Webcam Extension Of Foreigners' Stays Okayed

[george]

Webcam extension of foreigners' stays okayed

BANGKOK: -- The Immigration Bureau has launched a new service which allows foreign nationals to request the extension of their stay through an internet web camera. Surapol Thanakoses, commander of the Bangkok immigration police, said on Saturday the service was introduced to make it more convenient for foreigners, particularly businessmen, to reach the bureau.

Insisting the service would not breach security regulations, he said foreigners would have to identify themselves and answer questions put before them by immigration officers through a web-accessible camera before receiving the extension.

The webcam project, piloted last month, has so far attracted [more...]

--Bangkok Post 2006-10-23

[Chang_paarp]

This could be dangerous. It is looking like customer service.

In the full article, a company can ask the Immigration Bureau to come to them to renew paperwork, only if they have OVER 80 foreigners. Or you can jump the queue if you book 10 in at the office. I see a business opportunity here for a visa run company trying to find a new income stream.

[brahmburgers]

a new dimension to 'big brother' impersonal interactions. Right from the get-go it smacks of favoritism - by only allowing companies that hire 80 or more employees to partake. It's already evident (to any farang who's had the audacity to question a written rule) that Thai authorities are uncomfortable dealing with foreigners on a bureaucratic level. It reveals the Thai's lack of English speaking skills, and Thais in authority feel uncomfortable and are quick to anger when the rules are questioned. Putting a video camera in place creates an added level of distance - and hence removes Thai authorities from having to have eye contact, and some farang's annoying preponderance for questioning the strictness of rote authority on occassion. If annoyed, the operator can simply click the 'off' switch.

[gdhm]

a new dimension to 'big brother' impersonal interactions. Right from the get-go it smacks of favoritism - by only allowing companies that hire 80 or more employees to partake. It's already evident (to any farang who's had the audacity to question a written rule) that Thai authorities are uncomfortable dealing with foreigners on a bureaucratic level. It reveals the Thai's lack of English speaking skills, and Thais in authority feel uncomfortable and are quick to anger when the rules are questioned. Putting a video camera in place creates an added level of distance - and hence removes Thai authorities from having to have eye contact, and some farang's annoying preponderance for questioning the strictness of rote authority on occassion. If annoyed, the operator can simply click the 'off' switch.

Is this web-cam service only for companies of over 80 foreigners lined up for renewal? Having read the article it says the bureau is ALSO (it does not say ONLY) AND it seems to only be referring to its Mobile Services regarding companies (not its new web-cam services)

An extract said "Pol Maj-Gen Surapol said his bureau is also providing mobile services and sending its officers to renew the work permits of foreign employees if requested by a company.

The new service will help save foreign nationals the hassle of making the trip to the bureau.

But the bureau is only making its mobile services available on condition that the company involved must have at least 80 foreign workers lined up for renewal".

Additionally earlier in the article it says "The web-cam project, piloted last month, has so far attracted 19 users and encountered no problems. Its official launch took place on Friday". . Hardly 80 workers lined up for renewal .

My impression (rightly or wrongly is that the "Mobile Services" are for companies BUT individuals can avail themselves of the Web-cam facility to renew. However upon doing a search of the Internet I can find NO other information on the subject.

I personally find it very disappointing and frustrating that the Immigration Bureau who obviously wishes Foreigners to abide by its Immigration Rules is so bad at announcing its services and rule changes. You only have to go to its Official website to see it has not updated its VERY IMPORTANT 1st October 2006 rule changes.

What good is a site of this kind if not up to date. Not everybody accesses ThaiVisa Forum (or knows about it) to find out the current situation. Maybe The Bureau thinks people within Thailand enjoy a several hours journey to one of its Offices, only to find out that the published requirements are incorrect and out of date. I do not understand with such an extensive website they are unable to keep it up to date with MAJOR changes.

I am happy they have introduced Mobile Service and Web-cam services, but do they intend telling anybody about them (or is it an in-house secret )?. If they have told us about them, then I must be very thick because I cannot find it or on a searching the Internet with a multitude of search options.

Maybe someone can enlighten us on what Visa can renewed, how documents are processed by Web-cam etc. etc. Maybe Sunbelt Asia, our sponsors, have some knowledge on the Web-cam extension renewal Services and options and are able to update us.

