Visas from US Consular Sections in Thailand and 171 Countries Cancelled

Rules change that may affect non-American family member’s ability to return to the United States, reports Democrats Abroad based in Bangkok.
Visas Must be processed by August 15 if applied for at US Consular Section of 172 US Embassies.

Pattaya Times - Effective August 15, 2011, most Americans will no longer be able to use the US Consular Sections in the country of residence for immigration matters, including Thailand.  The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will require petitioners go directly to the USCIS in the United States to bring  foreign family members with the US citizen moving back to the US. (form I-130,Petition for Alien Relative). 

This USCIS regulatory change is billed as a cost-cutting measure.  Democrats Abroad is delving into this issue to find more concrete information to provide members with regard to this critical rule before it goes into effect.  Democrats Abroad has a long-standing commitment  to simplifying the path to citizenship and legal permanent residency for non-American spouses and close family members.  

Approximately 10,000 Americans living abroad would be immediately impacted by this ruling. According to Immigration lawyers http://www.pattayalawyers.com/  this process will go from weeks to quite possibly years for those Americans who reside in the 172 countries that do not have USCIS offices.  Until Aug. 15^th, petitioners will be able to submit petitions through local Consular officials—after that date, all petitions would have to be sent to the USCIS Chicago address.

For those intending to return to the US with their non-American spouses and children in the next year they should consult with a qualified US Immigration attorney before August 15^th for information on how this Rules change impacts them.

The official USCIS comment period for this change, announced in the Federal Register, ended July 18.  However, if US citizens wish to contact their US Representative or US Senator in this regard please do so.  Despite the end of the formal comment period, the main office of USCIS can also be contacted.  For more information on this issue be sure to join the Immigration Group on our website. Feel free to share this information with other Americans.

Pattaya Times

Khamnuan Nursery

The nursery is located just 3 kilometers from Amphoe Phu Ruea on Highway No. 203. The compound offers many cold-climate flowers, especially hanging petunia and Christmas trees. 

Wat Si Khun Mueang

is located on Chai Khong Soi 7 Road, to the north of Chiang Khan Market. It was constructed in 1942 with a boundary wall surrounding the Ubosot. This temple is a collection venue of Lanna and Lan Chang arts presenting at the Ubosot whose roof is in many layers reflecting the Lanna style of art. There are also many objects of art such as a carved Buddha image gilded with gold leaf on black lacquer in the forgiving posture of the Lan Chang style. The image’s hair is in small pointed buttons, while its ears are quite pointed and long. It is assumed to have been cast during the 19th – 20th century. Besides, inside the temple stands a carved wooden sermon pulpit gilded with gold leaf on black lacquer with a backrest whose top is similar to a spire of a castle. At the front of the Ubosot are many mural paintings. All of which were newly painted to replace the original ones depicting the ten Jataka stories.

Wat Tham Pha Pu or Tham Phiang Din

houses the remains of Luangpu Khamdi Paphaso, who discovered this place. The temple is a grand cave within a stone mountain. There are Buddha images enshrined in the cave, as well as, stalagmites and stalactites. Outside the cave is a habitat of Phayre’s langurs, gibbons and monkeys. To get there: Take the Loei – Chiang Khan route from Amphoe Mueang for 7 kilometres and turn left toward Amphoe Tha Li for 3 kilometres.

Kaeng Khutkhu in Loei

This is an islet in the middle of the Mekong River, 3 kilometers from Chiang Khan District Office. Kaeng Khut Khu is well known for its colorful boulders that are clearly visible during the dry season and totally submerged in other seasons. On the opposite bank of the River, visitors can see “Chana Kham”, Vientiane District, Laos PDR. For tourists, there are traditional northeastern restaurants on the riverbank selling grilled fish and freshwater shrimp. A boat can be chartered to enjoy magnificent views along Maekong River.
To get there from the city of Loei, take the Loei-Chiang Khan road and drive for 47 kilometers, turn right and proceed for another 3 kilometers to Amphoe Chiang Khan.