Emergency help for British nationals in Thailand

[evadgib]

45 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

As far as I know, this isn't linked to anything the US Embassy might be doing. 

 

The British Embassy reached out to Thaivisa recently to ask if we would help share information on different services available to Brits in Thailand. 

 

It's part of an overall effort to try and improve communications between the Embassy and the expat community. 

The probs re 'Embassies-v-Real people' is very similar to 'Westminster-v-Everyone else' in UK. They have been told on many occasions what they are doing wrong and how they might improve but the bottom line is that they don't listen and they don't care. Anyone (Employee) trying to buck this trend very quickly finds that their wings have been clipped.

[SteveK]

6 hours ago, evadgib said:

So you arrived ill prepared, asked questions outside their remit that could and have been challenged either legally or via a complaint, & it was their fault...?

 

Some of you need to get a grip.

I asked nothing outside their remit - I expected a very basic level of help and got nothing but rudeness. Are you suggesting that UK citizens should not ask anything of their embassy? I was very prepared, even asked them via email precisely what to bring and brought more than they asked for luckily, or I would have been screwed. They did not tell me that they might scrutinise my forms and ask me to amend and reprint them!

 

At least now I know not to bother with them, I am much more likely to get better help from someone in the street, and I won't have to wait 7 weeks then either. Lesson learned.

Edited May 23, 2019 by SteveK

[Crossy]

9 hours ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

It's part of an overall effort to try and improve communications between the Embassy and the expat community. 

 

Err, it was the embassy that cut off the expat registration and information programme (sorry, it was so long ago that I forget the proper name), now they want someone else to do their communicating for them for free.

 

What actual expat services do they offer now, not visas nor passports (apart from emergency travel documents)?

[colinneil]

12 hours ago, simon43 said:

Wow - so many negative comments here.  The British Embassy are not hear to hold your hand.  But in times of crisis/emergency, they can and will certainly help or give advice, such as contacting relatives, providing a list of lawyers or (as I know from personal experience when working as a tourist police officer at Phuket Airport) - contacting a local TPV to visit a British national who has just been arrested.

 

 

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[vinny41]

12 hours ago, SteveK said:

I've only had terrible, rude and unhelpful experiences with the embassy. And I was gobsmacked that I had to wait seven weeks for what should have been an extremely basic service (which I was charged a lot for). Also the lady that dealt with me admitted that she knew nothing about Thailand (I had stupidly asked her about the local amphur office and she made it clear that she couldn't even be bothered to talk to me).

 

When I went to get my freedom to marry affidavit, the lady looked at my form and asked me to rewrite one line for some reason. I had my documents with me on an external hard drive and a usb stick, but no, I wasn't allowed to use them at the embassy computer, I suspect they were trying to quickly get rid of me so that I would have to make another appointment for weeks in the future. Rude doesn't even begin to describe it.

 

Luckily, I remembered I had emailed the document to myself, just in case, so logged in to my email, downloaded the document, made the tiny, tiny amendment they insisted on and emailed it to them from inside the embassy. Still took a good hour after that though to get my papers back.

 

They could be a LOT friendlier, more helpful, and more efficient, and the charges are a complete rip-off. The waiting time for an appointment is nothing short of scandalous.

I don't know of any organization that would allow someone to just come in and hook their external hard drive or usb stick ( which could be full of nasty viruses or trojans) access to their computer network

[simon43]

30 minutes ago, colinneil said:

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about.

 

Since these are my own personal experiences in dealing with the British Embassy over a period of about 18 years, I think I do have an idea of what I'm talking about ????

 

The purpose of an embassy is diverse, primarily concerned with diplomatic relations.  They provide consular services and help British citizens in distress, such as at time of bereavement. They implement the policy of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).  If you want to moan about what the embassy does or doesn't do, go moan to the FCO.

 

I've never had any problems with my dealings with the embassy staff, from security staff right up to Consul.  My ex-wife (then my GF) had no issues when successfully applying for a UK tourist visa.  Everyone was polite at all times.

 

Your mileage may vary of course! I think some people have preconceived ideas about what the embassy can do and get frustrated when their expectations aren't met.

[colinneil]

16 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Since these are my own personal experiences in dealing with the British Embassy over a period of about 18 years, I think I do have an idea of what I'm talking about ????

 

The purpose of an embassy is diverse, primarily concerned with diplomatic relations.  They provide consular services and help British citizens in distress, such as at time of bereavement. They implement the policy of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).  If you want to moan about what the embassy does or doesn't do, go moan to the FCO.

