Interview with the Immigration Office in Mae Sai on 14th August 2008.
Mae Sai is the northernmost district of Chiang Rai Province in the northernmost
part of Thailand and it is considered a significant border between Thailand and
Myanmar. People from all over the world can cross the border to Tachilek,
Myanmar. For a day trip or for renewing a tourist visa, you pass the Immigrations when leaving and entering Thailand. There is also the Immigration Office, located
about 2 kilomteres from the border.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Immigration Office’s work, here is a brief
and exclusive interview with the experienced, English speaking Police Colonel Jedsada Yaisoon, superintendent of the Immigration Office in Mae Sai.
Pol. Col. Jedsada Yaisoon, thank you for agreeing in this meeting. Could you please
explain, briefly, the way how the Immigration Office is set up, how many officers there are and how many people work at the Immigration Office in total?
There is a superintendent, a depute superintendent, 2 inspectors, sub-inspectors from the Visa Extension Section, 3 officers and many administrative staff members.
In total there are 56 people; working at this office and at the border, beginning at
6.00 am. and lasting until 6.30 pm. And there are 11 more people coming to support us in the near future, because there were not enough people for this kind of work.
What are the responsibilities of this Immigration Office?
We control the number of immigrants in Chiang Rai and Phayao. We process Visa
Applications, register 3-month reports, issue Visa Extensions etc. and we also
have a Detention Room for those who are illegal in Thailand or who are charged
for illegal or criminal cases, waiting to be “deported” to Bangkok or the country
they are from.
You see so many people from Myanmar crossing the border to sell their goods in
Mae Sai. How can you know that they are here legally?
Thailand and Myanmar have an agreement, providing the possibility for people
Myanmar to enter Mae Sai with a special card for 3 days.
We saw photos with your people in uniform, but at the daily activities, they do not wear uniforms. Is there a specific reason for this?
Before, it was obliged to wear uniforms. Now we wear our uniforms on Mondays
and Wednesdays, according to Bangkok regulations. On other days, we wear
casual yellow polo’s.
Many Farang people are more or less afraid to get in touch with the
Immigration Office, do you know why?
They have difficulties on learning about the rules and regulations in Thailand.
Currently, there are many ways of getting information, but not all are up-to-date,
and the Thai rules and regulations change regulary.
When people call, we can not always help them, because it is not always easy
and clear to understand what suits their personel situation, so please visit the
Immigration Office in Mae Sai and don’t hesitate to ask our professional team.
They are aware of the changes and can tell you what fits your personal situation.
To avoid misunderstanding and problems, we advise you to come to our office
instead of looking or asking around.
What is your funniest experience in the Immigration Office?
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where language is a problem and
communication is difficult. My funniest experience was with a Japanese lady who
needed to extend her visa, and in her case, we also needed the marriage
certification. She didn’t speak Thai or English, so what do you think what happened? I tried everything, English, Thai, sign-language, it didn’t help...So I started to sing and hum the “Wedding Song”. The lady recognized it and we were back on
“speaking terms”.
What is your worst experience at the Immigration Office?
The worst is when someone you help one year abuses it the next year. There was
a time when we wanted to help somebody who was seriously sick and not been able
to come to the office, as an exception, we helped him with certifying a document.
But the next year we couldn’t help this person with an extension due to new
regulations. They relied on the fact that we did it last year and remarked that it
was not fair. That makes us feeling helpless, but also abused for our goodwill.
When people have a one year visa, they are obliged to register every 3 months
every 3 months at the Immigration Office. Why is this?
This is to confirm the contact address and to keep track of the immigrants.
When Farangs want to buy a car or motorbike they need to apply for a special
document from the Immigration Office. Can you tell us what the objective is of this?
For an anwer to this question you would contact the Transportion Department
in Bangkok or contact a vehicle company.
We noticed that you rebuilt this office. Why is that?
About one year ago, we didn’t have many staff members and now we are extending
our team. And there was an unused area that we rebuilt to provide our customers
a spacious, clean and friendly waiting area.
Behaviour and reactions of foreign people differ from the “Thai” way. How did
you teach your people to handle this?
Speak strong and straight. If we can help, we will, but we will always work
according to the Thai Law.
Is there English language help available?
Yes, but there is not many. We are still working on it, and in the future all
staff of the Immigration Office must take an English course and pass of
course. But it is not easy.
Is there something you want to say to the foreigners to make their visit to the
Immigration Office more comfortable and useful?
In all cases, foreign residents or tourists should contact us by visit our
Immigration Office in Mae Sai. Normally, there is an English speaking officer
available, but please do understand that not all speak English very well. We surely
take time for you and help you as best as we can. You can prepare your
questions by taking letters or bringing your documents.
The Immigration Office is open Mondays till Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There will be information and announcement meetings for foreigners in the near
future.
Additionally, please visit http://maesai.immigration.go.th or www.maesaiimm.com.
Police Colonel Jedsada Yaisoon, thank you very much for taking the time to talk
to us.
Pheon Group Co., Ltd.
