Expat blogger laments on visa renewal hassles

[buksida]

Popular expat blogger Richard Barrow has shared his difficulties in trying to renew his visa’s extension of stay. Richard returned to Samut Prakan immigration last Friday to collect his annual extension. But he was told that Bangkok hadn’t yet approved his application.

Samut Prakan Immigration gave him a 7 day extension and told him to come back next week.

“I’ve lived in Thailand for twenty five years. I’ve spent most of my life here. But this is what I have to go through every year.”

Richard reports that when he returned to work later that day, there was an Immigration Police vehicle parked outside. He says officers from Chaeng Wattana in Bangkok visited him at his place of work to question him.

“They had my application with them which explained why Samut Prakan Immigration hadn’t received the verdict yet. They didn’t give any indication as to whether there was a problem or whether they were happy with the inspection.”

Richard has recently been a vocal supporter of the campaign calling for TM30 to be abolished or modified.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/expats/ ... ewing-visa


It seems that unless you're a tourist or on a retirement visa they're making your life hell. Or maybe Mr Barrow didn't use one of their 'agents'...

[europtimiste]

We don't know all of the story and people doesn't say everything, so we cannot make a fair opinion. Wait and see.

[HHTel]

I may be a little paranoid, but that was the reason I wouldn't put my name to that petition. Maybe, just maybe that's the reason Richard Barrow is getting hassle.