 

I've never had any problems with my dealings with the embassy staff, from security staff right up to Consul.  My ex-wife (then my GF) had no issues when successfully applying for a UK tourist visa.  Everyone was polite at all times.

 

Your mileage may vary of course! I think some people have preconceived ideas about what the embassy can do and get frustrated when their expectations aren't met.

You clearly have no idea.

[simple1]

It may be helpful to get the stats on services provided by Bangkok embassy e.g. in 04/19 dealt with 29 deaths (refer link below). When I was in Thailand attended a presentation by Consular staff during which they said they were one of the busiest in the world, which included providing support and assistance for 23 rape victims in one year - not something you usually hear about in the media. BTW they mentioned they were often attempted to be treated as a travel agency, including after hours calls on the emergency line for trivial matters.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/801220/April_2019_Consular_MI.csv/preview

[luckyluke]

10 hours ago, Pilotman said:

The locals working there are arrogant

A well-known general attitude :

 

give some power to a Joe Bloggs, and pretty sure you get abuse of power, as a result. 

[geoffbezoz]

8 minutes ago, luckyluke said:

A well-known general attitude :

 

give some power to a Joe Bloggs, and pretty sure you get abuse of power, as a result. 

And it is compounded by the fact the few Brits that work at the Embassy don't give a rats ar$e about how the Thai employees treat British subjects either when at, or enquiring to, the Embassy. Say it all about how little they really care about looking after British Nationals.  Just a nice overseas  posting for them !

[CharlieH]

What they do

What they cannot do

What people expect them to do.

 

Those are the things where it all falls apart.

 

Embassies/consulates are one of those places that people know little about until you actually need them for something and then expectations/understanding seem to exceed there actual function and abilities.

 

My own experience was the requirement of documentation to marry. Very easy in and out in 20 minutes (long ago). Since then annual "income" letters. All done easily and quickly, (extortionate for a template "fill in the blanks" paper ! ).

 

Individual experiences based on specific individual circumstances generally dont paint a pretty picture and interaction seems to be mostly negative.

 

But I suspect that mostly is a result of expectations against actual function and ability leaving people disappointed and with a negative view for not getting what they wanted or thought they would get.

 

 

[luckyluke]

4 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

I suspect that mostly is a result of expectations against actual function and ability leaving people disappointed and with a negative view for not getting what they wanted or thought they would get.

Fair enough. 

 

In fact whatever embassy, except in very rare exceptional cases, don't help directly their citizens confronted with their own specific problem. 

 

They eventually function as a go-between, and this at a cost. 

[bluesofa]

I'm baffled as to why this has been posted?

The number has not changed in twenty years, so is there some reason I've missed as to why it's suddenly newsworthy to highlight this same number?

 

edit: Actually, I take that back. there was a separate number for the consulate, it was over ten years ago.

Edited May 24, 2019 by bluesofa

[colinneil]

1 minute ago, bluesofa said:

I'm baffled as to why this has been posted?

The number has not changed in twenty years, so is there some reason I've missed as to why it's suddenly newsworthy to highlight this same number?

 

Being a bit slow this morning lad, reason for showing it is they are trying to make people think that they are there to help.

 

[CharlieH]

5 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

I'm baffled as to why this has been posted?

The number has not changed in twenty years, so is there some reason I've missed as to why it's suddenly newsworthy to highlight this same number?

 

It never hurts to publish information periodically as there are new people arriving all the time and those that have been here for some years that may need it.

Having it "recent" is more use than having  20 yr old information that people may wonder if its still valid.

[geoffbezoz]

2 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

I'm baffled as to why this has been posted?

The number has not changed in twenty years, so is there some reason I've missed as to why it's suddenly newsworthy to highlight this same number?

 

I think it was because the British Embassy wanted to dispel the understanding by all Brits that it was not in fact just a joke hotline  ????????

[zoza]

14 hours ago, Pilotman said:

rubbish, they are and they don't.  I know of not one person who has a good thing to say about them.  They are beyond useless and a waste of UK taxpayers money.  May as well close them down and put all those muppets that 'work' there out of the job.  

well now you know one person who has a good word for them.

a few years back me and about twenty others had had our passports seized , it was a Thai girlfriend (Agent) and boyfriend (immigration) fall out and we were left to sort it out by the Thai immigration.

we had to go to the British embassy to fill in forms and get some help. the British staff dealt with us for the first visit, and done well.

they then handed us on to the Thai staff who also worked at the embassy I must admit I was very surprised just how helpful they where,

they gave me several numbers where I could contact them and when we got into a problem with one lad trying to hurry things up? got into a dodgy situation with some Thai Agents/Lawyers . I rang the Thai number  and they just asked me to hand over my phone to this demanding Agent

after two mins I was handed my phone back and they just returned all his documents and the money this lad had gave them, and Wai'ed their way backwards back into their office. I kept intouch for a few years as they where top people and very handy to have their numbers. 

