thai Nationals can have the same rights as their neighbours?

Answer: Visa regimes are decided by the Home Office in consultation with the Foreign Office. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining whether visas are imposed or not. The treatment of neighbouring countries is not one of them. An important factor is whether people want to come to the UK to work and settle but come instead as 'tourists' and then over stay or seek to change the terms after they have come to the UK. The decision to have visa regimes is reviewed from time to time and countries are added and removed as circumstances change.

From Greg in Nothaburi

A UK passport costs over 7,000 baht including obligatory postage costs, takes one month and has 29 pages. A Thai passport costs about 1,000 baht (about 20 pounds), can be produced in about two weeks and has nearly fifty pages. What is the reason for this exceptional difference in service quality?

Answer: Cost of UK passport is set by Parliament and is based on recovery of costs both in the UK and staffing of Embassies. It is worth noting that these are specific costs relating to consular staff and services and not wider diplomatic expenditure. Included in the cost of the document is a 'Consular Premium' - that is the cost of maintaining a capability to provide assistance around the world to citizens who need it. Each country has its own standards of what it can provide to citizens who travel or live abroad. Most charge more for a passport issued outside the home country mainly because it costs more to do so. I believe the overall quality of service and the broad range of UK Government support for its citizens abroad, especially in times of crisis, is amongst the best in the world.

From Rupert Cobb

1. If the Thais can issue a new passport in 7 days (standard time) or 3 days if urgent at a cost of 1,050 baht, why does HMG take 3 weeks [or is it 4 weeks now? Time needed seems to increase every time I check] for a charge of about 10,000 baht? No, "security" won't wash, it's just an excuse for incompetent civil servants who simply don't care that members of the productive private sector are unable to travel for that period, much longer if they have to get visas or transfer existing visas to a new passport. And, no, again, to "we've outsourced passports and can't take any responsibility for delays" - change contractors if the existing ones can't perform.

Answer: In the UK, the Identity and Passport Service can straight forward renewals of passports on the same day if needed and has a good turnaround period for the huge number of applications they receive. In other answers to similar questions on the process of concentrating passport production in the UK, I have covered the issue of cost differences. None of the passport processes have been outsourced. Use of courier services or the post has been the norm for many years.

2. How does H.E justify the gouging of his customers on the rate of exchange between GBP and THB for transactions? Would he like to hazard a guess at the reaction of customers if any commercial concerns, including the constantly villified bankers, if they tried to take their clients for the same ride?

Answer: The consular exchange rate is reviewed regularly and adjusted at regular intervals reflecting changes in the financial markets. The benchmark we operate within is set by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Whilst in countries that have very volatile currencies we can work within a 10% margin of the central rate, in the case of Thailand we are permitted to be within a smaller, 3-5% variation above or below the benchmark. To maintain some certainty for customers and to ensure that our published charges are reliable, we do not move the rate up and down on a market based indication every day.

From Mr. GB

1, Do you find it hard to accept the current Thai government as democratically elected, or even legitimate, when:

a) They won the election on false promises, most of which have already been broken (even admitting it after the election "you have to understand that these were just election promises")?

They refused to hold a public debate before the election, stating that there would be time after the election for a debate (yet to happen!).

c) Their 'red army' didn't allow the Democrats to canvass in many areas of Thailand.

d) Their slogan was "Thaksin thinks, PT does"? (Thaksin being a convicted criminal on the run).

e) Some of their current MP's were actively involved in the red shirt riots of 2010, inciting huge crowds to commit acts of violence, burning and looting.

2, How do you think the creation of red shirt villages and districts will affect democracy in Thailand? What do you think PT's 'end game' is with this tactic?

3, Do you think it's possible for Thaksin to simply absolve himself of his sentence and regain credibility in the eyes of the international community, or do you believe that he should serve his sentence, and face the other charges against him in an internationally appointed neutral court set up for this single purpose?

4, Do you believe that people with criminal records should be allowed to enter politics?

5, Do you think that the Prime Minister of a country should be allowed to run their personal business as well as running the country, or should the post of PM be their only job and concern?

6, Do you think that foreign residents in Thailand should be able to play an active role in politics?

7, What do you think of Thaksin's persistance to be involved in politics, and the fact that he's prepared to divide an entire country on the issue of his return to Thailand with a 'get out of jail free' card?

