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#51
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-02 19:49:39
Hope its not for free!! Just paid 12000 baht for another year with Thailongstay Silver Card... What is a Thailongstay card not heard of one of those is it of benefit if you are in and out every 4 weeks ? I actually work 28/28 but takes 2 days to get home from West Africa so I am actually in LOS 24 nights every other month Thanks #52
Rigid Member Posted 2008-10-02 19:57:10
I'll believe it when I see it... or should I say... when I don't. Just another public relations stunt that will be fillibuster'd. How about instead relieving us longtimers that are married to Thais of the annual nightmare to renew our visas? People with families who are obviously holding down jobs should be exempt from that insulting procedure that makes us all feel like criminals and terrorists. Would you also care to add retired people with families ....etc ?? 
#53
Advanced Member Posted 2008-10-02 20:06:24
I understand all you doubters but if they introduce the card I for one think it will be great - I know there are quite a lot of guys like me coming in and out every month which I also do in Dubai where I have a card and it takes me less than 30 seconds. As someone else mentioned it will save pages in the passport. Upto now I have to change my ten year passport every 2 or 3 years. The money doesnt bother me its all the hasle transfering visas', work permits etc.
As for time saved getting through immigration one never knows, there have been times it has taken me 1 1/2 hours another 5 minutes. Lately with the down trend in tourists it has been quick however with the card it will always be quick as it takes approx 5 minutes for an immigration officer to process a passport. Bring in the Card!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #54
Newbie Posted 2008-10-02 21:12:25
I cany see a process where the holder of the passpot is not verified as the holder, in UK we have Iris which enable you to pass through once it sees your eyes. If they gave them cards out and never verified who the passport holder was it would end up like UK where anyone gets in without documentation, unless they chipped the cards. Sounds a good idea but need to see the process. At what UK airport do they use iris scans? I'm from the UK and I am a frequent traveller mostly using Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow and Gatwick and I've yet to come accross this. I know they have talked about bringing it in but I doubt that it's being used at this time. #55
Diaper Changin' Member Posted 2008-10-02 21:13:17
however with the card it will always be quick as it takes approx 5 minutes for an immigration officer to process a passport. #56
Newbie Posted 2008-10-02 21:27:03
why don't they issue an residence permit for foreigners who are staying more than 10 years . What's a use of this card for the peoples who don't travel much
#57
Titanium Member Posted 2008-10-02 22:20:50
Personally I would like having a card issued by the Immigration Police to carry as a form of ID. I never carry a passport - I use my Thai drivers lisence & rarely leave the Kingdom... #58
Super Member Posted 2008-10-02 22:34:06
sounds like the NEXUS card i got from US/Canadian immigration. i paid $80US for that card to make coming and going across the border take 2 minutes instead of anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. might as well give the world your fingerprints, but don't go doing something silly like killing a man and leaving a fingerprint. oh and, your government will know where you are and where you been.
#59
Super Member Posted 2008-10-02 22:36:10
Personally I would like having a card issued by the Immigration Police to carry as a form of ID. I never carry a passport - I use my Thai drivers lisence & rarely leave the Kingdom... wouldn't everyone be eligible for this card? how do you truly verify the promise you intend to come and go often? #60
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-02 23:06:56
I cany see a process where the holder of the passpot is not verified as the holder, in UK we have Iris which enable you to pass through once it sees your eyes. If they gave them cards out and never verified who the passport holder was it would end up like UK where anyone gets in without documentation, unless they chipped the cards. Sounds a good idea but need to see the process. At what UK airport do they use iris scans? I'm from the UK and I am a frequent traveller mostly using Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow and Gatwick and I've yet to come accross this. I know they have talked about bringing it in but I doubt that it's being used at this time. Heathrow Terminal 3.I have used it several times over the past few months, cuts out the immigration queues, gets you to the baggage belts way before anyone else, I like looking at empty conveyor belts. #62
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-02 23:23:00
Apparently, this is of interest to a great many people...  Can we possibly have this in Thai language because my wife (and myself) do not believe this drastic change? Six years she has accompanied me to the local Immigration Office and we ended up fighting for most of the day. As always, farang always wrong. We live only a few hundred metres from Laos and would both appreciate a little break. #63
Member Posted 2008-10-02 23:45:02
I cany see a process where the holder of the passpot is not verified as the holder, in UK we have Iris which enable you to pass through once it sees your eyes. If they gave them cards out and never verified who the passport holder was it would end up like UK where anyone gets in without documentation, unless they chipped the cards. Sounds a good idea but need to see the process. At what UK airport do they use iris scans? I'm from the UK and I am a frequent traveller mostly using Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow and Gatwick and I've yet to come accross this. I know they have talked about bringing it in but I doubt that it's being used at this time. Jimmy, as a poster stated its terminal 3 on your next flight out after you get through the security on the right hand side there is on office, its closes at 9.00pm takes about 5 minutes. Then on your return as soon as you enter immigration turn sharp left there are 2 booths ( there were two weeks ago) you look in a screen and line your eyes up and bobs your uncle. Its very quick there were 2 people ahead, of course the added bonus is you can throw your passport away when you get on the plane and still get in the UK  Or sell it on the plane
Edited by RetireSoon, 2008-10-02 23:45:50. #64
Dismembered Posted 2008-10-02 23:52:55
While I admire the optimism expressed here all I can say is stop taking drugs and pull yourself together people. It's never going to happen and if it does, it will be implemented in way that makes you wish it hadn't. It's not for *your* benefit.
