The American Embassy strikes again!
I’ve just returned from taking my two nephews to the American Embassy so they could have their interviews with the Consular Section for tourist visas. They have been planning a trip to the US since 2012, when they were turned down for visas because they “didn’t have any assets that would tie them to Thailand”.
Well, since that time both have got jobs with decent salaries and money in the bank to pay for their tickets, and were planning a 10-day trip with a cousin to New York this month. They had all of their paperwork scrutinised by a local travel agent experienced in these matters, who assured them they had enough to ensure they would be issued with visas.
However, at the interview, Embassy staff told them they “didn’t meet the requirements for visas” and declined even to glance at their paperwork. What sort of arrangement is that? Why bother having the “required documents” as stated on the Embassy website if no one will look at them? Any other country, including those considered “repressive”, will doubtless have rules that consular staff check each applicant’s documents and, if they meet the standard, issue a visa as required. Is this another domino of Trump’s travel ban?
Thai people, in fact all Asians, have had a history of being rejected by mainstream America. A prominent example is the anti-Asian laws of the first half of the 20th century, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Is Thailand now harbouring the “Yellow Peril” so feared by many Americans?
The citizens of most European countries are eligible to travel to the US without a visa, but not so most of their Asian counterparts. The US Embassy insists that America and Thailand are the best of friends and that Thai travellers and students are welcome in America. However, the facts don’t support those statements when one takes a good look at the issuance of visas.
I’ve been in Thailand off and on since 1967, and during that entire period the US Embassy has been reluctant over, if not downright against, issuing visas to Thai people, unless they are present or former government officials (including people like Thaksin Shinawatra, a convicted felon) and the super-rich. What about the middle-class people of Thailand? How many Thai applicants are given US visas and how man are refused?
Still a Disgruntled American