8, Do you think that Yingluck's request to Japan for Thaksin's 'special' visa was a good move on her part, or do you think she had no choice in the matter?

I'll think of some more

G -(I'd rather not disclose my full name as I value my Thai visa and I'm concerned about repercussions)

Answer: The questions you ask are not about the UK's foreign policy towards Thailand. Nor are they about a general assessment of the political situation. These questions are directed at the conduct of one political party and indicate a position which you and others are entitled to take. There are of course people who take a different view. We are politically neutral and work with the government of the day and maintain contact with all sides.

I don't think it is for me to offer a running commentary on the conduct of individual politicians and their actions. We believe in democracy and the rule of law. We have publicly stated our objection to military rule and interference in determining who should form a government once the electorate has decided. We also believe in the role of the Opposition in holding the Government to account through legitimate institutional processes.

The British Government welcomed the way in which the last election was conducted and we believe that the will of the people was reflected in the outcome. The election observers we spoke to and what we were able to see on election day add to the overall assessment that the election process was conducted to international standards. Some of the fears that many parties had did not materialise.

What I have said to the Prime Minster and members of her cabinet is that the challenge for the Government was now to deliver what the electorate expects of them and I have also encouraged the Opposition to assert their right to challenge the performance of the Government so that they can then offer themselves as a credible alternative when the next elections are held. It is for the Thai people to decide how they should vote and act on their behalf in Government.

The one specific question I can answer directly is whether foreign residents can play an active role in Thai politics. The obvious answer is that it is for the Thai government and people to decide what voting rights if any, foreigners should have. In the UK, Commonwealth citizens have many rights that are not on offer to other nationalities. Many foreigners offer commentaries and write letters on Thai politics and contribute to discussions. It would not be appropriate for any foreign government to seek rights for their citizens to have a role in domestic politics in Thailand.

Ralph Millington

-I am an expat here in Thailand. If I find I have cancer or need heart surgery, both are out of the reach of affordable insurance, can I return to the UK for medical aid and will I be charged for this? I am a UK passport holder but have lived and worked here for 10 years.

Answer: Please look at this link for fuller information.

http://www.dh.gov.uk...sable/DH_074374

This is a relevant extract:

Anyone who is deemed to be ordinarily resident in the UK is entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in England. "Ordinarily resident" is a common law concept interpreted by the House of Lords in 1982 as someone who is living lawfully in the United Kingdom voluntarily and for settled purposes as part of the regular order of their life for the time being, with an identifiable purpose for their residence here which has a sufficient degree of continuity to be properly described as settled.

Anyone who is not ordinarily resident is subject to the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2011. These regulations place a responsibility on NHS hospitals to establish whether a person is ordinarily resident; or exempt from charges under one of a number of exemption categories; or liable for charges.

What about British Nationals? I have paid taxes in the past.

Nationality or past or present payments of UK taxes and National Insurance contributions are not taken into consideration when establishing residence. The only thing relevant is whether you ordinarily live in the UK.

From David Robertson:

A young man was sent out from the Embassy some months ago to conduct a survey on what issues concerned the ex-pat community. So the questions are:

a. Why is this survey being conducted again?

Answer: This is a web and paper based survey of British nationals who have retired in Thailand. We are not sending out people to conduct them in person. You may have encountered someone promoting the survey whilst doing other work. A researcher has held focus groups and met local service providers (local authorities and NGOs). We think it is important that we know what issues and circumstances are faced by long term British residents in Thailand. That will enable us to highlight areas of UK Government policies that impact on the wellbeing of citizens. We can see what we can do to meet some of the needs within Thailand that is consistent with our core purpose and is affordable.

b. Why are you wasting public money?

Answer: Can it really be a waste of money to find out what our citizens need and see what else we can do to help.

It would be a waste if it was some shallow PR exercise or a promotion of Embassy vanity. It is neither.

c. What was done about the issues raised by the ex-pats?

The survey is still being conducted and evaluated. We, of course, are aware of some of the issues that have come up through our normal dealings with citizens and these do influence what we do in terms of providing information and where the decisions lie elsewhere, pass on the concerns.

d. What does the Ambassador intend to do about the issues raised by the ex-pats?

