British Consulate In Pattaya To Close

[Rimmer]

British Consulate in Pattaya to close

PATTAYA:--Following months of speculation, the British Embassy in Bangkok have now confirmed on their website that the British Consulate in Jomtien will close.

The British Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Mr. Mark Kent made the announcement in a statement issued on the British Embassy Website www.ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk on Tuesday, confirming the closure of the British Consulate which has shocked many in the British community here in Pattaya.

Former British Honorary Consul Howard Miller said, “I am shocked by the decision. When I was Honorary Consul, the Consulate was not only busy but for many of the elderly British residents of Pattaya, it was an essential local service which allowdd them a local link with the Embassy and would save them a trip to Bangkok to receive documentation for long-stay visas which Immigration require them to present with their visa application. I am also puzzled as to why they would keep a Consulate open in Chiang Mai that sees less than a third of the business and consular cases compared to the Pattaya Consulate. I can only hope that they will look to reconsider the decision as soon as they can.”

The Ambassador confirmed that a new British Honorary Consul will be appointed in Pattaya but consular cases will be dealt with by the Consular section of the British Embassy.

This decision comes as British Foreign Secretary William Hague visits Thailand after a brief trip to the Democratic Republic of Laos where he re-opened the British Embassy there.

The closure date for the Pattaya Consulate has yet to be confirmed but with the High Season months approaching which normally sees an increase in Consular cases dealt with by the British Embassy and it’s network of Consulates and Honorary Consuls, some are questioning the timing of the closure and if it should even be taking place.

Full story:http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/65236/british-consulate-pattaya-close/

-- Pattaya One 2012-11-06

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[VisasPlus]

I would suggest that concerned Brits make their feelings known to the Embassy in Bangkok. Emails, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

[JetsetBkk]

They should move it to Phuket. I think we're a little further from Bangkok than Pattaya is.

Edited November 6, 2012 by JetsetBkk

[whybother]

I am also puzzled as to why they would keep a Consulate open in Chiang Mai that sees less than a third of the business and consular cases compared to the Pattaya Consulate.

Distance might have something to do with it.

[gmac]

So is this a return to the system before the Consulate opened where the then Hon. Consul Barry Kenyon was able to provide confirmation of earnings letters to support Visa applications or will the new Hon. Consul no longer have that authority?

[transam]

Perhaps folk will turn up sober with a shirt on after their trip to BKK.

Sorry, sorry.

[Robbie Dye]

This is quite pathetic considering how much they charge us for services. I would be staggered if they didnt make a profit. I guess the only hope is that as was mooted before there may be deal on the way for "self certifiaction" of funds for retirement visas which I understand US Citizens can do. If not there will be a rush to get our miserly pensions verified by our beloved government who seem to make it very clear they would be most happy if we all dropped dead.

[bangkokrick]

So is this a return to the system before the Consulate opened where the then Hon. Consul Barry Kenyon was able to provide confirmation of earnings letters to support Visa applications or will the new Hon. Consul no longer have that authority?

I doubt that because the statement says.

'The Ambassador confirmed that a new British Honorary Consul will be appointed in Pattaya but consular cases will be dealt with by the Consular section of the British Embassy.'

[britinthai]

Perhaps folk will turn up sober with a shirt on after their trip to BKK.

Sorry, sorry.

Very funny but true

[BKKBrit]

Looks like a pub sign in the lead photo.

Edited November 6, 2012 by BKKBrit

[nullx8]

so "officials" doubt the closure and/or the timing of this event.

the announcement says the office will close, but the consular services remains ...

looks to me like thai-style Management at a glance.

[ThaiSold]

who wrote this rubbish "I am also puzzled as to why they would keep a Consulate open in Chiang Mai" why would you be puzzled, it's 800km to Bangkok from chiang mai of course you'd keep it open pattaya is only a few hours away.

[pmem]

Smells of Thai Immigration - the more they can frustrate, obstruct and hinder farangs the happier they are.

