After spending 2 nights in BKK, we were back home on Sunday night. No pho at all. Arggghhh. All thanks to the stupid immigration and tour agency. In the whole drama mama twist of events, we had to get the airport personnels to retrieve our luggages that were already checked-in. And the most frustrating thing of all was that we had done double, triple, quadruple checks with the immigration department and tour agency prior to our departure from Chiangmai.
Our passports were held by the tour agency in BKK and we had to wait till getting to BKK before we could apply for the re-entry permit. Even so, no one could give us an absolute answer as to whether a re-entry permit is required for my non-immigration visa to remain valid if I am to leave Thailand. The screwed up agency assured that we could get the permit granted within 10 mins and this could be done in the airport. All we need were 1000 baht and the application form filled up. So, the smart ass did a group check in and asked us to get to the immigration counter. Only then we realised that the minimum waiting time was 30 mins and I need a passport size photo to be submitted. And... there is no photo machine in the airport!!! The stupid immigration officer knew nuts about the re-entry permit and couldnt confirm if I would still be able to get a new non-immigration visa if my existing one cease to be valid. WTH. We could have gambled but it didnt seem worthwhile.
I kinda miss the system we have in Singapore where everything's super transparent and info is readily available online. Here, info online is crappy and people give varied answers. You'll have to judge their credibility. Truly amazing Thailand.
So... yupz, we ended up in BKK. Again. Didnt really enjoy ourselves cos we were drowned in disappointment. Not sure when our next trip would be, but I'll ensure that things will not be as screwed up. I'll get my parang ready. Argh.
Our passports were held by the tour agency in BKK and we had to wait till getting to BKK before we could apply for the re-entry permit. Even so, no one could give us an absolute answer as to whether a re-entry permit is required for my non-immigration visa to remain valid if I am to leave Thailand. The screwed up agency assured that we could get the permit granted within 10 mins and this could be done in the airport. All we need were 1000 baht and the application form filled up. So, the smart ass did a group check in and asked us to get to the immigration counter. Only then we realised that the minimum waiting time was 30 mins and I need a passport size photo to be submitted. And... there is no photo machine in the airport!!! The stupid immigration officer knew nuts about the re-entry permit and couldnt confirm if I would still be able to get a new non-immigration visa if my existing one cease to be valid. WTH. We could have gambled but it didnt seem worthwhile.
I kinda miss the system we have in Singapore where everything's super transparent and info is readily available online. Here, info online is crappy and people give varied answers. You'll have to judge their credibility. Truly amazing Thailand.
So... yupz, we ended up in BKK. Again. Didnt really enjoy ourselves cos we were drowned in disappointment. Not sure when our next trip would be, but I'll ensure that things will not be as screwed up. I'll get my parang ready. Argh.
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