I usually try to wear long pants to immigration but it has been getting hot. Next week I need to go to Bangkok’s Chaengwattana Immigration office for a Residence Certificate by MRT and motorcycle taxi. If I wear a decent pair of short pants, a polo type shirt and decent shoes, do you think I will be OK there (dress code)? I just get so damn hot running around this time of year in long pants. I was hoping that some forum members that have been there recently could report if others were wearing short pants. Thanks in advance.

Immigration has very effective air conditioning, as does the MRT, get a taxi if you're too hot on a bike.  Spare everyone else you in shorts.

I was there recently, and no one was wearing shorts; Not even over at the Thai passport issuance section in Building B. (The exception were some young kids.) If you wish to be treated appropriately, dress appropriately. it won't kill you. As mentioned, the Thais have AC. If you are distressed by the heat go earlier in the day.

There's no dress code. At least 80% of their customers come in shorts, t-shirts, and flipflops.

4 minutes ago, moana said:

There's no dress code. At least 80% of their customers come in shorts, t-shirts, and flipflops.

Rubbish.  You think you are funny spreading false info like that? You want him to be sent away if he  gets the wrong agent?

Percentages aside. I've never been turned away from any immigration office because of the way I dress (shorts, t-shirt, flipflops), not even in Chaengwattana, and I certainly wasn't the only one dressed that way. I was treated just as well as anybody. If the OP prefers to go in uncomfortable clothing because of a non-existent code, so be it.

Be smart. Dress respectfully and save any hassles. Agree as above - take a cab rather than a motorbike taxi. You'll probably live longer as well!

57 minutes ago, moana said:

Percentages aside. I've never been turned away from any immigration office because of the way I dress (shorts, t-shirt, flipflops), not even in Chaengwattana, and I certainly wasn't the only one dressed that way. I was treated just as well as anybody. If the OP prefers to go in uncomfortable clothing because of a non-existent code, so be it.

That I will believe you in the first place. But if you come across the wrong immigration officier, then inapropriate dressing could give you a few extra steps. 

Also when you not have all papers in perfect order a good dress code can make the difference! This is Thailand.

Ok, thank you for all of your comments. I will go early, wear long pants and take an air conditioned taxi when I get off the MRT. I will take a pair of shorts that I can slip into if I need them when I leave the government center on my trip home. If I am lucky maybe a cold front will arrive early next week and the temperature will drop into the mid to low 20's Celsius.  I also found this photo since I made the post, not sure how long ago it was taken.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, BobTH said:

Ok, thank you for all of your comments. I will go early, wear long pants and take an air conditioned taxi when I get off the MRT. I will take a pair of shorts that I can slip into if I need them when I leave the government center on my trip home. If I am lucky maybe a cold front will arrive early next week and the temperature will drop into the mid to low 20's Celsius.  I also found this photo since I made the post, not sure how long ago it was taken.

 

 

 

Don't worry, wear shorts if you like.

 

temp. will be 30+ no matter what.

Ive seen Thai people being denied a drivers license after passing all exams and tests only cause they were 'not properly dressed to recieve the card from a government official'. So better wear the damn pants, as said there is good aircon, dont give them a reason...

A troll post containing a disallowed reference to the PM has been removed. 

18 hours ago, moana said:

There's no dress code. At least 80% of their customers come in shorts, t-shirts, and flipflops.

 

There is a dress code.  There are clear signs saying what is acceptable.
 

 

Wear trousers, or at least carry some with you... 

 

I was told to put some trousers on at the DLT last month, fortunately, I'd taken a backup pair in the car, aware this could happen.

 

Immediately after I was told other in the room noticed that two others (Thai) were also wearing shorts, the lady seemed to calm down at that point, her faux insult subsiding as she realized her hypocrisy if she didn't also tell the Thai men to change.... So, I did the only thing reasonable, went out and changed and watched her squirm when I returned as she tried not to look towards the Thai guys with shorts on!

 

The shorts were smart and worn with a collared polo-shirt, but they were still shorts. 

 

In short (apologies for the pun), wearing shorts gives the chance for an official to feign faux insult an throw some stroppy power in your direction, we all know how these characters can be sometimes. 

 

 

 

 

54 minutes ago, martijn12345 said:

Ive seen Thai people being denied a drivers license after passing all exams and tests only cause they were 'not properly dressed to recieve the card from a government official'. So better wear the damn pants, as said there is good aircon, dont give them a reason...

Was out to Bang  Chuk to renew my drivers license the other

day and after I took the eye tests the lady said next time wear

long pants.

Later I saw the sign near the door that said no shorts,

no dogs and pets, no flip flops, no women halter tops, and no

cellphones.

Guess what?!

There was all of the above by Thai people as I was the only 

non Thai there out of 150 people.

The lady just had to single me out and tell me to dress better.

Yes, I know, Thais don’t have to follow the rules!

18 hours ago, moana said:

Percentages aside. I've never been turned away from any immigration office because of the way I dress (shorts, t-shirt, flipflops), not even in Chaengwattana, and I certainly wasn't the only one dressed that way. I was treated just as well as anybody. If the OP prefers to go in uncomfortable clothing because of a non-existent code, so be it.

Don't provide advice on things you know nothing about. Everyone (except newbies) knows that there is a dress code and that it makes a difference to follow it.

 

(The few) people that insist on disrespecting Thai government offices by wearing shorts and flipflops are spoiled egoists giving foreigners a bad rep.

