I have been travelling around Asia for the last few months on business and visited India, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Phuket, Cambodia, Indonesia and finally, back home to Bangkok.

One thing I noticed upon arriving at the destination and awaiting for my immigration clearance is that all Immigration Officers in all these countries had a stern look. They never smile. Why is this so? Is that a particular criteria for securing a job as an Immigration Officer.

These men and women are the first to greet a visitor to their country and probably the last people to say goodbye when you leave and yet, they give you the chills when you see them.

Deeply puzzled

I've heard most immigration officers absolutely hate dancing babies.

Yeah right, Loburt.....

Actually, their job is to make you feel nervous so you'll be less likely to lie your ass off. Having said that, however, I used to have a Belgian chick as a roomie, and her bf worked immigration at Vancouver International. He was just a miserable git, with a huge insecurity complex since he never wanted to be an immigration cop (he wanted to be...a LUMBERJACK!). Just kidding. Anyway, they gave this guy a gun and the power to deny nice people like you entry into the country. I suspect a lot of other people doing the job hate it as well.

the worst are those working at beijing airport... they're so annoying and irritable !

they look stern, but much better than 20 years ago! if you arrived or departed any Indonesian airport, they would have tried to get undertable money from you by hiding immgrtn card or claiming any small matters.

In Bangladesh, custom checked the bagges of "departing passengers" after check-in, and just claim a few dollers without any reason. they threatened me that "if you wanna get on flight in time, you must pay now"

I don't think they are doing it nowadays. So, they are improving somehow...

try the ones in french consulates.....pain in the Ass

@alexanderdream

Vietnamese immigration officers also make us feel like prisoners !

komma: well, I found German immigration officers particularely friendly, but this might be related to the fact that I am German ...

And I was explicitely greeted with a "welcome" by an australian officer. I like that. Nevertheless they scrutinised the Thai girl in front of me very thoroughly, friendly, but still painfully thorough.

You should try Perth Australia....they treated my Singaporean friend like she was a criminal..And spoke to her like she was a retarded child...Not and encoragement to return..and bad PR for Australia...

As for Indonesian immigration....One time I was asked (with outstretched hand) "You have something for my sister?" My reply of, "I paid her this morning" was not appeciated...LOL

PattayaDaz: i like your reply! I will use it when the time comes.

I just remember I had biz trip from Bangkok to Sigapore and took my 2 Thai staff. I just passed the Singaporian imgrtn without problem, but my staff was stpped by officer and asked the objective of visiting SG. They say "visiting National University of Singapore to have conference" (true) but still the officer required an evidence. I show him an e-mail on my notebook PC and finally, they are released. My staff were shocked, so I told them "They hate young and beautiful Thai ladie!"

So, TF members, if you think you are young and suay Thai lady, you must prepare well before going to Singapore.