Farang Discrimination @ Gulf Thai Embassy?

[mrpositive]

Just attempted to obtain a regular Tourist Visa from a Thai Embassy in the Gulf where I work.

Achieved this easily, successfully and cheerfully on previous occasions.

Attempt 1: Arrived 1 minute late. Sorry we can't help you. Fair enough.

Attempt 2: Presented with a strange list of what looked like extra requirements (unusual for a holder of a Commonwealth country passport).

1. 3 month bank statement showing more than 80 000 baht (as opposed to the usual 20 000 baht "http://www.mfa.go.th...82.php?id=2489" NB: The MOFA does state that 'other' documents may be required if 'deemed' necessary).

2. An NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer.

3. A copy of your Resident Card.

I was told the reason for this is that I am not applying in my own country.

These requirements are not applied to Commonwealth passport holders in other embassies I have visited.

If this is a general tightening up of requirements to further protect Thailand, that's fine.

... or is it a type of unusual discrimination?

No general comments or negative anti-Thai remarks please.

Thanks

[Soutpeel]

Embassies can invoke what ever requirements they like, if within the frame work of what is published by the Thai goverment

And it appears they have given you the answer..you are not applying in your own country

if finding too hard at this embassy go to another embassy or consulate or of course comply with what they are asking for, if you start arguing with them...you will not get anywhere

As regards "unusual discrimination".....how is this discrimination ?....there is a list of published requirements an embassy or consulate could ask for and they have asked for certain things to be issued a visa..you either do it or dont get the visa...not discrimination by a long shot

[mrpositive]

Thanks for your remarks.

As mentioned and referenced in my post, the amount of show money published in the MOFA website is 20 000 baht per person. I was asked for more than 80 000 baht.

Also, I was asked for permission from my employer to visit Thailand. Something not mentioned on the website and which I have never seen before.

This is not something I have seen reported from visitors to other embassies.

Arguing is not an option when dealing with situations.

At the very least, these unusual requirements may be of interest to people applying for Thai Tourist Visas at Thai Embassies in the Gulf.

Thanks.

[kurtmartens]

I work in the Gulf region too (I am assuming by Gulf you mean GCC). Not sure what having a Commonwealth passport has to do with anything, since neither Thailand or the GCC are in the Commonwealth?

Not helping you for being a minute late would bother me more than the list of requirements they gave you, but thats just me. Non of what they told you is discrimination against Farangs though. A lot of countries have stricter requirements for visas via their embassies in different regions; and as someone stated embassies are free to tighten or loosen rules as they see fit ... new staff new rules, etc.

The NOC is a very common requirement in the GCC. I work in HR and have to do these letters frequently. The bank statement requirement is at the whim of the embassy (nothing to do with discrimination against you), and the residency card is also normal or at least a copy of your residency visa.

Without the residency portion there are a lot of embassies who will simply refer a person to their home country. Common enough.

I think you might be the one making the anti-Thai remark assuming this is all discrimination when nothing you mentioned is out of the "norm" for embassies especially in the GCC. I am assuming they recently got new staff in and that is why the change in "policy".

[mrpositive]

Thanks for your comment.

I don't thank you for suggesting my post may be 'anti-Thai'. Most unappreciated.

Clearly there is no assumption on my part. Not only was my reference posed as a question, but I ended with a request for non-negative remarks, in addition to my support for improved protection of Thai interests.

Let's not shoot the messenger ok?

Yes NOC's and Residence Cards are the norm in GCC countries, but not for Thai Tourist visas. Neither is quadrupling the show money requirement.

Yes, Thailand is not a Commonwealth country, however such countries usually don't attract some of the stricter requirements asked of some other countries ie, those not given 30 VOA.

I was really hoping someone could shed some practical light as to why this anomaly exists here, and to forewarn potential Visa seekers in GCC countries, unaware of these uncommon requirements.

Cheers.

[Soutpeel]

I was really hoping someone could shed some practical light as to why this anomaly exists here, and to forewarn potential Visa seekers in GCC countries, unaware of these uncommon requirements.

Dont believe its an anomaly or uncommon...its that particular embassies requirement thats all....now if you want a visa from this particular embassy you need to comply with their particular requirements..its that simple...no need for debate....they have already told you its because you are not applying in your own country...

Now if you believe this is discrimination...petion the Thai Ambassador then on this matter

[Sateev]

I guess if you can't argue with the Embassy staff, arguing with TV members who can't possibly know the real reason, which is unknown to anyone except the Embassy staff who told you the requirements, is second best, eh?

Soutpeel gave you the best possible answer: different Embassies can interpret/apply the rules as they see fit. All we can do is report, which is where you should have left it. Asking a third parties to justify the Embassy's actions is silly.

See?

[mrpositive]

Pathetic. I can't believe I even bothered.