Answer: We will make swift changes to practices and information provision where there are compelling and sensible reasons to do so, provided that they are consistent with UK Government policy and normal consular practice. Where the issues relate to UK Government policy, such as frozen pensions, we will, as we have done in the past, faithfully convey the views of affected citizens. Where the demands of expats relate to Thai Government policies where they have every right to impose their conditions such as resident permits and visas, we will do nothing. Where we think that our citizens are endangered or harmed we will be robust in seeking protection. What is already emerging is the need to provide clear information to citizens and find ways to ensure that important changes and messages reach people who live in Thailand. Given the difficulties people say they are experiencing long after they made the decision to retire in Thailand, there may be a case for us to produce some guidance on what factors need to be taken into account before making such an important decision. Our current advice about retiring in Thailand can be seen at http://ukinthailand....when-you-retire

e. Does he intend to publish on the Embassy website what he has done and about what?

Answer: We plan to publish the outcome of the survey. And once we have determined what we can and cannot do, that too will be put into the public domain.

f. What is the purpose of this exercise?

Answer: We think it is important that we know what issues and circumstances are being faced by long term British residents in Thailand. That will enable us to highlight areas of UK Government policies that impact on the wellbeing of citizens. We can see what we can do to meet some of the needs within Thailand that is consistent with our core purpose and is affordable.

If I believed that his Excellency has the capacity to influence matters like pensions not being indexed, Thai property ownership, Thai visa issues, outrageous charges for flights BKK/Samui by BKK Airways, I would be more than happy to respond. Sadly, I suspect this is yet another paper exercise that will go no further than the filing cabinet either in the Embassy, or Foreign Office. To be quite honest, it is more disruptive because it raises hope, where there is none, than than being constructive.

Answer: Part of the job of being an Ambassador is to be the eyes and ears of the British Government as well as being the voice. Even when difficult subjects such as frozen pensions come up, my job is to point to the issue so that Ministers charged with making policy decisions are aware of the situation. I think I met that need when the Minister of State Jeremy Browne last came to Bangkok and I hosted a meeting of a cross section of British citizens who explained to him in great detail why they disagreed with the policy. Whether a political decision is made to prioritise this potential large spending commitment over another issue is not part of our role in the Embassy. But it would be wrong if we did not think it was important for us to listen to what our citizens have to say. On property ownership, we have lobbied the Government and will continue to do so to point to the negative impact on limiting lease terms to foreign investors and the restrictions on freeholds. In the same way that the UK protects its right to decide on its immigration policies and visa terms, the Thai Government alone can decide what is best for them. The big decision for Thailand is how positively do they want to promote tourism, retirement and business investment and determine their policies accordingly. Air fares are a matter entirely for the airlines and are not a issue for the British Government.

-- The Nation 2011-12-23

[sungod]

Initially thought this was a great effort for his Excellency to reach out to the community and listen to our issues. but that's where it stopped, listening.

Reading through this charade he just quotes the party line all the time,even when its wrong. No doubt this is the fast track way for young hopefuls to rise in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office these days, pretend to listen but most definitely don't make any waves.

[parmo1]

Clever answers

[Quirpy]

Asif has been a disastrous and ill-judged appointment. Everything he's done has been solely to elevate his own importance and greatness. Pictures of him wearing a *life jacket* whilst being interviewed on the floods, his reporting on the red-shirt crisis last year when he wasn't even here, he was sat at a desk in London. He's arrogant and naive at the same time, a dangerous combination for diplomacy. The mugs at the FCO in London who are tasked in making these appointments should also bear responsibility.

He's an embarrassment. The business community in Thailand just wants him to go a.s.a.p.

(Fully agree with sungod's comments earlier)

[quiksilva]

Of course he has to tow the "party line", as the Ambassador of the UK government, he represents the "party", so what do you expect?

At least he took the time to answer the questions that were posed, questions for the most part that could just as easily be answered by their website.

[mpdkorat]

I doubt even he believes himself. Buts that's his job, what can anyone expect. I don't even know why we bother to ask the questions. If you choose to live her, live with it. That would have been the answer I would have respected from the Ambassador.

[garrfeild]

What a waste of time that was.

[johna]

An exercise in how not to answer question's, why could this Muppet not give factual answers to simple question such as,

" I would be interested in how much revenue the embassy extracts from its citizens on an annual basis?"

I would also be interested in a straight forward answer to this question.

1800 Baht for a letter stating "proof of address"

"fees are calculated on the basis of the full cost of the consular operation globally, including the cost of staff, accommodation and overheads involved"

They know we cant go some where else, hence the gouging.

