Good news for expats in Hua Hin - new high tech immigration office to open at BluPort next week
There is good news for expats wanting to do 90 reports in Hua Hin with the announcement that a new office in the BluPort shopping center would be opened in just over a week.
The new office located in the basement of the mall, marks an improvement in the service of the immigration division after the Prachuap Khiri Khan chief recognized that demand was high in the resort.
Weerayot Karunyathorn secured an improved budget from immigration coffers, reported local journalist Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn.
But as expats in the resort will be happy with the improved service, Thais have gone on Facebook to complain that they need their own passport office in town too.
The Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall office will be opened by immigration chief Natthathorn Phrosunthorn on Tuesday May 9.
Kulsawek said that the "one stop service" for visa renewal is for tourists staying less than 90 days and for expats to do 90 day reports.
Opening hours will be in line with the shopping center opening times, which is 10am to 10pm.
A first of its kind queuing system will be in place meaning users of the service will not need to waste time in the office.
After getting a queue number and scanning the QR code into a phone they can go shopping in the center and monitor via their phone when they should return to the office for their turn.
Kulsawek said that the main immigration office at Suan Luang Rachinee, or the area known locally as "19 Rai", continues to operate with business as usual.
This office is, however, set to move to new premises at Ban Nong Khon in Tap Tai sub-district towards the end of May.
News of the improvements for foreigners were met with moans from Hua Hin Thais, however.
Kanda Meunsawad said on Facebook: "What about us Thais? When are we going to get a passport office?"
And Kittikhun Pham Buakhao chipped in with the comment: "They should open a passport office in Hua Hin so we don't have to go to Bangkok".
