Most visitors to the Jomtien headquarters of Chonburi immigration bureau have noticed that the long queues of yesteryear are no more. But this does not mean that international visitor numbers to Thailand’s favorite seaside resort have necessarily collapsed, even allowing for the fact that June is traditionally part of the low season.
The improvements in the immigration carpark have certainly been one factor. A newly built and airconditioned room for registration and waiting has had an impact as well as the physical separation of 90 day reporting and retirement visa matters which have reduced queuing. Online reporting of 90 days for expats has also begun to have a positive effect on queues.
The former large numbers of tourists registering their address have diminished as hotels and condominiums have become more efficient at reporting new arrivals online, thus obviating the need for foreigners to turn up at immigration. This is particularly true for package tourists from China and other Asian countries where accommodation bookings are required in advance.
That said, June is not a busy month. Direct flights from Russian and Chinese cities to Pattaya’s U-tapao airport have been reduced and high airfares from Europe to Bangkok are another major factor. There is an ongoing pilot project in Bangkok to consider the expansion of online immigration services nationwide to reduce further the need for personal visits. That, of course, would be the best answer.
֎ The Miss Healthy Queens pageant will be held in Pattaya real soon. One contestant has already withdrawn feeling unwell.
֎ The Thai tourist authority is promoting a grand sale in Pattaya and beyond June 15-Augyst 13. In the so-called Hunting Season, 10,000 participating businesses will offer amazing deals and discounts. Now you know.
֎ A campaign is underway to make Pattaya as “walkable and wheelable city” to help the physically challenged and to promote the economy. Pipe dream scenario to be sure.
֎ The US embassy no longer gives letters of confirmation to Americans obtaining a new passport here in Thailand. Immigration offices have been told we are assured.
֎ Excellent sandwiches amongst other first-rate goodies from the Deli Factory out there on Soi Bongkot. Check out their website soon.
֎ When she started to play, Steinway himself came down personally and rubbed his name off the piano. (Bob Hope)
֎ A reader asks why some officers raiding bars and clubs in Pattaya have DOPA displayed on their backs. It stands for Department of Provincial Administration, the body responsible for licensing issues. They are there to assist the police.
֎ A television set is rather like a toaster. You press a button and up pops the same thing almost every time. That’s according to Alfred Hitchcock.
֎ According to a British newspaper, the average size of a UK penis is just over five inches. But the article fails to clarify whether it’s measured flaccid or erect.
֎ Thailand’s foreign exchange reserves stand at around 220 billion baht. But internal and household debt was about the same. So the reserves come from borrowing and not from a current account surplus.
֎ If your urine is coloured purple, you are in the middle of a police raid on licensed premises. Just saying.
֎ Five times as many Chinese as Indians have entered Thailand this year. So why are there 80 or so Indian restaurants and hardly any Chinese? Answers on a postcard please.
֎ Need to contact the water or electricity company about supply problems? Try ringing 1337, the Pattaya city hall 24 hour number with English speakers, as they will pass on your message.
֎ Afraid of dying alone? Become a bus driver.
֎ The crucial debate on Thai social media about the best British breakfast in Pattaya has been replaced by the same debate about fish and chips. TIT This is Thailand.
֎ The first phase of the Bangkok to Kunming (southern China) high speed railway is scheduled for completion in 2026. When it will actually be completed is anyone’s guess.
֎ The latest tourist figures show China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia providing the most visitors to Thailand right now. Not Russians, Indians or Europeans take note.
֎ There seems to be a lot of ladyboys in the straight gogo clubs right now both on Walking Street and along Soi Buakhao. Is this market demand or a shortage of female-born recruits?
֎ Notice on Jomtien restaurant. Please note the all-day breakfast is served from 7 am to 11.30 am.
֎ The tourism council asks how to encourage retiree expats to settle in Thailand. Abolishing the 90 days report might make a great start. Agreed?
Happy Hunting!