[auserb]

What a waste of time that was.

exactly....

oooooo......100 points.. we call it a century... don't we?

Edited December 23, 2011 by auserb

[Mosha]

At least my taxes aren't paying this muppet

[nong38]

Typical politician's answers, manywords saying nothing, refering you to previous answers and websites this does nothing to change anyones views of the Embassy and its staff. Its nothing do with me, Parliament sets this and that and decides this and that I am just carrying out what HM Govt says.MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

HM Govt says thank for the taxes and NI contributions, you are not now welcome in the NHS for free medical care and as far as pensions are concerned, we can't afford to increase it for you annually you have to understand that lots of people have come to the UK looking for a new life and they are a bit short on the cash front,house front, material goods front also a lot are not available to work for one reason or another so they need even more support, its not their fault they have never paid any contributions or can't speak English and its also wonderful to be allowed into a free country and then able to criticise all the hands that feed them, is there any wonder the country is in such a mess.

[kingstonkid]

I guess being a canuck i see a different view. It would be nice to see more ambassadors at least leave themselves open to the people

[maprao]

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. Wow I have been out of the UK for a long time.

[endure]

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. Wow I have been out of the UK for a long time.

"'Nobody believes I'm the British ambassador," remarks Ambassador Asif Ahmad, who, since last November, has been at the head of the British Embassy in Bangkok.

He has put this to his good advantage, strolling the streets of Bangkok on his "No Jag and flag days" without the security you would expect for the head of a G8 mission.

His life has been anything but ordinary. Born in England, he was brought up in Pakistan, Iran and Japan as a diplomat's son. The genocide in Pakistan sent him fleeing back to the UK where he earned a living doing odd jobs. After graduating with a degree in economics from Durham University, he got a job at the National Westminster Bank where he stayed for almost 20 years."

[maprao]

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. Wow I have been out of the UK for a long time.

"'Nobody believes I'm the British ambassador," remarks Ambassador Asif Ahmad, who, since last November, has been at the head of the British Embassy in Bangkok.

He has put this to his good advantage, strolling the streets of Bangkok on his "No Jag and flag days" without the security you would expect for the head of a G8 mission.

His life has been anything but ordinary. Born in England, he was brought up in Pakistan, Iran and Japan as a diplomat's son. The genocide in Pakistan sent him fleeing back to the UK where he earned a living doing odd jobs. After graduating with a degree in economics from Durham University, he got a job at the National Westminster Bank where he stayed for almost 20 years."

I hear you. But my Thai wife could not stop laughing when I showed her this thread. In my "small world" in Thailand that says it all. I wish him the best of luck.

[mikebell]

What a waste of time that was.

I disagree: I now have the name Jeremy Browne, the Minister of State's name. It should be easy to obtain his email address so I & many thousands of ex-pats in Thailand can question him about frozen pensions. This is discriminatory and makes NO ECONOMIC sense. As the pound sterling gets progressively weaker and the Thai baht gets stronger, there will come a tipping point where thousands of geriatrics like me will be forced back to UK to sponge off the Welfare system: free transport; health care; heating allowance; sheltered housing; carers' allowance etc.etc.

[desi]

"My understanding is that it is no longer possible for American citizens to have additional pages added to their passports."

Extra visa pages: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/extra_visa_pages.html

Procedure to obtain extra visa pages

• Complete an application form, DS-4085. Complete and print your online application.
  
• Make an appointment
  
• Submit the application to the American Citizen Services section between 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  
• Pay the required fee. The fee for additional visa pages is $82.
  
• Allow one hour for this service. We can do this while you wait.
  

[asdecas]

It is naive to expect any other answers than diplomatic ones that faithfully toe the official line in an exercise of this kind. Diplomats, more especially ambassadors, are not known for their radical views, particularly not while in service. It's interesting to note the maverick Craig Murray, formerly Our Man in Uzbekistan, in this regard - the exception that proves the rule.

Above all, this is and is always an exercise in public relations and very little more; getting hot under the collar about the cost of passports, which I do sometimes, is, I'm afraid, futile. It was ever thus with the diplomatic service.

[happyinthailand]

The only potential benefit of this type of exercise (apart from self agrandissement) is that the Embassy will serve the UK and its citizens better as a result. From what I read, nothing will change and therefore it was a fruitless exercise. I hope that the Ambassador and William Hague read this and realise that the FCO must do more than self image building.

