Huge queues filmed at Pattaya immigration

[webfact 78,797]

Huge queues filmed at Pattaya immigration

 

Video screenshot

 

A Thai woman posted a 30 second video of a huge queue stretching all around the road at Pattaya immigration this morning.

 

Hundreds of foreigners were queueing for visa extensions for the second day running. 

 

People were standing in the street a little apart but it could hardly be described as social distancing.

 

The scene inside the facility was revealed as crowded and chaotic yesterday.

 

Songkran Soychit posed the pertinent question to the authorities: "What if someone comes down with the virus as a result of this and dies?"

 

The post was viewed 11,000 times and shared 168 times. 

 

Pressure is mounting on immigration to issue automatic visa extensions to stop such irresponsible and chaotic scenes. 

 

But the waiting for decisive action goes on not just for tourist visa extensions but matters like 90 day address reports that many expats see as pointless anyway and particularly stupid to be enforcing at this critical time. 

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-04-08

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[darksidedog 50,903]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

"What if someone comes down with the virus as a result of this and dies?"

The "what if" is most likely to be replaced with a "when" if this carries on much longer.

It really can't be that hard to accept that these folk came here legally, and given the situation, should be tolerated and assisted as much as possible, not exposed to danger though dithering, compounding upon the problems they too are facing and seriously putting them at risk.

[jimmjam 864]

See people with kids aswell. Shocking.

Would this not be considered a crime against humanity? Given the status of that we have a pandemic?

Edited April 8, 2020 by jimmjam

[Denim 13,317]

Jobsworth Thailand.

 

Only obeying orders.

[sammieuk1 20,092]

It's should be called the expendables queue at the last revenue saloon 

[ThreeEyedRaven 8,723]

Possibly the simplest way to solve this problem would be to provide every legitimate traveler, who had a visa or exemption upon arrival, with an open ended visa automatically, or just write off overstay, then providing an additional 30 day extra grace period for people to organise their way home, when it is possible to do so.

Immigration offices could effectively close, keeping their staff safer too. Social distancing means exactly what it says and immigration offices are the antithesis of that.

[NCC1701A 52,827]

perhaps the WHO should be informed.

 

they might be good for something after all.

[audaciousnomad 680]

 

37 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

The "what if" is most likely to be replaced with a "when" if this carries on much longer.

It really can't be that hard to accept that these folk came here legally, and given the situation, should be tolerated and assisted as much as possible, not exposed to danger though dithering, compounding upon the problems they too are facing and seriously putting them at risk.

EXACTLY CORRECT.  Why would anyone who was here illegally be waiting in that god awful queue. All the truly criminal illegals are HIDING right now.

Too often the things that make way too much logical sense here in Thailand are ignored in favor of doing things that make way more baht to fill the coffers with.

Just for once during this dangerous crisis, use your noggins and hit pause on the Baht-o-Matic extensions, and help keep the public safe by issuing Auto-Matic extensions! 

Edited April 8, 2020 by audaciousnomad

[sapson 1,454]

its a worldwide crisis when peoples fears need to be allayed and be treated with compassion, understanding and dignity.............so of course Team Thailand will continue to excel themselves!

 

One month already to deal with it and the documents were ready for signing last night, but seems the fat lady has stage fright .....still clearing her throat!

 

Westerners should for their own health and that of the staff just stop attending crowded places in the interest of common sense and as per the request of the Thai government for social distancing.

[sungod 4,645]

8 minutes ago, PerkinsCuthbert said:

Are you talking about your generation?

Dont worry, 'The kids are alright'

[Surelynot 7,675]

30 new infections in Pattaya today. Wouldn't be surprised if a good proportion of those arose from visits to the IO. That being the case, the lockdown will do nothing to alleviate the problem.

[Thailand 18,626]

Scandalous, the authorities should be ashamed,but--- TIT

[pratsku 19]

Money firt

[Surelynot 7,675]

Kenya 

 

Edited April 8, 2020 by Surelynot

[CNXexpat 3,568]

The 3 virus deaths from yesterday are only foreigners. I don´t wonder why.