[ralphlsasser]

It's very hard not to give negative Thai comments. They are well deserving.

[PattayaPhom]

Commonwealth country, which one?....

[phl]

Do not know if it helps you, but yes your experience is unusual but i do not find it to be a discrimination.

Just like with everything else in Thailand, rules and regulations change depending on who takes the "call"

Yes what you were told is different to what is written on government site, but i am sure the staff who you spoke to never read that site.

Next time you apply, i have no doubt things will be different again, IF another person handles it.

Alternatively, you can always print out the requirements from the government site and present that person with it, it might help you and them to actually know the requirements

[mca]

It's very hard not to give negative Thai comments. They are well deserving.

And the winner of "Dullard Comment Of The Month" for July 2012 has been awarded already amazingly enough on the 1st day of the month! Folks voting is now closed.

[Soutpeel]

Pathetic. I can't believe I even bothered.

Whats pathetic ?.....you have got an opinion...what did you expect...everyone to come out in support of you and say yes they are dicriminating against you and you should contact your MP ?...

As pointed out from the offset...you have got the answer from the embassy for the requirements...you are not applying in your own country...this is not hard to understand...is this more to do with I am farang and I want them to change the rules for you and how dare they ask for all this stuff...if that is case then that is pathetic...

[ubonjoe]

You mention commonwealth countries.

This from Bahrain embassy website. http://www.thaiembassybahrain.org/eng/form/2.%20Required%20Document%20for%20visa%20application.pdf

Algeria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran,

Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan,

Palestine, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia

(residing in Dummum / Alkhoba only)

The applicant must have Bahrain Residence Permit

I think you will find some commonwealth countries on this list.

This is standard for those that must apply in their home countries for a visa at most if not all Thai embassies and conulates.

See this page from the Thai consulate Los Angeles website: http://www.thaiconsulatela.org/service_visa_detail.aspx?link_id=30

[kurtmartens]

Pathetic. I can't believe I even bothered.

Not sure what you expected from everyone. You asked and those of us with experience gave our opinions. Embassies don't just change policies because you have a Commonwealth passport ...

[kurtmartens]

It's very hard not to give negative Thai comments. They are well deserving.

Why? Because they don't do things they way we'd like?

[whatchamacallit]

Pathetic. I can't believe I even bothered.

Your thread started with a question bordering on a negative note. TV members have answered you the best they can and gave you their opinion which seemed to be what you're looking for. So where is the problem? No one is being negative except maybe you? Hint: a change in your name maybe in order? Having been to many Thai Embassies and consulates for our visas over the years, I can assure you that (sometimes) the law is interpreted differently at each different consulate. Yes in my opinion they are a bit over the top with their requirements just for a tourist visa - but I don't think they are discriminating against you.

[Suradit69]

I was really hoping someone could shed some practical light as to why this anomaly exists here, and to forewarn potential Visa seekers in GCC countries, unaware of these uncommon requirements.

Dont believe its an anomaly or uncommon...its that particular embassies requirement thats all....now if you want a visa from this particular embassy you need to comply with their particular requirements..its that simple...no need for debate....they have already told you its because you are not applying in your own country...

Now if you believe this is discrimination...petion the Thai Ambassador then on this matter

In the UAE I found the consulate in Dubai more accommodating than the embassy in Abu Dhabi. That said, I was always treated well in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Islamabad, whether for tourist visas or my "retirement visa." I think it depends in part on who your employer is and also your perceived attitude. There are a lot of dodgy employers in the Gulf. The fact that you ( the OP) think a Commonwealth passport ensures you special treatment is telling.

[mrpositive]

People seem to read what they want to read, and can't wait to shoot the messenger. Thanks to those who attempted to understand and sincerely answer my question without resorting to insults and attacks.

For those who don't get it, it was never stated the Commonwealth passport holders should get special treatment. How ridiculous people.

This statement was qualified clearly...

"Yes, Thailand is not a Commonwealth country, however such countries usually don't attract some of the stricter requirements asked of some other countries ie, those not given 30 VOA."

Play the ball, not the man people. And try not to embarrass yourself by abusing the poster without actually reading or understand the post.

This is really starting to rile me. I may have to delete this post.

Thanks again people.

[whatchamacallit]

People seem to read what they want to read, and can't wait to shoot the messenger. Thanks to those who attempted to understand and sincerely answer my question without resorting to insults and attacks.

For those who don't get it, it was never stated the Commonwealth passport holders should get special treatment. How ridiculous people.

This statement was qualified clearly...

"Yes, Thailand is not a Commonwealth country, however such countries usually don't attract some of the stricter requirements asked of some other countries ie, those not given 30 VOA."

Play the ball, not the man people. And try not to embarrass yourself by abusing the poster without actually reading or understand the post.