Sunbelt Asia in my opinion are doing a better job in keeping us Foreigners updated and informed than the Official Thailand Immigration Bureau is. Thank you Sunbelt Asia.

Regards

Dave

[BlackJack]

ahhhhh

another attempt to modernise Thailand

Taxsin would be so proud

[egeefay]

I like the idea.

Technology can make things much more efficient and save a lot of time.

I had to get a visa in Bangkok to go to Laos one day.

It took us an hour to get to the visa office, 30 minutes to wait in line, 20 minutes to pay the extra money and wait for an "expedited visa".

Then, right in the middle of the process, they closed the office for a one hour lunch break.

By the time we got back home we had lost a half a day.

If you don't trust or like new technology you can still do it the old fashion way.

Nothing is perfect. There are always pitfalls and disadvantages to using technology.

But I, for one, certainly wouldn't want to go back to the days before ATM's, Cel Phones, online banking, etc.

[BlackArtemis]

I need to verify your information.

Hold for your picture and I need your passport #, checking account information and pin # please.

[gdhm]

I like the idea.

Technology can make things much more efficient and save a lot of time.

I had to get a visa in Bangkok to go to Laos one day.

It took us an hour to get to the visa office, 30 minutes to wait in line, 20 minutes to pay the extra money and wait for an "expedited visa".

Then, right in the middle of the process, they closed the office for a one hour lunch break.

By the time we got back home we had lost a half a day.

If you don't trust or like new technology you can still do it the old fashion way.

Nothing is perfect. There are always pitfalls and disadvantages to using technology.

But I, for one, certainly wouldn't want to go back to the days before ATM's, Cel Phones, online banking, etc.

I agree with you egeefay 100%.

As you said, those who prefer the "over-the-counter" more human contact can still have that service whilst others, who are not bothered about direct human contact and wish to save time and travel, can use modern technology where it is on offer.

I think freedom of choice and options are always a good thing.

Regards, Dave

[andyc2006]

i wonder if they intend to combine this with a dating service: "Meet the singles of Thai Immigration."

[falux]

Can you pay with paypal then?

[mouse]

Webcam extension of foreigners' stays okayed

BANGKOK: -- The Immigration Bureau has launched a new service which allows foreign nationals to request the extension of their stay through an internet web camera. Surapol Thanakoses, commander of the Bangkok immigration police, said on Saturday the service was introduced to make it more convenient for foreigners, particularly businessmen, to reach the bureau.

Insisting the service would not breach security regulations, he said foreigners would have to identify themselves and answer questions put before them by immigration officers through a web-accessible camera before receiving the extension.

The webcam project, piloted last month, has so far attracted [more...]

--Bangkok Post 2006-10-23

The Bangkok Post link is connected to an article about alcohol consumption. Where is the original link? Would be nice for 90 day reporting service!!

Admin edit:

Bangkok Post changed the link, I have corrected the one above. here it is again:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Oct2006_news07.php

Edited October 23, 2006 by george

[Greer]

I agree with those who think this is a good move.

I am also quite disappointed that there is so much negativity to what, in any other country, would be regarded as a great step forward. I cant imagine the Australians doing it, or even the paranoid yanks.

Admittedly there is a lot that can be improved in our country, but to criticise for the sake of criticism is unwarranted.

Thailand Immigration are making huge changes throughout, and viewed individually, some of the changes may be seen by some as counter productive, but we don't have the whole picture, and we don't know the next step in the plan. There are very imaginative, helpful, and useful changes already in place or about to be - the 3 year visa is one example.

Give it a rest - at least they are doing something to try to make life easier and better (yes, maybe for them, but also for us), and that's more than can be said for the Immigration Gestapo in most countries!

[seeker108]

The Bangkok Post link is connected to an article about alcohol consumption. Where is the original link? Would be nice for 90 day reporting service!!

until the link is repaired, once you get to the alcohol article change the last 6 in the URL (just before .php) to a 7 and the desired article will appear. But there is nothing more there than what has already been posted by George and gdhm above

[lvdkeyes]

It would be nice if this type service was extended to foreigners holding retirement visas who need to report their address every 90 days.

