Immigration - Fun and Games

[Ratsima]

I went to Immigration yesterday to do my 90 day report. Although the process is computerized, I always take along a completed TM 47, just in case. Sometimes they take it; sometimes they give it back.

When I got to the office there were just a few Westerners, but at least a dozen Bangladeshi monks; most of whom were doing 90 reports. I figured it would go quickly.

Wrong. Each monk was taking five to ten minutes for a process that generally consists of entering passport details into a computer, reviewing the display and printing the receipt. Two minutes, max.

When my turn came I handed the officer my passport and TM 47. He put the form on top of the pile on his desk without even glancing at it. He made his computer entry and then I discovered the problem. They were using hand cut half-sheets of A4 paper to print the receipts. Unfortunately, it seems they used a machete to cut the paper as the edges were rough, ragged and uneven. This, of course, caused the printer to jam almost every time meaning the officer had to disassemble the printer, clear the jam, reload the paper and try again. No wonder it was taking so long to process each report.

I finally got back my passport and receipt and then discovered why the officer accepted my TM 47. They are printing the new receipts on the back of submitted TM 47s. So, I now have the personal details of some Chinese guy on the back of the receipt stapled into my passport.

I wonder who will be the lucky recipient of a receipt containing my personal details?

[David48]

Great story ...

I know we are not amused ... but why are we not surprised!

.

[ubonjoe]

Nothing new immigration up here has done the same thing up here for years. Including putting

used paper in copy machine.

I guess you could call it a unique method of recycling paper.

Just looked at my report receipt and on the back is a recycled documents required check list in Thai. I am sure though they use full sheets in printer and cut after printing.

[55Jay]

Did 90 day Tuesday this week, 1500, 2 minutes in and out.

After reading this, looked at the back of my folded receipt. Indeed, I have a photocopy of an Englishman's passport. Photo, passport #, full name, date of birth. Next time I'm over that way, FWIW, I will point this out to them. Recycling is great, but should be more selective.

[LennyW]

Nothing new immigration up here has done the same thing up here for years. Including putting

used paper in copy machine.

I guess you could call it a unique method of recycling paper.

Just looked at my report receipt and on the back is a recycled documents required check list in Thai. I am sure though they use full sheets in printer and cut after printing.

The mind boggles as to why they insist on using so much paper in the first place, but this is not unique to immigration, paper, paper, paper everybody wants a gazillion copies of everything!!

[harrry]

Once you used to buy your personal details back in the market or from a street vendor wrapped in a paper cone holding peanuts or some other item. Now plastic bags have stopped that immigration revenue source.