I am appalled at the new passport situation which is both slow and very expensive. If this service does not improve (ie get passports quicker to recipients) UK citizens should at least expect a reduction in cost for this third class service.

I do not think the FCO has a clue how deeply UK citizens living in Thailand feel about the level of service provided by the British Embassy in Bangkok. The ambassador clearly does not know and despite this "meet the people" exercise, he is clearly out of touch.

[Moruya]

Normally I would relish the opportunity to bash the British institution however I thought most of his responses were reasonable - and some were quite informative.

The fact that the consular services have to balance the books rather than rely on tax-payers' money is understandable but opened my eyes. An interesting question would have been how much of their time is wasted on drunks, druggies and mules, child abusers and other general scumbags that gravitate to Pattaya/Nana etc? Let's face it, the James Bond parties in DJs with beautiful women in sexy dreses must form part of the atraction of aspiring to be an ambassador but there must be some bloody awful nastiness that you have to deal with here too. I wonder how many dead bodies they have to return to the UK every year? I read a report once on the number of old, obese Germans who had overdone things with the alcohol and Viagra and were returned (not on their original tickets but freight) was around the 350 mark per year.

Being a Welshman I do love to take the oportunity to give the generally English appointees a hard time - but we were pretty lucky with David Fall and Quinton Quayle who were perfectly able to take a joke and give one back so I was wondering how our new man would do (I shall assume by his name that he is a Muslim and that his family origins are from India or Pakistan - apologies if not and I also understand that he had 20 years in Banking prior to moving into the FCO) given that he's not from the usual British amarta. I saw him interviewed on TV and he put himself across very well. In the questions above I thought he answered as professionally as he should. I'd have been more than a little surprised if he said "you can get the express service, mate, if you slip a couple of thousand baht in with your application, know what I mean?"

He obviously took the time out to ask for questions and to reply at length so he is reaching out. The cost of a passport is high nowadays - I go through enough of them. But the UK is a tough place to defend from terrorism and Mossad blew a big hole in the passport security process a while ago.

Jury's still out but he doesn't justify too much abuse from what I've seen.

[7by7]

As most of the questions were about central policy issues, such as visa fees, passport fees, consular fees, pensions, over which the ambassador has absolutely no control it's difficult to see what answers he could have given other than those he did. All he can do is pass these concerns onto his superiors who can then only pass them onto the elected politicians who actually decide these things, albeit on the advice of their officials.

As for questions about Thai politics, such as those from Mr GB, what do people expect? What would be the reaction of people like Mr GB if the Thai government attempted to interfere with the internal affairs of the UK?

[LotusBoy]

It's a case of Blah Blah Blah....... Nothing will change. As mentioned above we have chosen to live here and we put up with it.

[Jezz]

What a waste of time that was.

I disagree: I now have the name Jeremy Browne, the Minister of State's name. It should be easy to obtain his email address so I & many thousands of ex-pats in Thailand can question him about frozen pensions. This is discriminatory and makes NO ECONOMIC sense. As the pound sterling gets progressively weaker and the Thai baht gets stronger, there will come a tipping point where thousands of geriatrics like me will be forced back to UK to sponge off the Welfare system: free transport; health care; heating allowance; sheltered housing; carers' allowance etc.etc.

Even if forced back, it seems access to the welfare system has changed too. How can you be be resident in the UK to qualify if you don't live there anymore? (according to this extract from an answer given)

http://www.dh.gov.uk...sable/DH_074374

This is a relevant extract:

Anyone who is deemed to be ordinarily resident in the UK is entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in England. "Ordinarily resident" is a common law concept interpreted by the House of Lords in 1982 as someone who is living lawfully in the United Kingdom voluntarily and for settled purposes as part of the regular order of their life for the time being, with an identifiable purpose for their residence here which has a sufficient degree of continuity to be properly described as settled.

Anyone who is not ordinarily resident is subject to the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2011. These regulations place a responsibility on NHS hospitals to establish whether a person is ordinarily resident; or exempt from charges under one of a number of exemption categories; or liable for charges.

What about British Nationals? I have paid taxes in the past.

Nationality or past or present payments of UK taxes and National Insurance contributions are not taken into consideration when establishing residence. The only thing relevant is whether you ordinarily live in the UK.

[mikebell]

What a waste of time that was.

