@Pascal *******

They do. But most to a lesser extend. INHO, an opinion of someone who travelled the world quite extensively already.

@Jamie *****

They should say so, then. Would safe all involved parties time and energy. I guess.

@Pascal *******

Love the country. Love most of the people. Have many (Thai and foreign) friends there. Have a girlfriend there. Hate the stupidity, corruption and inefficiency when it comes to Thai bureaucracy - and so do many Thai people. More questions?

@Marc **********

Usually, I try to avoid all kinds of agencies for such things. I am capable of collecting and handing in the right documents myself. The only upside would be, if they could make it happen faster. But (at least here in Germany) even the agencies stopped offering express visa services for now, as even them were not able any more to get appointments on short notice. No, this problem is at the root of things. And the root is rotten.

@Silke ********

Thank you. I know it is worth it. Spent last winter and enjoyed this unique, empty perspective on Thailand very much. I just can't bear the politic, bureaucratic insufficiencies involved.

@Marc *******

They will be at some point. Bali has already started. Vietnam is finalizing plans for opening some sort of sandbox areas. Cambodia has high vaccination rate. No, I am sure, by January next year things will be more open.

@Silke ********

Munich: Need appointment (not available on short notice), too. Frankfurt: Very busy as the only option in Germany left without being forced to travel hundreds of kilometers.

@Jason *****

Last year, it was very easy for me. Just go to Honorary Consulate in Hamburg, no appointment needed. 30 minutes later, had my visa sticker and my passport back. Bot then this year someone really "smart" in Thailand decided, that honorary consulates are not permitted to grant visa any more. I guess it came as a surprise to those geniuses, that people would need to bother the embassy now instead.

@Steve ******

It is a dilemma, indeed. I love many things about Thailand. I do have friends and loved ones. But this government, bureaucracy, corruption and inefficiency when it comes to everything official - I have had enough of that.

@Silke ********

Have not tried that, since many people reported they never ever got through trying to call. Chose the sending my stuff in to Frankfurt route instead, though. But no clue when I will get anything back from there (and if in time).