[beautifulthailand99]

Sorry folks back in blighty we're broke if it was making a profit it would stay open. Bottom line you guys in Pattaya wouldn't pay the true cost of the service. Return bus to BKK cost what 400 baht plus time out in the City of Angels - get over it.

[BlueSkyCowboy]

So is this a return to the system before the Consulate opened where the then Hon. Consul Barry Kenyon was able to provide confirmation of earnings letters to support Visa applications or will the new Hon. Consul no longer have that authority?

I doubt that because the statement says.

'The Ambassador confirmed that a new British Honorary Consul will be appointed in Pattaya but consular cases will be dealt with by the Consular section of the British Embassy.'

Is the honorary consulate authorized to issue tourist visas???

[rayw]

Yes i heard this a few days ago.

This is absolutely intolerable and totally stupid. Typical UK as like the right wing USA all they think and care about is MONEY not the big word "SERVICE" to the PEOPLE. Keep voting in right wing controlled Governments and you will get more of this type of thing to keep the UK minority wealthy elites in their lives of luxury whilst the rest of us ordinary folk get crapped on time and time again. High time we got rid of Tories in the UK and voted in a pure Lib Dem centre party Government (without them having to bow down in any way to the Tories) as they are at least a party of the people not for the rich greedy elite nor the power crazy extreme socialists either..

Why do I pay UK taxes on my pension for what?? At least I felt I was getting some service for my money with the Pattaya Consulate office being there where it is truly needed adn where it offered a pretty good service to the.thousands of UK nationals in the area I reckon there are probably more UK guys living or on holiday in Pattaya than even Bangkok at a guess, so why make the much needed consular service inferior ??? . Hague visiting here, so is it any wonder he wants to save money and sod the UK nationals here .

Come on now ow much do you think that tiny office in Soi 5 Jomtien costs to rent hmm ?? Bugger all I am certain knowing Thai rental costs in areas such as that. Then the cost of one or two at most locally employed staff who they will continue to need anyway to either relocate to Bangkok or replace them up there to deal with the extra workload from Pattaya. The costings really must be very small for sure and money so well spent for the huge benefit it gives to thousands of UK nationals living in Pattaya and the large surrounding areas. If they added say 100 Baht local excess charge to each and every customer paying service then with the amount of customers here that would easily pay their added costs to keep the office open here I am sure. And it would save so many elderly guys for instance a whole day of their remaining lives dragging themselves up to Bangkok each year for their pension letter or whatever they need and still be cheaper than the Bangkok return journey and taxis etc too.

TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE SO CAN WE HAVE A REPLY FROM THE UK AMBASSADOR MR. MARK KENT PLEASE TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF AND TRY TO JUSTIFY THIS STUPID AND INTOLERABLE MOVE ???.

Other than that life is good here in LoS I find, and all this crap reminds me that I am so glad I do not now have to put up with the crap and terrible way of life for the ordinary folk in right wing controlled Britain.

Edited November 6, 2012 by Rimmer
Expletives deleted

[whiteman]

Sorry folks back in blighty we're broke if it was making a profit it would stay open. Bottom line you guys in Pattaya wouldn't pay the true cost of the service. Return bus to BKK cost what 400 baht plus time out in the City of Angels - get over it.

You will just have to stay out of the pub for half the day that day of your travel you might meet some real thais on the bus and not the bar flys but then again who knows

[laobali]

Maybe Pattaya's loss is Vientiane's gain with a British Embassy re-opening in Laos after 27 years!

[Stjohnm]

Better to have an Embassy in Laos than a Consulate in Pattaya I think.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[Chopperboy]

Yes i heard this a few days ago.

