Stories tagged with immigration
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Thailand set to introduce Immigration Cards
Thailand is ready to introduce new Immigration Cards for both Thais and foreigners who frequently enter and depart the country to help ease the immigration process. Benefits of the Immigration card allow holders to bypass a number of procedures such as criminal screenings.
Immigration Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Chatchawan Suksomchit stated that the new card is designed for people who travel in and out of Thailand three or more times a year. It is hoped that the card will encourage more investment, business and tourism in the country. In another bid to ease immigration issues for foreigners, the Immigration Police will open a help centre line in early 2009 to offer tourism information in eight languages.
The card and help line are part of the Immigration Police’s renewed efforts to better control the foreigners who work and live in Thailand. They are expected to begin a major crackdown on illegal migrants, prostitutes and foreign residents who aren’t following the immigration rules in the coming months.
Though the Immigration Department is notorious for creating new rules before putting them out to the general public, it is hoped that this time they will try harder to inform resident foreigners about the changes before fining them.
Posted by: Andrew on 09 Oct 2008, 15:48 -
Burmese man found dead in Pattaya
A young Burmese immigrant was found dead in his apartment in Pattaya yesterday, with no signs of foul play. 19-year old Mr. Joy had been employed by a deckchair and umbrella company on Jomtien Beach and when he didn’t show up for two days, one of the owners of the business went around to his flat to investigate. 41-year old Wilailuck Aramwong found his employee dead in his room, with no clear signs of assault, but noted that his mobile phone was missing,
Local Police investigator Captain Prapat Bpumalee received the call from Mr. Aramwong mid-afternoon yesterday, and arrived at the four-storey complex to find people crowding around the entrance to see what was going on.
The death comes as a surprise to many, as Joy’s chaaracter has never been in question and he had been until-then held in good stead by his employers. The mysterious death can only be attributed to theft at this point according to police, but an investigation into the incident is underway.
Posted by: DaveB on 05 Jun 2008, 19:41 -
Would-be Burmese migrants suffocate en route
A story last week about 54 Burmese migrants who attempted to reach the Thai island of Phuket in search of a better life has once again brought up the issue of illegal immigrants and what is to be done both on the side of humane interest and Thai legality. 54 of 100 Burmese suffocated to death in a 6 metre by 2 metre container while they were hiding in a lorry bound for Phuket. Most of the survivors were ill, suffering form lack of oxygen as well as dehydration.
Every year, thousands of Burmese enter Thailand form the north and the south, legally and illegally, and for a variety of reasons. Police say the illegal migrants entered Thailand at Ranong before being packed into the container. The Burmese that do make it to Thailand don’t lead an easy existence, with curfews handed down and not being allowed the same rights as Thais, but many would still prefer this life to being in Burma.
There are a number of NGOs in the south and the north to help Burmese refugees, such as Chiang Mai’s Freedom House, which aims to educate the local refugee children so they can have a chance to live better than their parents who have struggled so much.
Posted by: DaveB on 17 Apr 2008, 18:23 -
UK Biometric Visas in Thailand
Andy Pearce, counsellor and deputy head of mission explained in a press conference that the British Embassy in Bangkok has begun using a new biometric visa system. UK visa applicants will now be required to show up in person to have their biometric information collected, including fingerprints and digital photos. The Bangkok Post has details.
Posted by: Toony on 21 Jun 2007, 09:03