Vol. 8 No. 6 ! 1 - 15 December 2008
PATTAYA TODAY 1
Volume 8, Issue 6
1 - 15 December 2008
British Embassy Opens New Office Located near Jomtien immigration Long promised and prophesied, the Pattaya consular office of the British embassy held a soft opening recently and is now open for business in the row of shop units immediately outside Pattaya immigration, Jomtien soi 5, and next to the Yingchit money changer bureau. The opening hours are 9.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. on weekdays but excluding public holidays. The 20 square metre converted shop house unit has been adapted to the security requirements of the British foreign office in London. The official opening by British ambassador Quinton Quayle will be in mid December and a guest list and reception are currently being prepared by officials. Until recently, the Pattaya honorary consul Barry Kenyon and the assistant Sasamon Khempookeaw were based in the nearby Meesen coffee shop
where they held a “clinic” every weekday. As the service grew increasingly popular, senior embassy and foreign office officials decided to fund a more permanent and more professional base. When the opportunity presented itself to take a lease on the shop unit in the same street, agreement was secured from London last July and a mini-minor works programme put into operation. The new office will operate most of the consular services required by British expats and visitors including verification of income letters required by Thai immigration, notarial services including official stamping of documents and advice on perennial issues such as passport replacement and getting married in Thailand. Staff will also be responsible for several outside services including police station and prison visiting of arrested
British nationals, hospital visits if deemed necessary and follow up of some deaths in the resort area. Barry Kenyon, the honorary consul, said “The work is really an extension of the duties at the coffee shop but we now hold a lot more information on file and no longer need to base equipment at our respective homes which is a big relief.” “At the moment, we are still at the soft opening stage and more equipment and extra furniture are on order. We hope in due course to offer a really good service to Brits whether they are in trouble or simply need a letter.” But he advised that there are several things the embassy cannot do even though staff are often urged to do so. “We cannot investigate crimes, spring people from jail, pay bills or lend money.” Continued on page 2
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