This is absolutely intolerable and totally stupid. Typical bloody UK as like the right wing USA all they think and care about is MONEY not the big word "SERVICE" to the PEOPLE. Keep voting in right wing controlled Governments and you will get more of this type of thing to keep the UK minority wealthy elites in their lives of luxury whilst the rest of us ordinary folk get crapped on time and time again. High time we got rid of bloody Tories in the UK and voted in a pure Lib Dem centre party Government (without them having to bow down in any way to the bloody Tories) as they are at least a party of the people not for the rich greedy elite nor the power crazy extreme socialists either..

Other than that life is good here in LoS I find, and all this crap reminds me that I am so glad I do not now have to put up with the crap and terrible way of life for the ordinary folk in right wing controlled Britain.

It doesn't matter who is in power its always the same people behind the scenes - or haven't you noticed!

[evadgib]

Why do I pay UK taxes on my pension for what?? At least I felt I was getting some service for my money with the Pattaya Consulate office being there where it is truly needed adn where it offered a pretty good service to the.thousands of UK nationals in the area I reckon there are probably more UK guys living or on holiday in Pattaya than even Bangkok at a guess, so why make the much needed consular service inferior ??? .

Notary Services (ie pension letters; 99% of the business there) can be applied for by post.

Edited November 6, 2012 by evadgib

[webfact]

British Embassy withdraws traditional Consular support from Pattaya

By Staff Reporter

PATTAYA: -- British visitors and tourists let down by their own Embassy as Consulate closes completely.

After a year of what has been a total total shambles as far as consular service to the region, the latest British Ambassador has announced that they are finally pulling the plug on the British Consulate in Soi 5, Jomtien/Pattaya.

This follows a year of total confusion since the Consulate was first amended almost a year ago when the (then) Honorary Consul was replaced with a fully paid consul, who subsequently lasted just a few months before moving on to even newer pastures.

Until that point the region had enjoyed exemplary consular service, this year has seen services reduced from a full time team..to a few hours here and there on a few days a week only.

British tourists and Expats have already voiced fury at what was seen as their government trying to “fix something that wasn’t broken” and now are outraged at the closure.

Speaking to one long term local resident..he felt that the “two previous Hon Cons had served the community well and worked far beyond the hours expected in order to support UK citizens in need of documentation or other help”, and “it seems that the British Embassy is retreating after an own goal”.

A feeling that will surely be shared by thousands of people as the convenience and security of a consulate is removed from the huge British encampment around the province.

Full story: http://www.pattaya10...t-from-pattaya/

--Pattaya 103 FM 2012-11-06

[techboy]

Perhaps folk will turn up sober with a shirt on after their trip to BKK.

Sorry, sorry.

Very funny but true

Do Brits drink?

[yougivemebaby]

Yes i heard this a few days ago.

This is absolutely intolerable and totally stupid. Typical UK as like the right wing USA all they think and care about is MONEY not the big word "SERVICE" to the PEOPLE. Keep voting in right wing controlled Governments and you will get more of this type of thing to keep the UK minority wealthy elites in their lives of luxury whilst the rest of us ordinary folk get crapped on time and time again. High time we got rid of Tories in the UK and voted in a pure Lib Dem centre party Government (without them having to bow down in any way to the Tories) as they are at least a party of the people not for the rich greedy elite nor the power crazy extreme socialists either..

Why do I pay UK taxes on my pension for what?? At least I felt I was getting some service for my money with the Pattaya Consulate office being there where it is truly needed adn where it offered a pretty good service to the.thousands of UK nationals in the area I reckon there are probably more UK guys living or on holiday in Pattaya than even Bangkok at a guess, so why make the much needed consular service inferior ??? . Hague visiting here, so is it any wonder he wants to save money and sod the UK nationals here .

