gregsmithy

In answer to tlcwaterfall the office was Kapchoeng.

After reading the threads about this and experiencing some officious attitude myself at immigration over the years I was expecting my home visit to be a nightmare.

How surprised was I.

They called a couple of hours before arrival to make sure we were home and ask us to get the village head and another government official to be in attendance on arrival.

They arrived at exactly the time stated asked the village head a few questions about how long I had been here, asked my wife a couple of innocuous questions about the house and how long we had been together nothing intrusive.

They took a few more copies of official docs id cards my passport etc.

At no time were they anything other than polite and helpful. They said they were only doing what was supposed to be done and I couldn't argue, I have always been aware that home visits were part of the deal and just considered myself lucky they hadn't bothered in the previous years. I am now more than happy for them to come and if others are expecting them all I can say is if everything is in order then don't worry.

I know I may just have been lucky but I thought I would post just to put forward the other side of the coin to say they are not all bad.

Before anyone raises it at no time was any money asked for nor was any offered by me.

I am currently awaiting my promised home visit. Thanks for the warning. 4 officers is a little over the top but I will smile and bite my tongue if needed but not sure if I can hold out for three hours. Luckily my neighbours know me and can confirm i live here.

I am now convinced from the various threads that a tightening up is underway, but although I may not like it they seem to only be carrying out what they should have done before. I have always been aware of the possible home visit otherwise why would they want a map and the bank statements passbook proof is within an acceptable level of proving income so I will, like others have to put up or leave.

As an aside, the presence of 4 uniforms in the village will be fun as my place is full of young bike gang guys who are regularly losing members to arrest so they will be running for the hills when the police arrive. They won't stick around long enough to realise they are immigration and not local police looking for one of them.

Attended Kapchoeng immigration recently to apply for an extension based on marriage (9th time).

I have never had any problems and over the last 4 years have always used the 40k per month income method as i rarely have 400k in my thai bank. As usual I had a letter from my embassy and paperwork from my old employer showing a pension of more than 55k a month. I even had a tax return which showed my previous years income and one of the docs even has part of my thai bank account number clearly displayed as the account into which my pension is paid. The officer didn't even look at the embassy letter and would not listen to any reason or discuss the matter.

I was informed that I this is no longer enough I must provide an updated thai bank passbook showing that the pension is paid in every month.

This will not be a problem as it is paid in monthly but i only update my book when i feel like it so having now done so it shows the last two months payments arriving but just shows a total for transactions in and out over the previous 6 months.

When I return to try again I am sure it will cause confusion and need some explaining.

I am well aware that they can ask for whatever documents they like and can understand that the bank book may by some be considered a reasonable request in view of those who just get letters from very helpful embassies declaring false incomes. However some warning of the change or at least - it will start from your next application would be nice. Too much to ask for i guess.

I don't think i will encounter any great problems but I thought it would be helpful for those that may be going to renew soon to be aware this may come up in some offices. May also be a problem for those that don't have pensions paid into Thailand!

If it is now the case that the letter is irrelevant can i just show my bank book every year and save myself the hassle and expense of getting a letter from my embassy. I'm sure if someone attempts this the letter will become a vital requirement again.