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What are the implications of Thai Visa Centre buying the Thai Visa Advice Facebook group?
Thai Visa AdviceThai Visa CentreVisa AgentsFacebook Group ManagementExpat CommunityThailand Visa RegulationsNeutrality in Advice Groups
Mar 17, 2022
4 years ago
Dave ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThere's another group on Facebook called "Thai Visa Advice"
The owner of said group has sold it to a Visa Agent, namely, "Thai Visa Centre".
I hope this group doesn't do the same, therefore staying neutral..
The owner of said group has sold it to a Visa Agent, namely, "Thai Visa Centre".
I hope this group doesn't do the same, therefore staying neutral..
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the recent acquisition of the Facebook group 'Thai Visa Advice' by the agency 'Thai Visa Centre'. Community members express concerns over potential bias and commercial influence following the sale. Some users recall their negative experiences in the previous group structure, particularly with its strict moderation and attitude towards visa agents. Despite these concerns, others argue that the inclusion of a recognized visa agent may bring more accurate and diverse perspectives to the group. The overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism, with members hoping for continued impartiality and valuable visa-related discussions.
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Terary **********
I think that group gave me the boot. I think a lot of us in this group got the boot. That group used to block questions that weren't 100 visa related and would delete your comments if they were off topic. The funny thing is the admins would then go find questions and post them because they didn't have people asking questions. As an Englishmen might say "What a bunch knobs"
Dañ *****
Yep.. got banned from there too, senstive souls!
Garrett ***********
Fun fact, that group for a long time didn't let you ask any questions other than about visa. This included drivers licenses, yellow books, housing contract questions, ext. I made this group specifically so people could ask those questions, and Loyd kicked me from the group 8 hours later.
I wish I still had the screenshot of Loyd posting about "we run the Asylum, not the inmates. You will NOT argue with an admin in this group."
I wish I still had the screenshot of Loyd posting about "we run the Asylum, not the inmates. You will NOT argue with an admin in this group."
Jonathan *******
Thai Visa Center made a post yesterday saying that they will remain neutral and agent posts are still banned. We shall see though :)
Dave ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jona****
, they should have put "Remain neutral on the surface" but ask a relevant question and we'll PM you & try to get your businessChad ******
@Dave *******
No PM... TVC does not need to do that 🙄Benjamin ******
@Dave *******
Really? Are they sending PMs to people to drum up business?Jonathan *******
@Dave *******
yeah, that's fairReply to
Jonathan *******
Reply
Maxim ***********
I got banned from the bigger group (Thai Visa Advice), years ago, because it was run by dictatorial foreigners. In fact, this group (And Everything Else) was created by someone who also got banned by the low life mods and admin from the bigger group. I didn't mind Tod, but he is a bit too "by the book", but other mods in the bigger group were complete garbage. I am very happy to see "Thai Visa Centre" buying the bigger group, they have been my agent for many years. One of the few legit agent in Thailand. I am not telling you guys that as a advertisement for them, but simply that the bigger group will finally have variety of thought and accurate information/alternative, which was seriously lacking. Just because the people there were able to "quote the law', doesn't mean that they were being "helpful" to people in difficult situations.
Jennifer ********
@Maxim **********
Yes, so against anyone using an agent, it was ridiculous. It was always, "Just do it yourself!!". Really annoying, some people don't mind paying for the convenience, why does anyone else care? Especially during Covid, I'm not going to Immigration...not worth it. I also had a great experience with Thai Visa Centre.Dave **********
@Jennifer *******
agree, they were against agents/illegal solutions. That's why I follower them as I found the legal way is better, for me, and cheaper.Jennifer ********
@Dave *********
I'm not talking about getting dodgy Ed or volunteer visas, I just had them go get my extension, since I didn't want to go to a crowded office during Covid. Not illegal and perfectly fine for someone to choose to pay someone for the convenienceDave **********
@Jennifer *******
how anyone does it is their choice. My point is I follow Tod as I like his advise and for those who prefer agents or need a workaround that's their business. Each to their own. Have a great day.Jennifer ********
@Dave *********
I also think Tod is very helpful. Your comment was snarky from the beginning, insinuating doing something illegal is why anyone would use an agent. It was uncalled for. Have a nice weekend 😊Dave **********
@Jennifer *******
your words and your opinions not shared by me! Maybe a little overreaction on your part? I think Todd's advice is the way to go but its only advice and individuals are free to do it their way. I know people who turn to agents on simple problems and as I said their choice but not mine. TGIF to you.
Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Steven ***************
@Maxim **********
. I got banned too back then. By Robert Bellend Lagas , for proving him wrong about people denied entry to Thailand being sent to the Bangkok Hilton until they had a flight out.. Tod tried to reverse it but he wouldn't, so went here instead.
Maxim ***********
@Steven **************
Don't get me started on Robert Lagas, the most despicable kind of foreigner in Thailand.Steve *******
@Maxim **********
He was a bit of a knob, the power went to his head when they made him an admin. I wonder if he had a work permit to admin a FB group 😂Ron ******************
@Maxim **********
and here I am thinking I am the only one with this thought.Reply to
Ron ******************
Reply
Steve *******
Ironic really as they didnt allow any promotion/advertising of visa agents in Thailand.
Adrian ******
Visa advice group bought by a agency mmmmm. Time will tell but I bet there hoping to get there money back & more
Matt *******
@Adrian *****
they get their money back by selling illegal volunteer visas to foreigners who want to live in thailand without doing visa runsMaxim ***********
@Matt ******
You must be new here, agent do not give volunteer visas since last year.Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
When you see Tod leave is when that group will have lost its credibility. I think as long as he stays then it's still okay.
Stuart **********
They were the best in terms of accuracy. Let's see what happens now, this group needs to tighten up if it's to be of the same quality as they were, but impartiality is key 👍👍
Terary **********
I find this group so much more helpful in general.
Maxim ***********
@Stuart *********
This group was created because the bigger group was complete garbage (run by dictatorial foreigners). I've been here since day 1 almost. Yes, they do provide accurate "by the book" info, but in Thailand, there are other alternatives and way of thinking about how to tackle certain situations that was shamed upon my mods and admin in the other group.Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
Stuart *********
Yes that’s true. We’ll just have to wait and see how that transpires. The admins here are neutral. Generally we don’t advocate any agency but acknowledge they exist.
Maxim ***********
@Stuart ********
Yes, this is why in my post above I do mention that although the other group was "accurate by the law", it was not always helpful advice. Now that its run by the most legit agency in Thailand, a lot of people will be able to ask serious questions will less stress.Reply to
Maxim ***********
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