This is really starting to rile me. I may have to delete this post.

Thanks again people.

This thread seems to be going nowhere. Instead of being thankful for people taking their own time to reply to your questions with what they know from their own experiences, you seem over sensitive, stubborn, and somehow insulted for no good reason at all. Maybe its this exact attitude that got you on the tough requirement list for a tourist visa in the first place. Oh well never mind. Keep going along in your life thinking you're right.

[mrpositive]

I rest my case.

Thanks to some of you for warping this thread into abusing the poster.

All the best.

[Maestro]

As the saying goes, don't ask a question if you are not prepared to accept the answers. The question was "is it a type of unusual discrimination?". Sure, it would have sufficed to answer with a curt Yes or No, but there was nothing wrong with giving a reason for either answer.

[Maestro]

From the OP:

If this is a general tightening up of requirements to further protect Thailand, that's fine.

Yes, it is.

... or is it a type of unusual discrimination?

No, it isn't.

[kurtmartens]

I was really hoping someone could shed some practical light as to why this anomaly exists here, and to forewarn potential Visa seekers in GCC countries, unaware of these uncommon requirements.

Dont believe its an anomaly or uncommon...its that particular embassies requirement thats all....now if you want a visa from this particular embassy you need to comply with their particular requirements..its that simple...no need for debate....they have already told you its because you are not applying in your own country...

Now if you believe this is discrimination...petion the Thai Ambassador then on this matter

In the UAE I found the consulate in Dubai more accommodating than the embassy in Abu Dhabi. That said, I was always treated well in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Islamabad, whether for tourist visas or my "retirement visa." I think it depends in part on who your employer is and also your perceived attitude. There are a lot of dodgy employers in the Gulf. The fact that you ( the OP) think a Commonwealth passport ensures you special treatment is telling.

Very true. The consulates are usually more helpful in Dubai then the actual embassies in Abu Dhabi. I'd also guess the Thai embassies in the GCC are tougher due to the Thais having to jump through hopes to get tourist visas for the GCC? I don't know that is only a guess.

And perceived attitude is everything. I find it always helps to dress professionally and be very cheerful and polite in the consulates/embassies (even in my own country's). sad but true, you look the part ... you get better service.

[mca]

From the OP:

If this is a general tightening up of requirements to further protect Thailand, that's fine.

Yes, it is.

... or is it a type of unusual discrimination?

No, it isn't.

Maestro mate for some reason I'm reading your reply in the voice of Mr.Punch.

If your next answer to a post where the poster says he was denied a tourist visa is " Oh what a pity", if a poster applies for a marriage extension within a month of his current permission to stay and you say "That's the way to do it!" or if a poster has overstayed answering with "Naughty Naughty Naughty" I may have to change my meds.

Please indulge me this one time

[moe666]

Who knows maybe they changed the rules and want more because of a complaint from employers. These guys get those tourist visas way to easy and when they come back if they do their beyond hope mooning over some Thai girl or ladyboy they have met. Then good luck getting a decient days work from these guys until they have gotten over it. Then they are off again.

[harrry]

Who knows maybe they changed the rules and want more because of a complaint from employers. These guys get those tourist visas way to easy and when they come back if they do their beyond hope mooning over some Thai girl or ladyboy they have met. Then good luck getting a decient days work from these guys until they have gotten over it. Then they are off again.

Sounds you are supporting slave labour. Surely a company only has rights to a person (and then only some) in his paid time.

[bangkokburning]

If it is any comfort - I am not surprised. It seems these days the desired goal is to NOT give the visa. Your case only exemplifies the idiocy. YOu are obviously making good money - working in the gulf. You are looking for a holiday, would be worse if you had a wife you were visiting.

I too have my own drama recently, I will write it up in the weeks ahead but I am sure it will be met with the same disdain.

One thing is sure, up to them.

Going to Thailand - up to us!

If I was not in a committed relationship I would NOT be going to Thailand! Suggest you do the same!

[Badbanker]

As some of you will be aware there has been a major clamp down on the nationals of African nations getting Thai visas in countries adjacent to Thailand, due to the illicit activities some of them undertake. Because of this many Africans are now trying to get Thai visas in the gulf and southern Asian regions.

It has now become very difficult for them and because of this, I believe there has been a knock on effect on the nationals of all other countries, stopping what had previously been an easy process to be more difficult and almost impossible in some cases because of punitive visa application requirements.

[mrpositive]

"I'd also guess the Thai embassies in the GCC are tougher due to the Thais having to jump through hopes to get tourist visas for the GCC? I don't know that is only a guess."

Actually it's good to see that Thais have no hoops to jump through here, easily obtaining a Visa on Arrival - although my friend's wife got her bags checked coming in recently and had a fistful of DVD's confiscated.