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Post by bear on Apr 27, 2024 10:02:58 GMT 7
Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
From Monday, April 29, Australians residing in Phuket can access visa services and provide biometrics within the city, according to a statement released by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald.
The service, which was previously only available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is now available in Phuket through the Australian Biometric Collection Centre, operated by VFS Global.
“The Australian Biometric Collection Centre in Phuket makes it easier and more convenient for visa applicants. Previously people needed to travel to Bangkok or Chiang Mai to provide biometrics, so this is excellent news.”
As of April 22, VFS Global has begun accepting bookings for biometric collection appointments that are scheduled for or after April 29.
The centre is situated at the Australian Consulate-General office in Phuket, within the CCM Complex Building. For appointments, applicants are advised to visit the official VFS Global website. All VFS Global offices offer facilities for visa applicants to lodge and pay for their Australian visa application online.
This accessibility improvement comes in the wake of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, wherein Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a package of 1.1 million Australian dollars (approximately 26 million baht) aimed at enhancing visa accessibility to Australia from Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
Thai travellers were further advantaged by the extension of Business Visitor visa validity to up to five years. Later in the year, Thailand will also be included in the Frequent Traveller stream, providing 10-year visas for both business and leisure purposes, reported Phuket News.
Ambassador Macdonald emphasised the significance of these measures.
“These measures send a clear signal that Australia is open for business, tourism and trade.”
This development was announced a day before Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong confirmed the appointment of Kirsten Fletcher as the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and neighbouring provinces. |
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Post by Denis-NFA on Apr 27, 2024 16:51:06 GMT 7
10 years!
How long a time is a visa to stay in Thailand?
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Post by bear on Apr 27, 2024 18:57:19 GMT 7
10 years! How long a time is a visa to stay in Thailand? The Thaiger isn't the best source out there Denis-NFA . They've misrepresented the facts by 180°. It not a service for Australians to get a Thai Visa, it's a service for Thais to apply for the various visas available to visit Oz. Now to the quote...... The number you've quoted is feasable if your pockets are deep enough. ltr.boi.go.th/#:~:text=Visa%20Issuance,-Once%20approved%2C%20qualified&text=The%20processing%20fee%20for%20the,collecting%20LTR%20Visa%20in%20Thailand. However most of us pensioner folk make do with the non-o visa and extend it every year in many and varied ways...... Again, cost is dependant on the depth of your pocket. From Bht 1900 + incidentals at immigration if you meet requirements or from Bht 15,000 up if you don't; depending on the agent you use. Cheers 🐻 |
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Post by Banjo on Apr 28, 2024 7:16:49 GMT 7
In the same ballpark I'm in the process of renewing my passport online, got the first refusal of photos last week.
Second batch (with new paperwork) sent off Friday, I've got a bad feeling about this.
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Post by bear on Apr 28, 2024 10:16:07 GMT 7
In the same ballpark I'm in the process of renewing my passport online, got the first refusal of photos last week. Second batch (with new paperwork) sent off Friday, I've got a bad feeling about this. Yes Banjo , even in Oz photos can be a drama if not done by one of their preferred outlets such as a Post Office. I believe there's a photo shop close by the embassy that they accept product without any fuss; though that's likely a 3 - 4 day trip requiring an appointment. Do you know if you get unlimited attempts without a second payment?? Below is the guide in Thai language for camera operators directly from the embassy website; for member's future reference. Good luck...... Cheers 🐻  |
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Post by Denis-NFA on Apr 28, 2024 16:48:41 GMT 7
bearI had to read that article a couple of times to sort it out because as you say, its got nothing to do with Australians getting Thai visas but all to do with Thai folk getting Australian visas. But to be handing out Australian visas for 10 years seems pretty one sided given what some of you have had to go through.
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Post by Denis-NFA on Apr 28, 2024 16:51:25 GMT 7
In the same ballpark I'm in the process of renewing my passport online, got the first refusal of photos last week. Second batch (with new paperwork) sent off Friday, I've got a bad feeling about this. All the best to you Banjo. As bear says, getting the right photo can be tricky wherever. |
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Post by nomadic on Apr 28, 2024 20:21:33 GMT 7
In the same ballpark I'm in the process of renewing my passport online, got the first refusal of photos last week. Second batch (with new paperwork) sent off Friday, I've got a bad feeling about this. When I got my new passport at the BKK embassy in person they took the photo's. Was great service. But a trip to BKK of course. |
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Post by bear on Apr 28, 2024 23:09:27 GMT 7
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Post by bear on Apr 28, 2024 23:15:27 GMT 7
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Post by Banjo on Apr 29, 2024 6:52:10 GMT 7
In the same ballpark I'm in the process of renewing my passport online, got the first refusal of photos last week. Second batch (with new paperwork) sent off Friday, I've got a bad feeling about this. Yes Banjo , even in Oz photos can be a drama if not done by one of their preferred outlets such as a Post Office. I believe there's a photo shop close by the embassy that they accept product without any fuss; though that's likely a 3 - 4 day trip requiring an appointment. Do you know if you get unlimited attempts without a second payment?? Below is the guide in Thai language for camera operators directly from the embassy website; for member's future reference. Good luck...... Cheers 🐻 View AttachmentYes, thanks, I actually printed that off and took it with me on the second attempt and the photographer assured me she knew exactly what to do. When I renewed at the embassy ten years ago I booked a same day return flight from here which did not leave me a lot of time, sure enough my photos were rejected and she sent me virtually next door to get a new set. I pointed out that I was unlikely to get back in time to make the application (it closed at some ridiculous time like 12 noon) and she said she would remain open and wait for me. The embassy visitation to Chiang Mai in early June is an option. |
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Post by Banjo on May 2, 2024 7:14:18 GMT 7
I was starting to feel quietly confident (a serious mistake with any govt dept) having not heard back for a week when this arrived this morning.... You have seven days to submit your application from your AusPassport account
before it's automatically deleted.
Once submitted, you have 28 days to print and lodge your application.Now wtf does that mean?  ? |
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Post by bear on May 2, 2024 10:29:58 GMT 7
I was starting to feel quietly confident (a serious mistake with any govt dept) having not heard back for a week when this arrived this morning.... You have seven days to submit your application from your AusPassport account
before it's automatically deleted.
Once submitted, you have 28 days to print and lodge your application.Now wtf does that mean? ? I think it means call the embassy ASAP to clarify the matter Banjo !! It sounds like they're angling for a second application plus another fee...... I've called them in the past for clarification and although it meant telling the story 2 - 3 times, eventually I spoke to the right section. Cheers 🐻 |
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Post by Banjo on May 2, 2024 12:06:25 GMT 7
My attempt at embassy calling did not go well....
A maze of menus and eventually cut off.
BUT--- I just got an email saying disregard that email, the photos were accepted BUT--- the bank had refused payment on the fee.
The attached a QR code which seems to have done the trick. The money has gone from the bank anyway.
Here's hoping they don't think it's just a sling.
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