UK Honorary Consulate in Chiang Mai is closing.

[uptheos]

Well, us Yanks may moan and complain about how much it costs to get a document notarized or make a visit to the US Consulate, but, it makes the Consulate self-sufficient financially. Which means they stay open.

Compared to the time and expense to travel to BKK, I'm really OK with having to shell out the $$$ to make my occasional visit. Plus I know what I'm getting at the CM US Consulate. The service is top-notch.

Does it cost 3,040 baht which is (was) the cost a couple of months ago at the British Consulate?

$100 US !!!

[stoffel45]

Don't wish to pry, but what exactly WILL the Consulate in CM be doing for Brits after May 16 then?

You have reached the British Consulate Office in ....dit dit....Bang....Kok.

If you wish to continue in English press 1. If you wish to continue in Thai press 1. If you wish to continue in Urdu press 1.

In short - Cameron and his mob have sold you out. Expect the same appalling service when applying for a new British passport.

[connda]

quote

"This is consistent with how we support British nationals elsewhere in Thailand."

Thank will be piss bugger all then?

Piss poor to think of a once proud empire reduced to jack, some may disagree but it is another example to the world that we are in decline to my way of thinking.

Rise and Fall. That's the nature of Empires.

It's back to the notion that those who fail to study history are destined to repeat it. Not too many history buffs in leadership positions around the globe methinks.

[dunque]

A government that introduces such a thing as 'the bedroom tax' to save money, will certainly have no problem taking services away from ex pats abroad, who they already shaft with the frozen pension act.

The so-called bedroom tax was introduced by Labour for private sector tenants - Con/Lib coalition just made it fair by applying it to social sector tenants to.

Still, never let the facts get in the way of a good rant.

[connda]

Well, us Yanks may moan and complain about how much it costs to get a document notarized or make a visit to the US Consulate, but, it makes the Consulate self-sufficient financially. Which means they stay open.

Compared to the time and expense to travel to BKK, I'm really OK with having to shell out the $$$ to make my occasional visit. Plus I know what I'm getting at the CM US Consulate. The service is top-notch.

Does it cost 3,040 baht which is (was) the cost a couple of months ago at the British Consulate?

$100 US !!!

I believe it's $80 for a renewal at the US embassy, $115 for a new one. But that's nationwide including the US. So the US Consulate isn't making any money from acting as an intermediary for the Department of State' passport division (if I remember right, but I'm getting old, so maybe/maybe not). Who knows, maybe one day they'll close our consulate too, but until they do I happy it's here.

[uptheos]

A government that introduces such a thing as 'the bedroom tax' to save money, will certainly have no problem taking services away from ex pats abroad, who they already shaft with the frozen pension act.

The so-called bedroom tax was introduced by Labour for private sector tenants - Con/Lib coalition just made it fair by applying it to social sector tenants to.

Still, never let the facts get in the way of a good rant.

OK a government that didn't do away with it....better?

[maddermax]

So what are we paying taxes for over here for the UK? Shameful!

[pendingo]

Absolutely disgusting and an abdication of social responsibility to it's citizens by a truly crap British Government.

At least us Brits get a vote next month and a good time NOT to vote bloody Tory !!! Support the peoples' sensible centre party Lib Dems for a change as high time we gave them a real chance to Govern to see what they are really made of IMHO, At the very least Labour are the lesser of the two real main party evils as at least they care more about ordinary people.

I really feel sorry for all of us Brit expats here living outside the Bangkok catchment area. Once again truly DISGUSTING !!!!!!!!

I wondered how long it would be before the Consulate in Chiang Mai closes for good considering they have now dropped most of their services.

As with everything else the UK government has shown a total disregard for the needs of its people and carries on with its own agenda.

Why oh why do the British public vote for the same old corrupt and weak politicians and expect a different result?

Lib-Dems definitely a no no for me.

I will be voting for the Green Party.

Tories, Labour, UKIP, Lib-Dem are a total waste of a vote as they are all controlled by the corporate machine.

Voting for any of these will just result in the same old bovine excrement as before for the next 5 years.

Check out the Green Party website and manifesto and see if they have anything you can relate to.

They are not just another bunch of tree huggers and student lefties as the media would have us believe.

https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/.

Other than that there is the option of spoiling the ballot paper just to get the message across.

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing all of these tossers put out of office and being replaced by people who have the public interest at heart.

[CNXBKKMAN]

quote

"This is consistent with how we support British nationals elsewhere in Thailand."

Thank will be piss bugger all then?

Piss poor to think of a once proud empire reduced to jack, some may disagree but it is another example to the world that we are in decline to my way of thinking.

