Thread: British Embassy

^Did you get in?

Originally Posted by Thormaturge

Anyone familiar with our embassy in Wireless road will know there are usually a few people waiting to obtain UK visas for Thai wives, girlfriends, etc. and a hoarde of people milling about upstairs renewing passports and obtaining letters for Thai visas and driving licences.
I went there on Thursday and there was not a soul in either section.
Here is why..
At the entrance now there is a microphone where you speak with a Thai military gentleman. His entire vocabulary is "yes please".
Telephoning the switchboard is a waste of time. They have a new telephone system and callers are merely passed around an electronic switchboard and dumped back to the original menu, offering a choice of English or Thai.
Before you go check these problems have been resolved, or obtain the mobile or private number of an embassy official who can let you in.

The Embassy no longer deals with visa applications directly. Applications must now be made at:

The Visa Application Centre
2nd Floor, Regent House
183 Rajdamri Road
Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330


Hence the Marie Celeste appearance of the embassy compound...

^
Yes I did consider that, but the busiest section is usually the area where people apply for and collect passports, embassy letters (to confirm residency, or proof of income for retirement visas, etc.), and there was not a soul there.

I did get in and so did the pool of Brits hanging about outside, once I mentioned what was happening. I expect this is a short-term problem but for the coming week or so I would still be inclined to check.

It does seem an ongoing thing that the British Embassy would like to see as few British subjects as possible

I might add that telling the military guy you want to get into the Embassy, in Thai, is still greeted with "yes please". We need a head-banging Smiley.

I remember going there about 3 years ago with my Thai G/F when she wanted to apply for a visa. They let her in, but I was told to stay outside!!!!!!!

Sounds like a piece of cake !
If you want real fun try and get a visit visa for a Taiwanese citizen to go to the UK for more than a month from the British Rep. office in Taipei !!

Very similar to the Spanish Inquisition!

I recently renewed my passport and the chaps on the gate were courtious and friendly and the passport section had a Thai guy who was polite and knew what he was doing. The place was fairly empty, but I make sure I get there at just after 8am (despite passport pickup being after 9am - they still gave it to me and another person).

Picked up a passport just 10 days ago, all was fine.

Off topic I know but I'm curious, do Brits have the most expensive passports?

Originally Posted by bkkmadness

do Brits have the most expensive passports?

Probably.

My Dutch mate said their biometric PP cost 55 Euros for a standard sized one.

They certainly have the most expensive letters.

No need to shout, Scampy.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

No need to shout, Scampy.

Oh believe me, their new telephone system will make yopu do worse things that shout...

moved: don't see the relevance to legals. At best visa, worse lounge.