19 hours ago, moana said:

Percentages aside. I've never been turned away from any immigration office because of the way I dress (shorts, t-shirt, flipflops), not even in Chaengwattana, and I certainly wasn't the only one dressed that way. I was treated just as well as anybody. If the OP prefers to go in uncomfortable clothing because of a non-existent code, so be it.

its absolute nonsense about having to dress up for immigration--get real guys-this is the 21st century...how ridiculous having to wear long trousers in 30 + degree temperatures...

I recall when I was doing my driving license in Bangkok some years ago, the lady working there sternly telling me the next time I visit I should be attired in long pants. Ever since then, visiting govt departments I have worn long pants.

8 minutes ago, murraynz said:

its absolute nonsense about having to dress up for immigration--get real guys-this is the 21st century...how ridiculous having to wear long trousers in 30 + degree temperatures...

 

You are wrong, and right... 

 

Yes, it is ridiculous how in 30+degree heat (39 yesterday, according to my car) that we cannot dress accordingly. 

 

However, Thai government offices and businesses expect that we dress with respect for the institution they represent. It would be foolish of us not to be prepared for this. 

I know different offices make up their own rules.  However I've been attending immigration for almost 20 years and have always wore 'sensible' shorts with a shirt or collared sports shirt.  Most others are dressed in similar dress.  

I think the emphasis is on 'respectful' rather than the type of dress.  You can still look a slob in long pants.

29 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Wear trousers, or at least carry some with you... 

When traveling by car I wear "proper" dress and have leisure clothes to change after the visit.

32 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I was told to put some trousers on at the DLT last month, fortunately, I'd taken a backup pair in the car, aware this could happen.

Was at our DLT on March 13.

Can't remember a person in shorts, tank tops etc.
 

 

 

1 hour ago, martijn12345 said:

Ive seen Thai people being denied a drivers license after passing all exams and tests only cause they were 'not properly dressed to recieve the card from a government official'. So better wear the damn pants, as said there is good aircon, dont give them a reason...

Yes,  happened to me renewing a driver's licence in BKK, but they lent me some long pants to wear from a box they kept for this purpose.  I assume all gov offices have a similar dress code.  Better to wear long pants,  rather than be turned away. 

I always wear long pants and shoes when visiting immigration, DLT, and even the dentist, plus any other government office.  They are not places one would go on a daily basis, so no hassle as far as I'm concerned.

 

I was at Jomtien immigration yesterday afternoon.  I counted 34 other foreigners, all of them were wearing shorts, flip flops or sandals, most had t-shirts that barely covered their body and looked like they had just come from the beach.  A few Thais weren't dressed much better, but it's their country.

 

It's about time all immigration offices clamped-down on these pig-ignorant foreigners, who give us all a bad name.

10 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

I always wear long pants and shoes when visiting immigration, DLT, and even the dentist, plus any other government office.  They are not places one would go on a daily basis, so no hassle as far as I'm concerned.

 

I was at Jomtien immigration yesterday afternoon.  I counted 34 other foreigners, all of them were wearing shorts, flip flops or sandals, most had t-shirts that barely covered their body and looked like they had just come from the beach.  A few Thais weren't dressed much better, but it's their country.

 

It's about time all immigration offices clamped-down on these pig-ignorant foreigners, who give us all a bad name.

The Dentist??? LMAO!!

I saw you in your tuxedo at the Big C you go to once a month. It looked nice but out of place. 

18 hours ago, HampiK said:

That I will believe you in the first place. But if you come across the wrong immigration officier, then inapropriate dressing could give you a few extra steps. 

Also when you not have all papers in perfect order a good dress code can make the difference! This is Thailand.

Do you know the Song "Dream on....."

20 hours ago, moana said:

There's no dress code. At least 80% of their customers come in shorts, t-shirts, and flipflops.

There is a dress code, don't spread false info.

19 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

I always wear long pants and shoes when visiting immigration, DLT, and even the dentist, plus any other government office.  They are not places one would go on a daily basis, so no hassle as far as I'm concerned.

 

I was at Jomtien immigration yesterday afternoon.  I counted 34 other foreigners, all of them were wearing shorts, flip flops or sandals, most had t-shirts that barely covered their body and looked like they had just come from the beach.  A few Thais weren't dressed much better, but it's their country.

 

It's about time all immigration offices clamped-down on these pig-ignorant foreigners, who give us all a bad name.

I completely agree. I wouldn't dream of visiting my local immigration office (or any other government facility for that matter) in shorts and flip flops. If I was the boss of immigration I would inform all the offices not to serve anyone who can't be bothered to show respect though the choice of their attire. 30+ temperatures is a pathetic excuse. If someone really thinks they are going to struggle with the heat then they buy some zip off trousers or bring a change of clothes to change into after they have finished  their business.  

What nonsense I have just been reading. I don't know where Changwat........is , for 10 years I have been going to Imm. at Maesai  , I have only had one problem and that was my fault with taking interest out on the day I had to show 400,000B.   I have only ever worn shorts there and an Aussie mate has been given no grief there and he wears Bombay Bloomers /Lao pants. I have lunch after this then go to shop at Makro , all this in a suit !

Oh my 90 day reports , the next in May has been put in my passport to coincide with picking up my marriage extension.  Proper clothing ..Pah !

21 hours ago, Just Weird said:

Immigration has very effective air conditioning, as does the MRT, get a taxi if you're too hot on a bike.  Spare everyone else you in shorts.

"Spare everyone else you in shorts".

Could the poster please explain this? It's Just Weird.

I went there yesterday wearing shorts, polo shirt and running shoes for my 1 year extension O-visa and nobody said anything to me or my wife. And everytime I've been there I have always had shorts on. So there is no trouble wearing shorts.