U.S Embassy Outreach Program payments by bank draft only.

[BobTH]

I hope this is the correct forum for this thread. You have to pay by a bank draft from Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank or Siam Commercial Bank (SCB). 

 

You do not need an account at the bank to purchase a bank draft.  Purchased in advance.               Made out to the “American Embassy Bangkok.”              In the exact amount of Thai Baht (THB) for your total service.              At the official embassy exchange rate at the time of the outreach.                     Fees and exchange rates will be included in individual outreach announcements and posted on the Embassy Web Site and  Submitted at the time of service.

I received this information today from the US Embassy and posted it for your information only. 

[ubonjoe]

That info was posted in the visa forum earlier when they handed out notices at the last outreach in Pattaya.

It is effective October 1st.

First outreach will be in Pattaya on October 28. 

 

[Pib]

I just got the related email from the U.S. Embassy...below is a partial quote/snapshot of the email.   Note it says it's now worldwide policy versus just Thailand for Outreach Visits.

 

[Shot]

1.  I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the US Embassy Outreach Program,  and the wonderful Embassy folks who have helped us here in Phuket over the years. Thank you very much for your kind service.

 

2.  This is really a stupid idea and a major pain in my backside.

 

 

 

 

[Pib]

Me expect there have have some "cash management" issues during the Outreach visit...like maybe some cash disappearing, cash being stolen (robbery), they just don't want the Outreach trips to have to receive/store/deposit cash during the trips, etc.   

 

It does sound like it could be a pain in the butt for people when showing up for an Outreach visit, ending up to need to pay more for whatever reason (like finding out you need to pay for another notarization or just making a mistake in figuring how much you thought you would need to pay), and then having to run to some bank to buy a bank draft for the additional amount.   Or finding out they can't provide the service/document for whatever reason, but you have already bought the bank draft....now it back to the bank to cash it back in.

 

The new policy is definitely not customer oriented; it's Outreach staff cash management oriented.