Immigration officers worldwide could take a lesson from this

[reader]

From Khaosod English

Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong (left), a squad leader at the Immigration Bureau's Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport and her colleague laugh about the adorable moment when an American female tourist said she came to Thailand to see Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo star.

BANGKOK — Molly, an American woman who flew 18.5 hours from New York to Thailand specifically to see Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became known to Thai netizens when she posted many clips about her trip on TikTok.

“I’ve made it to Thailand! Today is the day I see moo deng! I am so freaking excited, the zoo just confirmed you can see her everyday! I am on cloud nine!!!” was the first message with a clip she posted when she arrived in Thailand on October 3.

In another clip, she mentioned that customs agents in Thailand couldn’t believe it when she told them she came to Thailand for the first time to see Moo Deng

The female immigration officer recounted that while she was on duty at the passenger checkpoint, Miss Molly approached with a smiling face. She asked Miss Molly the usual questions about the duration of her stay and the purpose of her visit. The passenger replied, “I came to Thailand to see Moo Deng.”.

She admitted that when she first heard it, she couldn’t believe it. So she asked again and got the confirmation that it was indeed “Moo Deng.” At that moment, she was stunned and thought of the famous hippo named Moo Deng, so she further inquired, “How do you know about Moo Deng?”

Miss Molly explained that Moo Deng is iconic, and her phone was full of Moo Deng’s pictures. She wanted to see Moo Deng while it was still young, and she assured that she would definitely come back next time for a longer visit to explore Thailand.

She then quickly processed the immigration check and said to Molly, “Enjoy Moodeng,” which made both Molly and herself laugh together.

“Immigration work is a frontline job where we meet people entering the country. We have to represent Thai people in welcoming and screening those who enter the country, balancing friendliness with security, and doing our best,” Police Lance Corporal Pichaya said.

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2024/10/06/thai-officer-shares-lovely-moment-with-american-tourists-18-hour-flight-for-moo-deng/

 

[10tazione]

Friendly immigration officer is a very rare species like smiling guys in Moonlight Bar. So far I only encountered one in Singapore and one in the Philippines.

[Keithambrose]

On my last trip to The USA, Las Vegas, I had a female officer. She stamped my passport, not so usual nowadays.  I said, 'oh you stamped my passport'. She said yes, I said, 'I'll come again' she laughed! Years ago,now, my first trip to Australia,  it was the old system.  The immigration  man noted that I was  a lawyer, and asked what I was here for. I said we were suing a Bank. He said 'good luck mate'!

[vinapu]

12 hours ago, 10tazione said:

Friendly immigration officer is a very rare species like smiling guys in Moonlight Bar.

You mean  Jupiter ? 

[10tazione]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

You mean  Jupiter ? 

Ups, yes, Jupiter!

[unicorn]

On 10/9/2024 at 11:41 AM, Keithambrose said:

...my first trip to Australia,  it was the old system.  The immigration  man noted that I was  a lawyer, and asked what I was here for...

When the Australian immigration officer asked if I had a criminal history, I commented "Oh, is that still a requirement?" 😄

[Keithambrose]

I think I first heard that comment about 6 years ago. I didn't know it was you!

[floridarob]

On 10/10/2024 at 1:19 PM, unicorn said:

When the Australian immigration officer asked if I had a criminal history, I commented "Oh, is that still a requirement?" 😄

I had to read that twice to get it, lol