[jackspratt]

I agree with those who think this is a good move.

I am also quite disappointed that there is so much negativity to what, in any other country, would be regarded as a great step forward. I cant imagine the Australians doing it, or even the paranoid yanks.

Admittedly there is a lot that can be improved in our country, but to criticise for the sake of criticism is unwarranted.

Thailand Immigration are making huge changes throughout, and viewed individually, some of the changes may be seen by some as counter productive, but we don't have the whole picture, and we don't know the next step in the plan. There are very imaginative, helpful, and useful changes already in place or about to be - the 3 year visa is one example.

Give it a rest - at least they are doing something to try to make life easier and better (yes, maybe for them, but also for us), and that's more than can be said for the Immigration Gestapo in most countries!

Completely agree with your sentiments Greer. I am constantly bemused by the outpourings of negative comment on this site every time something new occurs in Thailand.

In relation to the webcam updates, the devil, of course, will be in the detail. IMHO we would be wise to avoid jumping in with judgements until we see what the details are.

jack

[richard10365]

From the way I read the story, it is talking about 2 different subjects:

1. A new service which allows foreign nationals to request the extension of their stay through an internet web camera.

2. Mobile services sending immigration officers to renew the work permits of foreign employees if requested by a company.

The two new services are not related. Both seem like good ideas.

Does anyone have a link to the new web camera service?

Edited October 23, 2006 by richard10365

[sriracha john]

i wonder if they intend to combine this with a dating service: "Meet the singles of Thai Immigration."

yes... so effective the first sign-ups from Immigration have already registered. Say hello to Immigration Police Sargents Anutechanat, Prechaporn, Kanchana, and Sombat:

Free chatting while webcaming is also available. They all "like the beaches, Italian food, and movies" and eagerly await the opportunity to meet "new and fun" people.

orrrrrrrrrrr....

the flipside to this whole webcamming business is that they simply wish to avoid the face-to-faces based on a desire to preserve their olfactory senses:

can't really blame them for that...

[seeker108]

I am happy they have introduced Mobile Service and Web-cam services, but do they intend telling anybody about them (or is it an in-house secret )?. If they have told us about them, then I must be very thick because I cannot find it or on a searching the Internet with a multitude of search options.

Maybe someone can enlighten us on what Visa can renewed, how documents are processed by Web-cam etc. etc. Maybe Sunbelt Asia, our sponsors, have some knowledge on the Web-cam extension renewal Services and options and are able to update us.

Sunbelt Asia in my opinion are doing a better job in keeping us Foreigners updated and informed than the Official Thailand Immigration Bureau is. Thank you Sunbelt Asia.

Regards

Dave

I also am not finding a link to this webcam service. I wonder how the first 19 found out about this. I also wonder if this is only available if your are residing in BKK or is it usable for those of us in CNX or how about those living way out in the country somewhere. This could be great for them.

Would be nice if someone could post a link to this or to where more info can be found.

Thanks

Seeker

[StevenCalifornia]

I agree with those who think this is a good move.

I am also quite disappointed that there is so much negativity to what, in any other country, would be regarded as a great step forward. I cant imagine the Australians doing it, or even the paranoid yanks.

Admittedly there is a lot that can be improved in our country, but to criticise for the sake of criticism is unwarranted.

Thailand Immigration are making huge changes throughout, and viewed individually, some of the changes may be seen by some as counter productive, but we don't have the whole picture, and we don't know the next step in the plan. There are very imaginative, helpful, and useful changes already in place or about to be - the 3 year visa is one example.

Give it a rest - at least they are doing something to try to make life easier and better (yes, maybe for them, but also for us), and that's more than can be said for the Immigration Gestapo in most countries!

Completely agree with your sentiments Greer. I am constantly bemused by the outpourings of negative comment on this site every time something new occurs in Thailand.

In relation to the webcam updates, the devil, of course, will be in the detail. IMHO we would be wise to avoid jumping in with judgements until we see what the details are.

jack

And here I was thinking i could take a shower AND renew my visa at the same time

[Firefan]

Renewing a visa is a paper-hel_l with lots of docs, originals, copies, forms obtained at emmigration, pics, signatures in front of officer, passport Etc. I hope it is enough to now just hold them up in front of the camera! Cheers!