Come on now ow much do you think that tiny office in Soi 5 Jomtien costs to rent hmm ?? Bugger all I am certain knowing Thai rental costs in areas such as that. Then the cost of one or two at most locally employed staff who they will continue to need anyway to either relocate to Bangkok or replace them up there to deal with the extra workload from Pattaya. The costings really must be very small for sure and money so well spent for the huge benefit it gives to thousands of UK nationals living in Pattaya and the large surrounding areas. If they added say 100 Baht local excess charge to each and every customer paying service then with the amount of customers here that would easily pay their added costs to keep the office open here I am sure. And it would save so many elderly guys for instance a whole day of their remaining lives dragging themselves up to Bangkok each year for their pension letter or whatever they need and still be cheaper than the Bangkok return journey and taxis etc too.

TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE SO CAN WE HAVE A REPLY FROM THE UK AMBASSADOR MR. MARK KENT PLEASE TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF AND TRY TO JUSTIFY THIS STUPID AND INTOLERABLE MOVE ???.

Other than that life is good here in LoS I find, and all this crap reminds me that I am so glad I do not now have to put up with the crap and terrible way of life for the ordinary folk in right wing controlled Britain.

Whoa.. Why are you involving the US in this. ? Just another reason to hate on Americans?

[monspencer]

Bottom line you guys in Pattaya wouldn't pay the true cost of the service. Return bus to BKK cost what 400 baht plus time out in the City of Angels - get over it.

What is the true cost? I think 50 quid is more than enough for a pension letter.

And will the British Embassy in Bangkok be able to do it in one day, because if they can't it will mean 2 trips?!!!. In Pattaya we had to go back the next day/date they were open to collect the letter..

As for time out in the City of Angels, that's ok if you are fit, healthy and able to make the trip, which a lot of senior citizens may not be able to do.

More proof on top of everything else, such as non-index linked pensions, that the British Government does not give a you not what to it's true citizens..

[Mobi]

Complaining about the level of fees is a total waste of time and energy. We have been informed over and over again that the fees are standardised throughout the world, and whether we like it or not, that's the way it's going to be and no amount of bitching is going to change it one iota.

Same same complaining about frozen pensions.

The ambassador is powerless on these issues.

It is pretty clear to me that the new Honorary consul will have nothing to do with visas, marriage affirmations etc and most importantly, with the issuing of 'income letters' which in future will be taken care of in Bangkok.

The Pattaya consul's role will be purely to deal with distressed Brits in Pattaya - mainly those in trouble with the law.

I am guessing that there have been so many problems with local staff issuing the 'income letters' that we require for our marriage and retirement visas extensions that it has been decided to transfer this function back to Bangkok.

If this is correct, it will create a huge amount of inconvenience and expense for a very large number of Pattaya based Brits - and it is on this matter that we should concentrate our energies.

We must try to convince the Ambassador that this will indeed be a highly retrograde step, and by doing so will, at one fell swoop, alienate almost the entire community of thousands of Brits living in or near Pattaya.

If anyone wishes to organise a petition, or similar protest, purely on the subject of having annual income letters dealt with locally, then I for one will happily sign up.

But please don't confuse it with protests over embassy fees and the cost of passports.

[Baerboxer]

Yes i heard this a few days ago.

This is absolutely intolerable and totally stupid. Typical UK as like the right wing USA all they think and care about is MONEY not the big word "SERVICE" to the PEOPLE. Keep voting in right wing controlled Governments and you will get more of this type of thing to keep the UK minority wealthy elites in their lives of luxury whilst the rest of us ordinary folk get crapped on time and time again. High time we got rid of Tories in the UK and voted in a pure Lib Dem centre party Government (without them having to bow down in any way to the Tories) as they are at least a party of the people not for the rich greedy elite nor the power crazy extreme socialists either..

Why do I pay UK taxes on my pension for what?? At least I felt I was getting some service for my money with the Pattaya Consulate office being there where it is truly needed adn where it offered a pretty good service to the.thousands of UK nationals in the area I reckon there are probably more UK guys living or on holiday in Pattaya than even Bangkok at a guess, so why make the much needed consular service inferior ??? . Hague visiting here, so is it any wonder he wants to save money and sod the UK nationals here .

