FRM-BKK

Is the Thai immigration system working more towards the systems deployed in many western countries ? where passport control either through e-gates or via an immigration officer is in use only on entering the country (United Kingdom - Heathrow), and no passport checks on exiting the U.K. EU countries check passports but do not stamp on entry nor exit. The USA only stamps passports on entry via an IO and no passport checks or stamps on exiting. These countries do not seem to have any issues wether you have stamps in your passport or not. For clarification, I hold an EU passport with an annual extension of stay for Thailand, based on work, with a re-entry and work permit.

This morning (Wednesday 20 November) after I checked in with my airline, went through security, all very fast and smooth. The next step may have already been experienced by other members of this site, but was a first for me in my 18 years in Thailand. At the bottom of the escalator entering the immigration 🛂 passport area, I was directed towards the new Electronic Passport Gates. Since I possess an annually extendable work visa & work permit, I had my doubts as to whether I could use this service, as I thought that this was only for tourists on Visa exempt or Thai citizens. However, I went into the Electronic Passport Gate, where I followed the steps as they came up on the screen, and I was allowed to proceed into the departure area. Took about 1 minute. Obviously this method did not stamp my passport. There were no queues and it all happened quickly and efficiently. Big surprise !! I will report back on my return in the New Near, whether getting back into Thailand will be equally as easy !! Well done Thai Immigration congratulations …. a painless experience !!

I have been using Wise for a few years now. i feed my Wise account with both Euros and Sterling from 2 sources. I regularly send money to SCB and to Bangkok Bank. SCB always arrives in seconds. Bangkok Bank usually the next day around 2.00 pm. Friend of mine uses Wise to Kasikorn; also arrives in seconds. In my opinion delays are more to do with the receiving bank (technology of the bank concerned), as BKK bank is definitely not as technologically up-to-date as the other major Thai banks are.

As I stated earlier ….. those arriving on visa-exempt will soon have to apply for an ETA prior to arrival, whereby they will be charged the 300 baht tourist tax and receive a QR code in exchange to enter Thailand. Airlines will probably insist on passengers showing either a valid visa, or an ETA QR code for those travelling visa exempt. Those who have applied for any short-term visa (tourist visa, 90-day non-imm visa etc.) will have the 300 baht fee added to their visa fee by the embassy. I can’t explain it any simpler ….

Clearly your 10,000 baht was to circumnavigate the requirement of having your passport officially translated and endorsement by the Thai MFA, and to oil the wheels of other requirements. I did my yellow house book and pink ID card at my local administration office in central Bangkok, and yes a certified translated copy of my passport was required. The process took 2 visits a few signatures and 120 baht.

I would imagine that when arriving on a tourist visa or any other non-long-term visa, the 300 baht tourist tax could be collected by the embassy or consulate by adding it to the visa charge; that way they could levy the charge to the correct categories.

Impossible !! Read a post earlier in this trail … airlines cannot know whether passengers are holders of dual passports, long term visas, permanent residency etc. …… the Prayut government already tried that but the airlines objected for those very reasons … So the best way is to get it is by adding the fee to the ETA system … in return visitors will receive a QR code, expediting (hopefully) immigration 🛂 on arrival at Thai airports.

The answer to question 1 is that you will need to do TWO separate online E-learning DLT tests/videos and get 2 QR codes, because car and motorcycle video/testing via DLT online training are entirely different videos and questions. I did motorcycle and all questions were geared with regards to the handling and safety measures of riding a motorcycle. The car test/video will be different. I think that then also answers question number 2 with YES you need to register twice; motorcycle and car. Question 3. I know from doing the online e-learning that once you start (there are 7 elements/videos/sets of Qs) you need to complete all 7 parts within 09 months. You can do one part, stop and return to the test later. I do not know how long the QR is valid for once you have answered all questions correctly and the QR code is issued. Hope this helps …..

My immigration office is Chaeng Wattana.

I agree that each DLT office appears to make up their own rules. I too have heard from various others that Chatuchack DLT does not accept yellow house book and pink ID card. Mine was at Prakanong DLT Area 3 back in April.

I renewed at the same office, last April, with yellow house book and pink ID card. Residency certificate was not asked for. This too was at Prakanong DLT Area 3 Sukhumvit road Soi 99 ( just 3 meters beyond).

I disagree with your assertions. I renewed my motorcycle licence on 02 April just gone. The only documents I presented were my old licence, health certificate, Yellow house book and QR code obtained by completing the theory test online. At no time was I asked for said residency certificate. I wrote an extensive report about my experience on this forum about it, which is still running. My DLT experience was at Bangkok, Prakanong on Sukhumvit road.

Further to the correct information given by sandyf, an IDP is merely a translation of your current and valid domestic driver’s licence. It cannot be used as a stand-alone licence.

Thank you for the clarification regarding the restrictions of a pink ID card. I have just taken pictures of my new motorcycle licence and it does not contain any restrictions despite having renewed with my Yellow House Book. As I mentioned before the Prakanong Office did not want my pink ID card, only my Yellow House Book. Although I have blacked out most of my pink ID card number, it is used on my license starting with 6. My car license is due for renewal early next year. I will report again after that’s done.

I’m afraid that I cannot help you with an appropriate answer; I really don’t know. I guess you could try with your 90-day O-visa. Other members might have alternative suggestions. The only other option I can think of is to use an agent.