The UK still has the Falklands and it's about to build a high speed train line between London and Birmingham costing 50-100 billion or more! It will knock 10-15 minutes off the travel time compared to a normal train. The trains may be built in France, Germany or Japan but it's still a British idea! Decline is all in the mind.

[uptheos]

quote

"This is consistent with how we support British nationals elsewhere in Thailand."

Thank will be piss bugger all then?

Piss poor to think of a once proud empire reduced to jack, some may disagree but it is another example to the world that we are in decline to my way of thinking.

The UK still has the Falklands and it's about to build a high speed train line between London and Birmingham costing 50-100 billion or more! It will knock 10-15 minutes off the travel time compared to a normal train. The trains may be built in France, Germany or Japan but it's still a British idea! Decline is all in the mind.

Who exactly will this 10 minutes of time saving benefit, for only 50-100 billion?

[johnmcc6]

The Australian honorary council in Chiangmai has resigned in protest over treatment of Paraplegics and wheelchair bound elderly who are now required to show up in person for identity confirmation. This is a huge burden to this group who must book not only for themselves but also for a carer to help them to Bangkok. This creates not only a huge financial burden but one of stress for diabled pensioners. I am writting to the consul general to put my strong objection to this stupid rule. In Australia a priest, policeman or magistrate can swear identity for passport identification. Why not here? Mr. Walther , the current honorary consul does a great job for us.Think of the hassle we will need to go through without his services? Like confirming income. Will we have to do this in person or trust the post? What about all the other services we will be denied by this move.

I urge all Australian pensioners here to put in their objections. The address is readily available on Google. They have not yet confirmed a replacement ,if any. I personaly want to show support for the current Mr. Walthers for his good works and in particular to the disadvantaged disabled.

[gdobson3]

Do you really think a change in party will mean any difference.

They need to save money and people that are no longer living in UK take a back seat.

No you have that wrong people born in the Uk living in the Uk or no longer living in the UK take a back seat

[Dante99]

Well, us Yanks may moan and complain about how much it costs to get a document notarized or make a visit to the US Consulate, but, it makes the Consulate self-sufficient financially. Which means they stay open.

Compared to the time and expense to travel to BKK, I'm really OK with having to shell out the $$$ to make my occasional visit. Plus I know what I'm getting at the CM US Consulate. The service is top-notch.

Does it cost 3,040 baht which is (was) the cost a couple of months ago at the British Consulate?

$100 US !!!

I believe it's $80 for a renewal at the US embassy, $115 for a new one. But that's nationwide including the US. So the US Consulate isn't making any money from acting as an intermediary for the Department of State' passport division (if I remember right, but I'm getting old, so maybe/maybe not). Who knows, maybe one day they'll close our consulate too, but until they do I happy it's here.

US passport is I think US$110 now.

[jacko45k]

Bangkok next, Brits are expected to go back home when Ed cancels non-Domicile status.

[blazes]

Absolutely disgusting and an abdication of social responsibility to it's citizens by a truly crap British Government.

At least us Brits get a vote next month and a good time NOT to vote bloody Tory !!! Support the peoples' sensible centre party Lib Dems for a change as high time we gave them a real chance to Govern to see what they are really made of IMHO, At the very least Labour are the lesser of the two real main party evils as at least they care more about ordinary people.

I really feel sorry for all of us Brit expats here living outside the Bangkok catchment area. Once again truly DISGUSTING !!!!!!!!

I wondered how long it would be before the Consulate in Chiang Mai closes for good considering they have now dropped most of their services.

As with everything else the UK government has shown a total disregard for the needs of its people and carries on with its own agenda.

Why oh why do the British public vote for the same old corrupt and weak politicians and expect a different result?

Lib-Dems definitely a no no for me.

I will be voting for the Green Party.

Tories, Labour, UKIP, Lib-Dem are a total waste of a vote as they are all controlled by the corporate machine.

Voting for any of these will just result in the same old bovine excrement as before for the next 5 years.

Check out the Green Party website and manifesto and see if they have anything you can relate to.

They are not just another bunch of tree huggers and student lefties as the media would have us believe.

https://www.greenparty.org.uk/we-stand-for/.

Other than that there is the option of spoiling the ballot paper just to get the message across.

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing all of these tossers put out of office and being replaced by people who have the public interest at heart.

Thanks for the link.

I see there is no reference there to closing down the armed forces altogether (and planting nice trees on all the bases).

Nor is there a single reference to cost.

Google Nathalie Bennett and "car crash interview" if you want a taste of what Greenland could sound like....

