Himigrante-Thailand, a group of musicians in Thailand, condemned the Philippine Embassy-Bangkok (PE-BKK) for the continued collection of an “expedite fee” for its services.

Himigrante, the Association of Concerned Filipinos in Thailand, Kaagapay ng Migranteng Pilipino sa Thailand, Phuket Pinay Migrants Association, and Migrante Thailand launched a petition and signature campaign last February against the embassy’s practice.

According to the group, processing and releasing documents used to take the embassy just one day. Now, it takes up to two days unless the “expedite fee” is paid. The services themselves did not change or improve.

“What is this robbery where PE-BKK is forcing us to pay?” Himigrante declared.

The ฿360 (₱637.2) “expedite fee,” added to the existing ฿925 (₱1,637.25) fee for documents, is reportedly a heavy burden on Filipino migrants. It is even more difficult for those coming from Thailand provinces, who must also spend for temporary lodging in Bangkok while waiting for the release of their documents.

“This is clearly a scam and deception. It was abruptly imposed with no consultation and no clear explanation of why an ‘expedite fee’ had to be added to a service that was already being provided,” the group explained.

“Himigrante will continue to stand with Filipinos in Thailand to oppose and stop this burdensome additional charge! We will not allow this scam of PE-BKK to continue!” the group asserted.

*฿1=₱1.77