Edited October 23, 2006 by Firefan

[richard10365]

i wonder if they intend to combine this with a dating service: "Meet the singles of Thai Immigration."

yes... so effective the first sign-ups from Immigration have already registered. Say hello to Immigration Police Sargents Anutechanat, Prechaporn, Kanchana, and Sombat:

Free chatting while webcaming is also available. They all "like the beaches, Italian food, and movies" and eagerly await the opportunity to meet "new and fun" people.

orrrrrrrrrrr....

the flipside to this whole webcamming business is that they simply wish to avoid the face-to-faces based on a desire to preserve their olfactory senses:

can't really blame them for that...

I wonder if they will offer monthly subscription "Premium Immigration Webcam Services". I wonder what extra services they might provide.

A service where you have to verify your age to continue. It might be interesting or it might be disgusting.

[Mushky]

Why would a "Business Man" need to extend a visa.

IF he is not on a Working visa he is not allowed to be a "Business man"

Or does this mean that you can extend working visa's too?

Not concerned just interesting to see attitude behind the sheme.

I like the workflow concept. I often think it must be terribly borring for those police officers to process all those applications.

[Firefan]

Huh? We are talking renewal of a non-em B visa - typically based on having a work permit. Cheers!

Why would a "Business Man" need to extend a visa.

IF he is not on a Working visa he is not allowed to be a "Business man"

Or does this mean that you can extend working visa's too?

Not concerned just interesting to see attitude behind the sheme.

I like the workflow concept. I often think it must be terribly borring for those police officers to process all those applications.

[Kaojai]

... Thais in authority feel uncomfortable and are quick to anger when the rules are questioned. Putting a video camera in place creates an added level of distance - and hence removes Thai authorities from having to have eye contact, and some farang's annoying preponderance for questioning the strictness of rote authority on occassion. If annoyed, the operator can simply click the 'off' switch.

The process is designed to facilitate visa extensions, not to give farang a platform to vent their personal frustrations. That's what Oprah, Dr. Phil and controlled substances are meant to do.

As to Thai's inability to speak English, French, German, Chinese, etc at the level expected (but rarely achieved) by the educational systems in those countries where the language is native, maybe it would be better to expect the applicant to speak and write in Thai. That could even be the genesis of a new weekly TV programme. They could show segments of interviews with farang sputtering, turning puce and throwing tantrums (similar to those often staged on this message board) as they mangled the Thai language with the equivalent of "me want stay long long in Thailand."

[robenroute]

Huh? We are talking renewal of a non-em B visa - typically based on having a work permit. Cheers!

Why would a "Business Man" need to extend a visa.

IF he is not on a Working visa he is not allowed to be a "Business man"

Or does this mean that you can extend working visa's too?

Not concerned just interesting to see attitude behind the sheme.

I like the workflow concept. I often think it must be terribly borring for those police officers to process all those applications.

Hi there Firefan! You might want to consider giving good ol' George Best some credit for your signature.... "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

[TheSeoGuyNZ]

I agree with Greer & Jack - the outpourings of critcism on any "announcement" by Thai Immigration that are intended to improve their services seriously detract from the value of the forum, IMHO. It seems to me that there is a genuine (albeit slightly uncoordinated) effort being made to straighten out a system which is obviously overdue for an overhaul in light of long-term abuse - no doubt in the main by the critics of the changes!

In the context of international terrorism, its astonishing that its taken so long to tighten the rules up on "overstayers" who've taken relentless and protracted advantage of the VOA for extended periods, instead of fronting up and sorting out their status properly.

Especially so, in light of the way the "Immigration Gestapo" in my country (New Zealand, or in Australia) - treat the average Thai citizen just wanting to come for a simple holiday etc!!! The challenges faced by my-Thai ex wife (a NZ citizen of 5 years) in getting her 17yr old son into the country were extraordinary. To get her sister in for a 3 month stay required a $3000 "bond" to be paid, non-refundable if an extension of stay was requested!!! I know of many instances where Thai people, genuinely on holiday, were not allowed into NZ on arrival at Auckland or Christchurch because for some reason NZ Immigration suspected they might overstay, or work... They were held in custody, and sent back to Thailand on the next flight out... pretty inhospitable, you might say!!!

