Responding to online chatter about problems at the Chiang Mai immigration offices, the new immigration chief, Maj-Gen Surachate Hakparn, is poised to transfer the existing Chiang Mai immigration boss to an inactive post whilst further investigations are made into the office operations.

The new head of Thai immigration, Maj-General Surachate Hakpal – known as “Big Joke” in the media – has begun implementing his tough anti-corruption message at immigration.