[ronwparker]

Did very Little-so not really sad

[beau thai]

The German consulate handles schengen visas in Chiang mai and charges a supplement ( less than the cost of going to Bangkok) and their entire operation here is funded from the Schengen income. Nil cost to German tax payer.

(NB:you can only use that now if you are spending most of your Europe nights in Germany!!)

A much more enlightened approach and very nice people there.

I suggested this by email to the British Consulate and got exactly the response I expected. None.

[Lone Ranger]

No loss there then ! I too had the misfortune to visit CM UK Consulate apalling,rude & arrogant Thai lady ran the place under the Hon Consuler who was never to be seen.or contacted as always"too busy". Disgrace of a place. Pattaya had some fat,ugly gay guy & gay team including a formidable looking lady man working next to immigration a few years ago but although making themselves a few quid were at least efficient.

The only decent UK Consulate I met was an ex-Army man on Koh Samui about 6 yrs ago but I think he packed it in as just got grief...all very sad.

[Gandtee]

Absolutely disgusting and an abdication of social responsibility to it's citizens by a truly crap British Government.

At least us Brits get a vote next month and a good time NOT to vote bloody Tory !!! Support the peoples' sensible centre party Lib Dems for a change as high time we gave them a real chance to Govern to see what they are really made of IMHO, At the very least Labour are the lesser of the two real main party evils as at least they care more about ordinary people.

I really feel sorry for all of us Brit expats here living outside the Bangkok catchment area. Once again truly DISGUSTING !!!!!!!!

Why do you feel sorry for me? Because I am living on a frozen pension? Yeah, well. I suppose I feel sorry for me.

[Chicken George]

I said this would happen after they said no more letters written for visa requirements. Anyway they have no use so why stay open

[CNXBKKMAN]

quote

"This is consistent with how we support British nationals elsewhere in Thailand."

Thank will be piss bugger all then?

Piss poor to think of a once proud empire reduced to jack, some may disagree but it is another example to the world that we are in decline to my way of thinking.

The UK still has the Falklands and it's about to build a high speed train line between London and Birmingham costing 50-100 billion or more! It will knock 10-15 minutes off the travel time compared to a normal train. The trains may be built in France, Germany or Japan but it's still a British idea! Decline is all in the mind.

Who exactly will this 10 minutes of time saving benefit, for only 50-100 billion?

Your not supposed to ask questions like that. Once the line is complete and paid for by joe public it can be transferred over to private operators who can make a profit with it.

[a99az]

The need all there resources in the UK to help dish out free aid and assist illegals here. All part of a new move called "Welcome Doormat".

[awayego]

No loss there then ! I too had the misfortune to visit CM UK Consulate apalling,rude & arrogant Thai lady ran the place under the Hon Consuler who was never to be seen.or contacted as always"too busy". Disgrace of a place. Pattaya had some fat,ugly gay guy & gay team including a formidable looking lady man working next to immigration a few years ago but although making themselves a few quid were at least efficient.

The only decent UK Consulate I met was an ex-Army man on Koh Samui about 6 yrs ago but I think he packed it in as just got grief...all very sad.

Can't agree with you there - I have used the CM consulate many times and have always found the Thai staff extremely helpful and accommodating, even apologetic when the costs shot up.

Actually a very big loss of convenience as far ad I'm concerned.

[awayego]

Absolutely disgusting and an abdication of social responsibility to it's citizens by a truly crap British Government.

At least us Brits get a vote next month and a good time NOT to vote bloody Tory !!! Support the peoples' sensible centre party Lib Dems for a change as high time we gave them a real chance to Govern to see what they are really made of IMHO, At the very least Labour are the lesser of the two real main party evils as at least they care more about ordinary people.

I really feel sorry for all of us Brit expats here living outside the Bangkok catchment area. Once again truly DISGUSTING !!!!!!!!

Couldn't agree more!

The explanation/justification given by the UK govt is a first class example of complete and utter bullshit- straight out of 'Yes Minister'.

[Daniel Ingalls]

........Well I hope the US Consulate doesn't follow suit! I sure would hate to take a bus from Chiang Mai to the American Embassy in Bangkok just to get an over priced $80.00 Certified Certificate of Income. Any other recorder back in the States would do it for $25.00. Just one more over priced scam to satisfy Thai Immigrations. I just wonder, what is their cut out of the new $80. dollar fee?

Edited April 8, 2015 by Daniel Ingalls

[A Skeptic]

I thought it was a full consul in Chiang Mai, not an honorary one.

