Visas? No wonder tourists avoid the UK

I love my country, the UK. I would like to have similar regard for the bureaucrats that the UK sends overseas to "protect" our borders.

However, experience in Thailand over 20 years has shown me many times that I should reconsider.

Career-minded bureaucrats sent to Thailand from the UK seem determined to destroy the dreams of genuine potential holidaymakers to Britain on the basis of simplistic check lists that do not take into account real circumstances of hard-working Thais who apply for visas to visit the UK. They are protecting their own careers, not the hopes and aspirations of Thais. Some Thais do not earn large incomes by UK standards, but they are supported in Thailand by British citizens who have lived here for many years, who support their applications for visas; people like me, who know the applicants well and can ensure that "they will return to Thailand" afterwards!

In my own case, I used to be a member of the Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand and sat at meetings alongside my UK compatriots at meetings to discuss doing business in Thailand during the 1990s. I have a work permit in Thailand. I have graduated

with an MBA from Sasin, Chulalongkorn University's business school, which is affiliated with Kellogg and Wharton business schools in the US. I am not a tourist. I love Thailand and its people and try to help them whenever possible.

I recently supported the application of a Thai citizen to visit the UK on holiday. The application was refused without even doing me the courtesy of a call. I am appalled at this treatment and can truly sympathise with others I have heard about who have received similar lack of courtesy.

The UK is often regarded as a bastion of civility and democracy. When will the UK government send officials to Thailand that will enhance this reputation rather than reduce it?

So, what do I do next? I "vote with my feet". All flights to the UK have been cancelled and re-booked for another far more accommodating location, to the detriment of tourism in Britain.

Long-Term Thai Resident

From The UK

Bangkok