Edited May 24, 2019 by zoza

[portly]

In 1984, I was offloaded in Bombay,an Air India flight. On the way to Sydney.

Chronically overbooked as per usual, was offered accom Air India Hotel.  Immo insisted on passport     being handed over.     On arrival, desk informs .me that my ticket not confirmed according to computer, agent mess up, or their computer, cannot stay.

Now I Have  no passport!   Manage to call Calcutta, did   not have bombay embassy then.

Told situation.can you help please.     NO  .....HUNG UP

[mstevens]

16 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

During an emergency why would we waste time calling the British Embassy, knowing that absolutely nothing will be done.

 

It ain't their job to help you in an emergency! That's what the local police / fire / ambulance / rescue services are for. And if it's a medical issue, that's what your travel or health insurance is for.

 

I am amazed at the sense of entitlement some have when it comes to what their embassy should be doing for them. Embassies are there to promote trade and good diplomatic relations. Providing assistance to citizens of their country is limited to things like the issuing of documents and stuff like that.

 

The crap some embassies and their staff get on here is ridiculous. I can just imagine what some of the embassy staff say about some of the people they have to deal with who clearly orchestrated their own problems and made no reasonable effort to adequately prepare for any of the many contingencies that can arise in a foreign country. Who'd want to be consular staff at an embassy in Bangkok and deal with some of the self-entitled citizens from their country with problems who don't take responsibility for themselves and always expect others to be there to fix them?!

 

Edited May 24, 2019 by mstevens

[oxysong]

16 hours ago, Just Weird said:

"...the British Embassy is nothing more than list of phone numbers and one woman employed in an office to 'put you through' to an extension in London".

You couldn't be more wrong with that assessment.

 

"...I remember when they cared and offered personal advice".

They still do.

 

"They really have become the joke of foreign embassies in Thailand".

Nonsense, unless you're only referring to the usual bunch of Thaivisa irrational haters who love to spit their vitriol in the Embassy's direction.   How have they become the joke of foreign embassies...specifically?

Of course you indeed would have first hand knowledge of this particular subject,not that fact you appear not to have any useful knowledge of anything in reality

[Crossy]

5 minutes ago, mstevens said:

It ain't their job to help you in an emergency!

 

And the title of this thread is what exactly?

 

[Orton Rd]

When we got married the freedom affidavit had to be translated, they let us go back to hand it in after closing time, I have always held that against them!

[Formaleins]

The British Embassy in Bangkok is probably one of the worst in the world. There are some British Embassies and Consuls that actually are useful - China / Shanghai for instance and the Old Consular office in Chiang Mai (now closed)

The British Embassy in Bangkok has been a waste of space for British Nationals for many years, going back more than 15 years. It is primarily a front for British trade, nothing in the way of assistance to its citizens. Over the years it has had its share of gin swilling deviants, only here for whoremongering and partying - they will know who they are.....  Yes, I remember a certain official that liked to collect the soiled panties from a few of the freelance hookers from Nana, used to borrow them and keep them in his pocket to sniff all day at work, then return them later in the day! Quality civil servants are like quality tourists, thin on the ground!

Back in the early 2000's, it was difficult, but not impossible as it appears to be now, to actually get an appointment and actually speak to someone in person, long before the days of the Punjab VFS Visa service. However, even back then it was a cattleyard, always queues, always a long wait, they always worked short hours - 9AM until 11 AM if I recall.

 

You need a plan B if you stay here long term, you cannot rely on any help from that shower of shit on Wireless Road!

 

 

[Bert got kinky]

14 minutes ago, mstevens said:

 

It ain't their job to help you in an emergency! That's what the local police / fire / ambulance / rescue services are for. And if it's a medical issue, that's what your travel or health insurance is for.

 

I am amazed at the sense of entitlement some have when it comes to what their embassy should be doing for them. Embassies are there to promote trade and good diplomatic relations. Providing assistance to citizens of their country is limited to things like the issuing of documents and stuff like that.

 

The crap some embassies and their staff get on here is ridiculous. I can just imagine what some of the embassy staff say about some of the people they have to deal with who clearly orchestrated their own problems and made no reasonable effort to adequately prepare for any of the many contingencies that can arise in a foreign country. Who'd want to be consular staff at an embassy in Bangkok and deal with some of the self-entitled citizens from their country with problems who don't take responsibility for themselves and always expect others to be there to fix them?!

