CROWDS were up at government offices and even local pawn shops today but not always to levels that had been anticipated after a 10-day Songkran holiday.
Social Security reported a crush of 1000 people early today, with crowded conditions continuing into the afternoon.
But provision was made to cope by erecting a table outside to deal with people as they arrived, and point them to the right counter.
The Phuket City electricity office reported more than 450 people arriving in the first hour from 8am to settle their bills.
An officer said some people began queuing before the 8am opening. More staff were called in to deal with the large number of customers.
''It's ok to be this crowded just for one day,'' one customer said.
Another said it was difficult to receive the bill on April 16 then not to be able to pay for 10 days, but he managed to pay it as quickly as possible.
Immigration: Having opened on the last two weekdays of the Songkran holiday, Immigration reaped the benefit today with orderly numbers.
Expats were in tears on the first extra day of holiday on April 10, called as an emergency measure.
The Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, Police Colonel Chanatpol Yongbunjerd, said many people came to extend visas on April 16 and April 17, with 260,000 baht in fees alone collected on April 16.
Immigration dealt with 127 people on Thursday, with Britons, predominating, 107 on Friday (revenue 203,000 baht) and 82 up to 2.30pm today (revenue 155,800 baht) with Swedes and Americans notable on those days.
''Expats said it was a good example of service for us to open on the two holidays,'' the colonel said.
Employment Office Many people came today to renew work permits and provide other documents.
Labor official Ubol Chuaypit said many people arrived at the office this morning, with the peak time coming at 9am, half an hour after doors opened.
Staff managed to cope without extra people being deployed.
There were no complaints about delays, she said.
Hospital One would-be patient waited at Vachira Hospitasl from 5am and was number 72 in the queue. She was seen at 7am.
Then she was given the results of some tests at 9.30am.
''It's ok to have to wait, as long as it doesn't happen every day,'' she said. ''I agree with the PM and his need to extend the holiday to 10 days. It has been a good time for families.''
Pawn Shop About 50 people gathered outside the pawn shop near Vachira Hospital. Some had turned up at 8am, in need of money.
Because school is about to start again, some parents are anxious to have the money to meet fees.
One woman said: ''This is a good time for families but a long time for government offices to be closed.''
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Social Security reported a crush of 1000 people early today, with crowded conditions continuing into the afternoon.
But provision was made to cope by erecting a table outside to deal with people as they arrived, and point them to the right counter.
The Phuket City electricity office reported more than 450 people arriving in the first hour from 8am to settle their bills.
An officer said some people began queuing before the 8am opening. More staff were called in to deal with the large number of customers.
''It's ok to be this crowded just for one day,'' one customer said.
Another said it was difficult to receive the bill on April 16 then not to be able to pay for 10 days, but he managed to pay it as quickly as possible.
Immigration: Having opened on the last two weekdays of the Songkran holiday, Immigration reaped the benefit today with orderly numbers.
Expats were in tears on the first extra day of holiday on April 10, called as an emergency measure.
The Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, Police Colonel Chanatpol Yongbunjerd, said many people came to extend visas on April 16 and April 17, with 260,000 baht in fees alone collected on April 16.
Immigration dealt with 127 people on Thursday, with Britons, predominating, 107 on Friday (revenue 203,000 baht) and 82 up to 2.30pm today (revenue 155,800 baht) with Swedes and Americans notable on those days.
''Expats said it was a good example of service for us to open on the two holidays,'' the colonel said.
Employment Office Many people came today to renew work permits and provide other documents.
Labor official Ubol Chuaypit said many people arrived at the office this morning, with the peak time coming at 9am, half an hour after doors opened.
Staff managed to cope without extra people being deployed.
There were no complaints about delays, she said.
Hospital One would-be patient waited at Vachira Hospitasl from 5am and was number 72 in the queue. She was seen at 7am.
Then she was given the results of some tests at 9.30am.
''It's ok to have to wait, as long as it doesn't happen every day,'' she said. ''I agree with the PM and his need to extend the holiday to 10 days. It has been a good time for families.''
Pawn Shop About 50 people gathered outside the pawn shop near Vachira Hospital. Some had turned up at 8am, in need of money.
Because school is about to start again, some parents are anxious to have the money to meet fees.
One woman said: ''This is a good time for families but a long time for government offices to be closed.''
Red Revolution: Holiday Chaos to Hit Offices
Photo Album Government offices in Phuket and throughout Thailand face chaos on Monday after a 10 day holiday triggered by the red revolution. But was it necessary?
Red Revolution: Holiday Chaos to Hit Offices
Phuket 'Salute to Sondhi' Draws Huge Crowd
Photo Album A large public park in Phuket City was the setting for one of the biggest crowds the island has seen. The occasion: a political concert that happened to follow an assassination bid.
Phuket 'Salute to Sondhi' Draws Huge Crowd
Anarchy and Chaos: Thailand's Low Score
Latest A leading expat lawyer has reassured clients that the Songkran road toll is far more destructive than the red shirt rebellion. On Phuket, four holiday deaths were reported.
Anarchy and Chaos: Thailand's Low Score
