NB, Dhaka :The Thai Embassy here on Sunday reaffirmed its position on visa issue saying there is no change in the Thai visa policy as far as Bangladesh is concerned.”The fact has been duly conveyed to Bangladeshi authorities concerned,” said Charge d’ Affaires at the Thai Embassy Phasit Chudabuddhi. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club arranged to brief the media about Thailand Week 2016 to be held in the city on March 16-19.The diplomat claimed that there are no 20,000-30,000 passports accumulating at the Royal Thai Embassy. “The figure is based purely on speculations by sources from travel agencies. “He said, applicants can withdraw their passports anytime through Thai Visa Application Centre during the visa process. The CDA said the visa process is case specific-each case is different-and, therefore, any delay depends on applicants’ background, document submitted and other relevant factors under consideration. “Generalisation cannot be made.”He mentioned that the Royal Thai Embassy issued 3876 visas for medical tourists. “It doesn’t exceed 110,000 medical tourist visas as suggested by some media ports.” The diplomat said Thailand always attaches importance to the promotion of people-to-people contact.The Thai Embassy gave similar statement earlier to a select group of media people. Executive Director and Consul (Commercial) Suwimol Tilokruangchai was also present at the press conference.Earlier on February 23, Bangladesh called for a ‘special processing support’ from the Immigration Bureau of Thailand for Bangladeshi businessmen and professionals as Bangladesh has some specific concerns over visa issue.Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem made the call during a meeting with Maj Gen Supapone Arunsit, Commander of Immigration Bureau of Thailand, in Bangkok. The Bangladesh envoy has also pointed out some specific concerns on the issue of ‘fake’ Thai visa provided to Bangladeshi businessmen and investors in Thailand by some ‘unscrupulous’ Immigration Law Firms.”Given the excellent conduct of Bangladeshi businessmen, investors and professionals in Thailand and their contributions to Thai economy, Thai Immigration Bureau may consider providing them with special support for running their businesses smoothly,” Tasneem said.Explaining the special processing support, the diplomat said it includes visa extension, work permit, investment visa and employee visa of all Bangladeshis living in Thailand.
