Appointments Are Mandatory At Us Embassy Bangkok (Seriously))

[ubonjoe]

This time they are serious about appointments being mandatory.

I had an appointment last week for 1 PM. Before allowing US citizens into the compound for the afternoon opening they were checking for appointments and had a list of names for those with appointments. Some people were turned away and given a letter with info about appointments with web address for appointments on it.

After entering for my appointment I talked to gentlemen from Pattaya who had traveled to Bangkok the day before but was turned away. He was back from Pattaya again with an appointment.

Appointment webpage: https://evisaforms.s...e=BNK&appcode=1

Announcement of mandatory appointments: http://bangkok.usemb...nouncement.html

[kurtmartens]

Appointments for non emergency issues have been mandatory at most US Embassies for a few years now, whether they enforce that rule or not is new ...

Honestly I don't understand why anyone would show up without an appointment, but that is just me.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Kurt

One reason might be lack of access to a computer with internet connection. Some folks still like typewriters.

Mac

[Cuchulainn]

You pay your taxes.......and look what you get!!

[rucus7]

No internet access, equals no appointment. When did using the internet become mandatory for American citizens?

[IMA_FARANG]

I believe they have required appointmentss for American Citizens Services....such as passports, embessy letters, etc. since September 1, 2011. Anyhow I needed new pages put in my passport around that time and I had to get an appointment for that.

So although it has been a requirement to have apointments for almost a year....they have been allowing "walk-ins" for almost a year.

Looks like now they are enforcing the rule.

Personally, I find it hard to believe anyone "can't find a computer" for access to the internet in Pattaya....unless their main activity is drinking and chasing bargirls most of their waking time.

(Don't get me wrong...nothing wrong with drinking and chasing bargirls).

Here in Bangkok...although my neighborhood is not a "Farang rich" area....comparatively few Farangs live that close to my house...even here I couldn't walk 200 meters on Ladprakhao road without seeing at least one "fast internet access" public shop.

Printers too, if you want a printout.

But I wouldn't have to do that...there are 3 computers in my house with internet access. That's my laptop, the house desktop. and the grand daughters laptop.

There's a printer too, but it isn't used that much...and therefore often out of ink.

[cooked]

Just turn up naked and shout 'I am in dire need' -extreme maybe, but they are there to help.

I think.

[meand]

Appointments for non emergency issues have been mandatory at most US Embassies for a few years now, whether they enforce that rule or not is new ...

Honestly I don't understand why anyone would show up without an appointment, but that is just me.

I got turned down in the manner the op suggested, will go back soon. The reason was that I had never made an appointment, for anything, and they never said something like "you really should make an appointment, but we'll let you in this time". It was just normal operating procedure as far as I was concerned. I dont go there a lot by the way, only a few times.

[kurtmartens]

Kurt

One reason might be lack of access to a computer with internet connection. Some folks still like typewriters.

Mac

Well ... if they want service at the Embassy ....

Even "cheap Charlies" can find a internet shop and make an appointment.

[NancyL]

The American Consulate in Chiang Mai has required appointments for at least two years. A big improvement over the "old days" when we'd show up ahead of the opening time, only to be herded across the road because they were nervous about a group of people standing around outside the consulate.

Now they have a computer terminal in the screening room and will coach someone on how to make an appointment -- kind of removes the objection about "I don't have a computer" or even "I don't know how to use a computer".

[moe666]

No conputer access in Thailand only by choice.

[mca]

No internet access, equals no appointment. When did using the internet become mandatory for American citizens?

When they phased out Red Indian, er I mean Native American smoke signals.

[ubonjoe]

Since I just saw where a member got an unpleasant surprise when they went to the embassy.

This a bump since my topic title should get a bit of attention.

[puyaidon]

I had to get an online appointment letter in April 2011 when I renewed my passport. I had to get an appointment the year before when I needed my notarized finance letter.

In 2011 I had an appointment at 7:30 for my passport request and got really disgusted when two or three people ran to the window before me when the embassy person called for people with appointments. They did not have an appointment but the embassy people were considerate and made an exception for them. Only recently have they enforced the appointment system.

[bangkokburning]

My appt went just fine everyone stop crying.

I can though very much see many people not kno— duh.

ng and thinking this. I mran why cant you pop into your own embassy! There must be loads of backpackers, novice travellers moving quickly who get caught out.

The scheduling software sucks - it will not email a confirmation so you must not only have a computer but ability to.print at minimim to pdf or save html.

You are given a time slot now. I eas even taken early and out by my appt time.

This is also abt collection of names, email etc...people in the region. Stop being so stupid —

[ubonjoe]

The appointment setup has been in place for at least 4 years. They have called it mandatory before but didn't enforce it.

Printing the appointment can be a problem if you don't have one available. But having a thumb drive is good to have so you can save it as html or save to computer and then upload to your email account for printing later.

They do have a list of people that have appointments which should mean if you could not print they would probably let you in. Just be sure to write down the appointment number that is shown on appointment document.

[stoney79]

Last year you could waltz right in before 7:30 and wait in the American Consular Services waiting room. I also showed up early this week. Someone came out to check appointments about 7:20. Those who had appointments were allowed to enter the front door at the embassy at 7:30 sharp.