#65
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-03 05:28:36
Sounds like a limited version of the APEC card, which provides pre-approval for 17 countries - including Thailand Exactly, and exactly my concern... At the moment my APEC card lets me go through the diplomatic lane, only fighting with the Air Crew for position... If this means every tor group of 300 Chinesse are in the lne, the APEC Card will become useless... It is vital to me, because the flights from Aus get in at about 11, which means drinking time is limited, and every second waiting at immigration is a second less with my old friend Mr Beer... Cheers, Daewoo #66
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-03 06:11:03 Quote I like looking at empty conveyor belts.  lol
#67
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-03 06:45:02
I think it would be great. does anyone know is the 30 day rule will still be in effect for this card . Or will it be longer stay 60 or 90 days.
#68
Advanced Member Posted 2008-10-03 07:27:51
Really can't see what the interest is in this.
The worst time ever in airports was queues in Manchester due to all the security measures which went through the whole departure concourse. Immigration in Thailand, yes it takes a while but it's no different from anywhere else, some officer scrutinising the passport, tap tap tapping at the computer and waiting for a reply. You can wait just as long if not longer then for either your bags or the taxi. Why not serve ice-cream or coffee? And sure we'd all love finger print scans and iris recognition - have you guys not seen Bladerunner, Gattaca and many others - that sort of stuff lets big brother in by the backdoor.  Regardless of what is done there will always be a queue, delay or something that is travel. You also have to wait the other ends getting your boarding card, checking luggage, stamping out...... #69
Platinum Member Posted 2008-10-03 07:53:43
Sounds like they are thinking of a similar system that is used in Singapore. People on yearly visas get a green card along with passport that you show to immigration when leaving and coming back in. You don’t get a exit or entry stamp and you can go in the Singapore passport and residence line. Singapore also has the automatic entry gates where you just pass your card over a readier and take a fingerprint. Not sure if foreigners are eligible for that.
Would be a great improvement for people on yearly extensions that fly in and out regularly. I doubt they would do it for people on visa exempts or tourist visas. TH #70
Titanium Member Posted 2008-10-03 08:07:55
Yes it would be nice if it comes about. But it would be even better if it also served as an ID for other purpsoes. I guess thousgh we will all have to wait and see.
Of course though they will probably just have certain locations for this and will be in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket or Chang Mai. So if you don't live near one of those it would be another regular pilgramage somewhere to get it done. Edited by ubonjoe, 2008-10-03 08:09:52. #71
Star Member Posted 2008-10-03 08:21:39
Thailand introduces frequent traveller immigration card
Thailand is to introduce a new immigration card later this year, for frequent travellers that will allow them to bypass normal screening procedures at airports. Those eligible for the Immigration Card are nationals and foreigners who travel in and out of the country three to five times in a year. The Bangkok Post newspaper reports the move is designed to promote tourism and investment in the country. It says Immigration Police will also open a call centre early next year to provide tourism-related information in eight languages. - ABC (Australia) / 2008-10-03 Edited by sriracha john, 2008-10-03 08:22:10. #72
Advanced Member Posted 2008-10-03 09:01:56
Why do us westerners living in Thailand always have to be so critical of Thai Immigration initiatives? Sure, there are some grounds for doubt, but this is a major step forward and lets give them the benefit of the doubt. I spend about 10 hours a year standing in the Suvarnabhumi immigration queue and so any promise to alleviate this is welcome, especially after the torture of a 37 hour journey from South America.
Thailand needs to court its resident farangs and regular visitors to restore some of the confidence lost through recent internal problems. This idea is very welcome. I look forward to further clarification. Well done Thai Immigration Department! Paul #73
Senior Member Posted 2008-10-03 09:05:13
If all it does is eliminate the requirement to carry your passport at all times (more honour'd in the breach than the observance as it is), I'm all for it!
#74
Titanium Member Posted 2008-10-03 09:55:22
If all it does is eliminate the requirement to carry your passport at all times (more honour'd in the breach than the observance as it is), I'm all for it! What requirement to carry your passport ?.... Believe to date no one on TV has been able to cite the relevant law in Thailand which states you have to carry your passport with you at all times.... #75
Titanium Member Posted 2008-10-03 10:38:07
If all it does is eliminate the requirement to carry your passport at all times (more honour'd in the breach than the observance as it is), I'm all for it! Link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Carry-Passpo...es-t214039.html |
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