I disagree: I now have the name Jeremy Browne, the Minister of State's name. It should be easy to obtain his email address so I & many thousands of ex-pats in Thailand can question him about frozen pensions. This is discriminatory and makes NO ECONOMIC sense. As the pound sterling gets progressively weaker and the Thai baht gets stronger, there will come a tipping point where thousands of geriatrics like me will be forced back to UK to sponge off the Welfare system: free transport; health care; heating allowance; sheltered housing; carers' allowance etc.etc.

PS

I have just written to Jeremy Browne:

Dear Sir,

I understand from answers given by Mr. Asif Ahmad, the UK's Ambassador to Thailand that he has raised with you, at some time, the question of frozen pensions for ex-pats in CERTAIN counties.

Could you please explain how Thailand has managed to earn this status? I would like to add some points to the debate and whilst it is tempting, in these dire financial times, to shy away from any scheme that might be about to further deplete the United Kingdom's empty coffers, it may actually make some economic sense.

This iniquitous tax on some old age pensioners is obviously discriminatory. How can the Government preach anti-racism, religious tolerance and equal rights in the work place, whilst blatantly denying the index-linking of some pensioners by making it dependent on which country they choose to live in? In some cases, the country chosen is forced on one: I retired to be close to my son who was teaching in Thailand.

Since I have lived here, I have watched the decline of sterling against the baht, going from 73 to 47. My quality of life has naturally been hit. Soon, as inflation in Thailand, begins to bite, there will come a tipping point. When this is reached, the steady trickle of ex-pats returning to the Motherland will become a torrent.

At the moment there are 51,000 ex-pats living permanently in Thailand. (This figure does not include the many others who are defrauding the Government by not revealing they live here permanently. I am an honest man but now regret my decision to come clean.) Most of these ex-pats are male with Thai wives or partners. At the moment we pay for everything ourselves including medical expenses, (I cannot afford Medical Insurance as I am nearly 70 and the cost is prohibitive.)

Soon it will become uneconomic to live here. We will be forced to return where a whole raft of benefits await us. I do not know what our entitlement is but the National Health service would come under even more pressure. I expect I would qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance; free or cheap travel; Housing benefit? Carer's allowance? I do not know the figures, but would imagine the Winter Fuel allowance alone would total more than the tiny percentage increase allowed annually as a Cost of Living Increase to an Old Age Pension?

If/when I am forced to return, naturally I would seek to bring my wife and assume there are opportunities for State Hand-Outs for her too? How many other returning ex-pats would be in the same boat?

I still pay tax in the United Kingdom!

Please look seriously at this unfair situation and seek to combat this discrimination.

Yours Sincerely,

Mike Bell

[nong38]

Mike, well done for writing I hope it has an impact I will be happy to see how they try and fob you off, because thats what they will do, no one champions us, we need someone to do a Gurghar for us, until then I fear we will be the forgotten brits.

[meysey]

By the Buddha what a load of moaning Brits.

The guy was just telling you how it is why should the British tax payer have to cover the cost of a tiny minority of British citizens who need to use the services of an embassy in Thailand.

As for complain about your state pension well tough !

The whole principle of the social system in Britain is that a percentage the money that is paid out will come back into the tax system to be reused again when spent on services and products brought in Britain.

When people like you make the decision to live in another country and take the pension that money is lost to Britain because we get no return tax benefit when you spend it in a foreign country.

If you decide to leave Great Britain and live in Thailand then you should hand back your passport and forfeit any and all rights to a pension and medical treatment on the NHS.

I am sure you all come running back to Britain when you want some medical issue dealt with and I am sure you are happy to deprive an old age pensioner in Britain of there winter fuel allowance as well.

If you don’t like Britain and don’t want to live here then give up your British citizenship and become a Thai national and stop moaning.

[baboon]

He never did lend me that twenty, the cheapskate. Just saying.

[crazykopite]

What a waste of time that was.

Have to agree total bullshit

[Cantankerous]

In agreement with LotusBoy. We chose to live here, no one was forced to up sticks & move here from the UK. Think you're hard done by here then move back to good old Blighty...

Anyone who seriously thought that the Ambassador would give his personal opinion rather than the party line to any of these questions need to give themselves a good talking too, some of these "questions" were pretty pointless.

[Farang0tang]

IMO the whole exercise was just a complete utter total waste of time, money and effort!

What did it prove? Only that not a thing will change that benefits UK expats.

Diddly-frigging-squat all!