Media hype is creating visa panic: wait for facts
Once again, Eric Baht is given unchecked access to the Letters column (“Change to visa is more than just a rumour”, December 9). It amazes me why the Editor of this paper and others continually publish Eric Baht’s unsourced drivel, mostly in self-promotion of his eating habits.
He challenges another writer with a claim from a government source, Athisit Chainuwat, without any reference to the source.
On checking news website Asian Correspondent, I found a November 23 article citing a quote from this “government spokesman” in Khaosod English, yet the Khaosod article of November 24 quotes Permanent Secretary of the Interior Kritsada Boonrat saying “he had no idea when [the] 10-year visa would come into effect as [it is] not finalised”! Then, the Bangkok Post of November 22 added more confusion by quoting Colonel Apisit Chaiyanwat, vice minister at the PM’s Office, on the new visa with no reference to it replacing the one-year visa! Are Athisit and Colonel Apisit one and the same person?
Yet again, media hype minus facts being cited creates distortion and confusion.
The situation is still quite unclear and it’s best to wait till Immigration provides proper guidance and information on the new visa, rather than rely on media sources, which seem to have difficulty giving factual information.
Ray Gregory