 

 

It ain't their job to help you in an emergency!

Why have they contacted ThaiVisa and offered to help in an emergency for then?

If it's not part of the embassy staff's job, are they offering to provide this assistance out of the kindness of their hearts and in their own time? 

 

Who'd want to be consular staff at an embassy in Bangkok

Who'd want to hold a position where you work minimal hours, sit around doing sod all during the hours that you do work and getting grossly overpaid for the pleasure?

God, knows, where does the queue start?

[sjbrownderby]

16 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

As for the article, I have never met a Brit abroad (in any country) who has actually been able to get any emergency help from our embassy.

Really? You need to get out more......speak to a few more people, particularly Brits. I know of some who have received consular assistance but I am not telling who they are............. get your own friends. 

 What people do not understand is that the help they give is limited by rules, regulations and laws. They can, in certain circumstances, provide advice and assistance but they will not dig you out of any sh**pile of your own creation. 

[steven100]

Embassies are there for trade, foreign relations, issuing visa's, diplomatic assistance and the likes.

They are not there to bottle feed tourists or give a hot meal or provide a blanket and accomodation. They will help to experdite a contact with a relative or department in your home country if required.

[Tropposurfer]

To not al least listen to the story of a person emerging from a coma sounds a bit rough.

I wonder what someone expects an embassy to do in this case of illness or debilitation?

Their job has never been to support such things as far as embassy contacts I’ve had over the years has shown. Incarceration, offering legal support, visas, lost passports, destitute people re: repatriation  perhaps - in some circumstances.

it seems all embassy websites are heavy going and forms n processes highly legalistic n dense, but hey we are talking about British law application in foreign countries so I guess it’s necessary to cover bases as the British govt see it.

embassies are not here to bail out people because they get themselves into straights e.g. no medical insurance get hurt hospital big bills etc., drink n party their way into a destitute position. Break foreign law n then expect their embassy to make that nation let them out of jail or detention centres.

But, many do see this is their job. It is not, and hasn’t been for a very long time. Remarks by other nationalities shows their embassies being of the same or similar application n procedures does indicate some stiffening and retraction back behind narrower walls of operation.

if this is actual and real then I venture to guess it might be due to the increase of folks appealing to and expecting their embassy to ‘save’ them in some way.

just a thought.

 

[Pilotman]

2 hours ago, zoza said:

well now you know one person who has a good word for them.

a few years back me and about twenty others had had our passports seized , it was a Thai girlfriend (Agent) and boyfriend (immigration) fall out and we were left to sort it out by the Thai immigration.

we had to go to the British embassy to fill in forms and get some help. the British staff dealt with us for the first visit, and done well.

they then handed us on to the Thai staff who also worked at the embassy I must admit I was very surprised just how helpful they where,

they gave me several numbers where I could contact them and when we got into a problem with one lad trying to hurry things up? got into a dodgy situation with some Thai Agents/Lawyers . I rang the Thai number  and they just asked me to hand over my phone to this demanding Agent

after two mins I was handed my phone back and they just returned all his documents and the money this lad had gave them, and Wai'ed their way backwards back into their office. I kept intouch for a few years as they where top people and very handy to have their numbers. 

you said it, 'a few years back'.  maybe 'a few years back' they were doing an adequate job, they sure as hell are not doing so now. and Yes, you are the only one I have ever heard of with a good word to say about them.  

[Pilotman]

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

Embassies are there for trade, foreign relations, issuing visa's, diplomatic assistance and the likes.

They are not there to bottle feed tourists or give a hot meal or provide a blanket and accomodation. They will help to experdite a contact with a relative or department in your home country if required.

I tried to use them for that a few years back, it didn't work then and it doesn't work now. In addition, part of their remit is to indeed provide assistance to UK citizens abroad.  They don't do that either.  I'm struggling to know what they do each day, except go to cocktail parties. 

[captainhornblower]

18 hours ago, Just Weird said:

"...the British Embassy is nothing more than list of phone numbers and one woman employed in an office to 'put you through' to an extension in London".

You couldn't be more wrong with that assessment.

 

"...I remember when they cared and offered personal advice".

They still do.

 

"They really have become the joke of foreign embassies in Thailand".

Nonsense, unless you're only referring to the usual bunch of Thaivisa irrational haters who love to spit their vitriol in the Embassy's direction.   How have they become the joke of foreign embassies...specifically?

 

Hello, is that you ambassador?