Immigration service on the move

PHUKET: The Immigration Department will launch a mobile service as part of its contribution towards boosting Phuket’s tourism industry.

Throughout April and May, immigration officers will staff desks at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket on Tuesdays and at the Kata Beach Resort on Thursdays – except on the April 12 and 14 Songkran public holidays.

Phuket Immigration Superintendent Pol Col Witawat Buranasompop told the Gazette today that it is hoped that the service, which will offer advice as well as extensions to tourist visas, will persuade tourists to add another 10-to-15 days to their stays.

Col Witawat said the immigration service had been considering setting up mobile facilities since the end of last year, but the project was postponed because of the tsunami.

If it proves successful, he said, similar services could be offered during the next high season.

Col Witawat added that the mobile service would handle only extensions for tourist visas; more complicated matters, such as renewing permits to stay for people with non-immigrant visas, will be dealt with at the head office in Phuket City.