If the Thais were to do the "eye for an eye" thing, there would scarcely be an Aussie or a Kiwi here in the LOS!

In the context of international terrorism, paedophilia and other undesirable activities, it makes sense to increase the "filtration" process to screen out undesirables. For those people with clear consciences and genuine intentions, leaping through a few hoops at the Immigration counter should be a small price to pay for the privelege and pleasure of living here.

My advice? Stop whinging, and critcising things you cannot change - go with the flow, or go home!!!

Ben

[Sunbelt Asia]

Webcam extension of foreigners' stays okayed

BANGKOK: -- The Immigration Bureau has launched a new service which allows foreign nationals to request the extension of their stay through an internet web camera. Surapol Thanakoses, commander of the Bangkok immigration police, said on Saturday the service was introduced to make it more convenient for foreigners, particularly businessmen, to reach the bureau.

Insisting the service would not breach security regulations, he said foreigners would have to identify themselves and answer questions put before them by immigration officers through a web-accessible camera before receiving the extension.

The webcam project, piloted last month, has so far attracted [more...]

--Bangkok Post 2006-10-23

The lawyer or company rep is still submitting the paperwork and supporting doc's. All that is happening is the applicant does not have to go to the Immigration office.

You would find most all TV readers do not qualify as the firm needs to employ more than 80 foreigners. Very few firms in Thailand employ more than ten foreigners as clause 5.3 of the Department of Employment Regulations Governing the Criteria of Considering Permitting the Work of Foreigners A.D. 2004 restricts the maximum number foreigners being employed by a company to a maximum of ten.

They need to be all BOI firms unless the foreigner is

Working for an employer who has paid tax to the government in the past year cycle not less than Baht three million;

Working for an employer doing a business of exporting goods and introducing foreign currency into the country not less than Baht three million in the past year;

Working for an employer doing a tour business with not fewer than five thousand introductions of foreigners to visit Thailand in the past year cycle;

Working for an employer who employs not fewer than one hundred Thai nationals;

Foreigners working for an employer whose investment size from the paid up registered capital is not lower than Baht two million or an employer registered as a juristic person abroad and entering to do business in Thailand, whose investment size from the money introduced from abroad is not lower than Baht three million:

In any of the following case the limitation regarding the number of foreigners under Article 5 (3) shall not apply:

Foreigners doing a Technology work which Thai nationals are still unable to do or in which Thai nationals are available in number not sufficient for the demand of the domestic labor market, which technology shall be transferred to at least two Thai national within the prescribed period;

Foreigners working by applying specialized skill for a work to be accomplished under a definite project;

Foreigners working in an entertainment, amusement or musical business, the character of whose employment are occasional and definite;

Foreigners working in a foundation, association or any other organization whose objectives are non-profit making and in the interests of the society as a whole.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[rossigee]

2. Mobile services sending immigration officers to renew the work permits of foreign employees if requested by a company.

Unfortunately, immigration officers can't renew work permits. It'd be nice if they could, though. For now, you (or someone you know) will still have to run the gauntlet down at your local labour department for that, as far as I can see.

[thaihome]

The web cam idea sounds good to me. Saw the computer station at the one stop office when my visa extension was renewed last week. Wondered what it was about.

We use to pay a little tea money to avoid the personal appearance, but enforcement of company policy, based a certain US law, brought that to stop a couple of years ago. Luckily our office is only a couple of minutes from the one stop office, so entire trip for me took less then an hour, but the web cam would be cool.

Oh, and we employ about 100 expats in Thailand

TH

[Maestro]

We are talking renewal of a non-em B visa - typically based on having a work permit.

Well, if we want to be absolutely, totally, unambiguously, bureaucratically correct we probably have to call it “extension of temporary stay in the Kingdom, for the reason of business”.

Some posters say they are renewing their visas when they fly to Penang or some other place to get a new visa, of the same type and category they had before, stamped in their passports.

---------------

Maestro

Edited to add a strategically-placed comma.

Edited October 23, 2006 by maestro