What follows is a letter I wrote to MP on 5 March this year. he replied but I have heard nothing from the minister concerned. Obviously too busy protecting his job with an election coming up and not caring a jot about the British subjects for whom he/she has responsibility.

I have a 9 year old son and wish to renew his passport. On examination of the relevant web site:

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y/thailand/renewing_new/child

I find that I have to make my application and collection in person at the British Embassy in Bangkok. The site is not clear but one interpretation is that my son must accompany me on each visit.

I live in the north of Thailand and therefore would have to make 2 journeys by air to Bangkok at a cost of between GBP100 - 200 each way and, knowing the Embassy quite well from previous experience, will certainly have to stay overnight, quite probably for 2 nights since the operating schedule is designed for the convenience of the staff, not the public it is there to serve. The total cost therefore could be GBP500 per visit, with another GBP400 if my son is required to show his face. In summary, renewing my son's passport will cost a minimum of GBP600 and could be as much as nearly GBP2,000. This is unacceptable.

I have had experience with the British Embassy in Bangkok before and have always found the staff to be aloof, arrogant, blinkered, inefficient, ignorant of their responsibilities and possessing absolutely no regard for the subjects who pay their salaries.

In contrast:

My wife is Japanese. All she has to do is complete the relevant forms at the the local Japanese Consulate supported by the relevant documentation and a new passport will be issued within 2 -3 weeks.

I recently helped, in my capacity as a volunteer policeman, a German lady whose passport had been stolen. The German Honorary Consul had a new passport issued through the embassy in Bangkok and sent to him within 10 days.

The Consular and Embassy staff are paid by the British taxpayer (I still pay considerable taxes in the UK despite living abroad) and are Public Servants. It is disgusting and unacceptable that we are expected to fork out such large amounts of money, not to mention the inconvenience, simply because the Immigration Service, or Border Police, or whatever they call themselves these days, cannot implement a system that provides a service to British citizens that matches that of other countries.

Has the Immigration Service never heard of computers, data bases, or tracking systems? There is absolutely no reason or excuse for it not to be able to provide a comprehensive service similar to that of the Japanese or German (and there are many more) consulates. By using secure computer systems the issuance of new passports would be quicker, more efficient, more secure and cheaper, particularly for the subjects it is supposed to serve, than the present antidiluvian system which is frankly designed to cause maximum inconvenience and expense to the customer and minimum of work to itself.

I would be grateful if you would pass this letter on to the relevant minister concerned.

Yours sincerely,

Etc.

[A Skeptic]

" the consular team at the British Embassy in Bangkok to provide a more efficient notarial and documentary service, and consistent, high quality assistance"

"This new way of operating in Northern Thailand will make the most efficient use of our resources, and offer an effective service to our most vulnerable customers via our experienced consular team in Bangkok, supported by our Honorary Consul in Chiang Mai."

What planet were you born on?

[sambum]

quote

"This is consistent with how we support British nationals elsewhere in Thailand."

Thank will be piss bugger all then?

Piss poor to think of a once proud empire reduced to jack, some may disagree but it is another example to the world that we are in decline to my way of thinking.

The UK still has the Falklands and it's about to build a high speed train line between London and Birmingham costing 50-100 billion or more! It will knock 10-15 minutes off the travel time compared to a normal train. The trains may be built in France, Germany or Japan but it's still a British idea! Decline is all in the mind.

You can NOT be serious! (With thanks to John McEnroe!)

[sambum]

No loss there then ! I too had the misfortune to visit CM UK Consulate apalling,rude & arrogant Thai lady ran the place under the Hon Consuler who was never to be seen.or contacted as always"too busy". Disgrace of a place. Pattaya had some fat,ugly gay guy & gay team including a formidable looking lady man working next to immigration a few years ago but although making themselves a few quid were at least efficient.

The only decent UK Consulate I met was an ex-Army man on Koh Samui about 6 yrs ago but I think he packed it in as just got grief...all very sad.

The ex Army man/ Honorary Consul is still alive and well and operational on Koh Samui, and still doing a good job!

[uptheos]

........Well I hope the US Consulate doesn't follow suit! I sure would hate to take a bus from Chiang Mai to the American Embassy in Bangkok just to get an over priced $80.00 Certified Certificate of Income. Any other recorder back in the States would do it for $25.00. Just one more over priced scam to satisfy Thai Immigrations. I just wonder, what is their cut out of the new $80. dollar fee?

Won't immigration just accept your original pay documents?

Can't you just get it paid into the bank and get a letter from them?

(I'm asking because I don't know)

Edited April 8, 2015 by uptheos