Come on now ow much do you think that tiny office in Soi 5 Jomtien costs to rent hmm ?? Bugger all I am certain knowing Thai rental costs in areas such as that. Then the cost of one or two at most locally employed staff who they will continue to need anyway to either relocate to Bangkok or replace them up there to deal with the extra workload from Pattaya. The costings really must be very small for sure and money so well spent for the huge benefit it gives to thousands of UK nationals living in Pattaya and the large surrounding areas. If they added say 100 Baht local excess charge to each and every customer paying service then with the amount of customers here that would easily pay their added costs to keep the office open here I am sure. And it would save so many elderly guys for instance a whole day of their remaining lives dragging themselves up to Bangkok each year for their pension letter or whatever they need and still be cheaper than the Bangkok return journey and taxis etc too.

TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE SO CAN WE HAVE A REPLY FROM THE UK AMBASSADOR MR. MARK KENT PLEASE TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF AND TRY TO JUSTIFY THIS STUPID AND INTOLERABLE MOVE ???.

Other than that life is good here in LoS I find, and all this crap reminds me that I am so glad I do not now have to put up with the crap and terrible way of life for the ordinary folk in right wing controlled Britain.

Here ends the party political broadcast on behalf of the loony left!

Pattaya - Bangkok - motorway. Not exactly a massive distance or difficult journey. The UK, like most other "developed" countries is in deep financial trouble. Doesn't matter which party is in, austerity measures and cuts will be made, the poor will be squeazed, the rich will get richer and the corrupt bankers will keep scamming. Sad, but that's how it is.

Closing this might inconvenience you and mean that you have to travel to the embassy. Always a queue and shut at 11.00 am so go early.

[sirchai]

Yes i heard this a few days ago.

This is absolutely intolerable and totally stupid. Typical UK as like the right wing USA all they think and care about is MONEY not the big word "SERVICE" to the PEOPLE. Keep voting in right wing controlled Governments and you will get more of this type of thing to keep the UK minority wealthy elites in their lives of luxury whilst the rest of us ordinary folk get crapped on time and time again. High time we got rid of Tories in the UK and voted in a pure Lib Dem centre party Government (without them having to bow down in any way to the Tories) as they are at least a party of the people not for the rich greedy elite nor the power crazy extreme socialists either..

Why do I pay UK taxes on my pension for what?? At least I felt I was getting some service for my money with the Pattaya Consulate office being there where it is truly needed adn where it offered a pretty good service to the.thousands of UK nationals in the area I reckon there are probably more UK guys living or on holiday in Pattaya than even Bangkok at a guess, so why make the much needed consular service inferior ??? . Hague visiting here, so is it any wonder he wants to save money and sod the UK nationals here .

Come on now ow much do you think that tiny office in Soi 5 Jomtien costs to rent hmm ?? Bugger all I am certain knowing Thai rental costs in areas such as that. Then the cost of one or two at most locally employed staff who they will continue to need anyway to either relocate to Bangkok or replace them up there to deal with the extra workload from Pattaya. The costings really must be very small for sure and money so well spent for the huge benefit it gives to thousands of UK nationals living in Pattaya and the large surrounding areas. If they added say 100 Baht local excess charge to each and every customer paying service then with the amount of customers here that would easily pay their added costs to keep the office open here I am sure. And it would save so many elderly guys for instance a whole day of their remaining lives dragging themselves up to Bangkok each year for their pension letter or whatever they need and still be cheaper than the Bangkok return journey and taxis etc too.

TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE SO CAN WE HAVE A REPLY FROM THE UK AMBASSADOR MR. MARK KENT PLEASE TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF AND TRY TO JUSTIFY THIS STUPID AND INTOLERABLE MOVE ???.

Other than that life is good here in LoS I find, and all this crap reminds me that I am so glad I do not now have to put up with the crap and terrible way of life for the ordinary folk in right wing controlled Britain.

Whoa.. Why are you involving the US in this. ? Just another reason to hate on Americans?

And it would save so many elderly guys for instance a whole day of their remaining lives dragging themselves up to Bangkok each year for their pension letter or whatever they need and still be cheaper than the Bangkok return journey and taxis etc too.

Older Americans and other nationalities seem to enjoy a trip to Bangkok. One day a year can't be that bad, don't you think so? It's 130 km away.--

[Baerboxer]

Complaining about the level of fees is a total waste of time and energy. We have been informed over and over again that the fees are standardised throughout the world, and whether we like it or not, that's the way it's going to be and no amount of bitching is going to change it one iota.

Same same complaining about frozen pensions.

The ambassador is powerless on these issues.

It is pretty clear to me that the new Honorary consul will have nothing to do with visas, marriage affirmations etc and most importantly, with the issuing of 'income letters' which in future will be taken care of in Bangkok.

The Pattaya consul's role will be purely to deal with distressed Brits in Pattaya - mainly those in trouble with the law.

I am guessing that there have been so many problems with local staff issuing the 'income letters' that we require for our marriage and retirement visas extensions that it has been decided to transfer this function back to Bangkok.

If this is correct, it will create a huge amount of inconvenience and expense for a very large number of Pattaya based Brits - and it is on this matter that we should concentrate our energies.

We must try to convince the Ambassador that this will indeed be a highly retrograde step, and by doing so will, at one fell swoop, alienate almost the entire community of thousands of Brits living in or near Pattaya.

If anyone wishes to organise a petition, or similar protest, purely on the subject of having annual income letters dealt with locally, then I for one will happily sign up.

But please don't confuse it with protests over embassy fees and the cost of passports.

Very sensible comments and the way to go forward. Reasoned argument with appropriate facts may help to change this decision. Ranting against the current government, political rhetoric and complaining about other non-related issues, however annoying they maybe won't; and will infact detract from the sensible arguments. Hope you are successful.

[rayw]

>>Better to have an Embassy in Laos than a Consulate in Pattaya I think.<<

Much better to have both surely !! Jomtien consular office costs absolutely peanuts to rent anyway.

>>It doesn't matter who is in power its always the same people behind the scenes - or haven't you noticed!<<

​Yes sure I have noiticed of course and that is whay I am fed up with the Tory, Labour same same old see-saw that gets us nowhere. Time for fresh blood and a clean face with a peoples' party like the Lib Dems in power at last as it is surely time we gave them a chance to succeed where the other two have clearly blatantly continually failed !!

>>What's stopping anyone applying by mail?<<

Nothing at all, but it is more expensive with EMS mail costs is far far less convenient. Ever tried posting a letter here in Thailand and spending hours sometimes for what should be unnecessarily queuing at a Thai post office. The remember that here in Thailand letters and valuable documents DO get lost in transit way too often adn think of the turmoil that causes the poor guy so affected in getting replacement documents.

Why not just keep the consular office open in Soi 5 at such little rent cost with the minimal really good staff that we have been used to ??? It will save such a minuscule amount of money a year and can even be funded with small local charges if needed. as I pointed out before, Surely we need far more very low, or even self funding no cost local consular offices in other areas too where there are substantial UK citizens living or holidaying who really need such a valuable service. Not closing what is likely to be the very busiest and most needed remote consular office in Thailand.

Why do we insist on going backwards into the bad old days where we had so little useful and friendly services?? Generally the answer is to make the rich richer and keep them that way at the cost to the majority rest of us. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH surely, Time we all stood up and be counted ro do not moan when we are crapped on all the time.

THINK AGAIN MARK KENT AND ENGAGE YOUR BRAIN AND THINK AND CARE MORE ABOUT THE THOUSANDS OF MAINLY ELDERLY FOLK YOU DETRIMENTALLY AFFECT !!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS CLEARLY TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.