I've extended my visa on four occasions in the past year and a half. Three months ago, for the first time, I was given a warning for wearing shorts when extending my visa at the "J" section in Chaeng Wattana. 

 

Today I wore pants, but the relatively clean-cut white guy wearing shorts right next to me was kindly told to go downstairs and buy a pair of pants before he could return to complete his application. They weren't mean with him, just matter-of-fact. And his clothing wasn't all back-packer raggy, either.

 

So I guess it's official.

There is a sign at Jomtien now ,i didnt take much notice ,but it was regarding how to dress,

i have been saying this for years.

 

you totally disrespect Thai culture by wearing shorts, tee shirts and flip flops.

 

same for going to the bank.

 

I guess that only applies to farangs then.

 

My local office is always crammed with Laotians and Cambodians (most wearing shorts) but I always wear long pants and a collared shirt (to hopefully make life easier on myself while I am there).

I am quite surprised that tailored shorts are not considered acceptable at CW. I am aware that many (especially older) officials find extremely casual dress disrespectful. However, well pressed dress shorts are scarcely an example of this. Indeed, you could be wearing certain kinds of uniform and still fall foul of such a rule. I have a feeling this is a case of rules being drafted by those in charge that are being applied too literally by junior officials.

Only 2 weeks ago I was In Chiang Mai Immigration and was surprised by the number of people who looked like they were going to the beach. Its quite a scene up here with many students, teachers and retired in all sorts of dress with dreadlocks, tattoos, multiple piercings and the inevitable cross dressers. The officials here seemed to take it all in good faith. 

6 minutes ago, lust said:

Going to the bank in shorts in disrespectful? Come back to reality, mate. Thailand has her hooks in you, deep.

I wouldn't go into a Thai bank in shorts and slippers if I was trying to open an account (unless I had several million baht in cash to show for my initial deposit).

Dress shorts disrespectful? This a tropical humid environment so shorts and a short sleeve shirt are more appropriate. Farangs or Thais wearing singlets, flip flops and those stupid cargo pants anywhere other than the beach or 7/11 etc show disrespect in certain environments. If you wear quality shorts shirts and shoes in this kind of environment, that should  suffice in relation to respect.

At immigration, Land Transport Office I adhere to dress code, But going to the bank is a bit overkill. I opened my account in Jomtein wearing my usual shorts and flip flops....no problem.

Alright for the bank staff sitting their in their air conditioned offices while it's 100 degrees outside to impose their dress codes.this article is just another nail in the coffin about the current decline in tourism in thailand.

52 minutes ago, allencraig said:

I was given a warning for wearing shorts

Its  all they have to worry  about, what tiny minds  they must  have.

I wouldn't dream of going to immigration without my pants on!  Also, a clean pair of trousers over them probably helps as well... ????

I wear convertible pants. Zip off, zip on. With my usual button down long sleeve shirt (hides tatoos) and hiking boots, I can be both classily business like and casual beat the heat.

 

I reecomend Royal Robbins and Columbias. Easy to keep clean, wear well, look good.

In addition to pants, I wear the wife-beater shirt without the hole in it.

Edited November 22, 20196 yr by Kelsall

35 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

Thai are VERY CLASS AND STATUS conscious

 

The Frost Report April 1966

I look up on him because he's upper class, but I look down on him because he's lower class.

 

How would anyone know if I'm wearing pants under my trousers or not?

what sort of slob fronts immigration not dressed respectfully ?

20 minutes ago, fruitman said:

Then why does the immigration staff wear sneakers and sport pants?

It's more abut controlling people they consider to be inferior. You need to go to them, so you're a subordinate in their eyes.

 

Professional folks tend not to wear shirt and tie in their own time. However, their casual wear is more up-market and the difference is perceptible. 

 

Perhaps not so much, in a land of replicants.

44 minutes ago, BritTim said:

I am quite surprised that tailored shorts are not considered acceptable at CW. I am aware that many (especially older) officials find extremely casual dress disrespectful. However, well pressed dress shorts are scarcely an example of this. Indeed, you could be wearing certain kinds of uniform and still fall foul of such a rule. I have a feeling this is a case of rules being drafted by those in charge that are being applied too literally by junior officials.

You serious. Your post always spot on. 

It makes no difference what you wear. Being polite is #1 requirement in most walks of life. Helps if all your docs are spot on and ready to make io life simple.

Having said that a shave and being clean is part of good manners.

Dress shorts ???

555

Yhe funny thing though is, always the guys with shorts and vests, tats and slippers that get the visas no prob. Dress nicely and you have a good chance of getting denied????

In western countries no one who goes short and shirt a bank or another government site, I am always surprised that here in Thailand many faranges look like beggars when they go to IM.

Edited November 22, 20196 yr by ICELANDMAN

10 minutes ago, ICELANDMAN said:

In western countries no one who goes short and shirt a bank or another government site, I am always surprised that here in Thailand many faranges look like beggars when they go to IM.

Stop this rubbish. I spend over 60usd in Los per year. I attend CW for annual extension and make sure I'm clean and bring along good manners. Dressed in shorts wearing flip flops. The temperature for visit would be the usual 32°> .

Never had a problem because my docs are all in order to assist imm staff.

 

Edited November 22, 20196 yr by DrJack54

1 hour ago, roger101 said:

I can't even remember the last time I wore trousers but I don't wear T-shirts.

I was wearing nice cargo pants , slippers and a very expensive polo when i opened a bank account...no problem at all.

15 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I spend over 60 usd in Los per year

Big spender eh? 

It does  seem  strange that there is some suggestion that short pants are unacceptable when on many occasions i have seen  primpy  male school teachers wearing their  psuedo Boy Scout uniforms while they assume  such  superior  status in the  general community !

In addition  the  male staff of the  IO  office I attend  on many occasions  have  been  wearing consistently very  less  formal  clothes such as brushed  cotton  sleeveless jackets,  track pants and  sneakers in what  struck me as an attempt  to  be seen as less "official" which I thought  commendable. I admit that equally  noticeable was that all the  female staff  retained the usual  formal uniform  with appropriate  (?) epaulettes and  badges of  rank.

However I doubt that there is  much validity  in arguing  equivalence to the  attire of an individual  who is  applying  for  an extension as a labourer on a  work permit from an Asian  neighbour  country to that  of a aged foreign retiree who  presents too  casually in every aspect including appearance. And  yes I  have seen  them ! Scruffy , unshaved, unwashed, and  belligerent when presenting requirements for process.

I always  approach Thai Officialdom  dressed semi  formal which includes closed  footwear (shoes).

I have  long  noted  that in the  usual cursory  visual (status) assessment by Thai is a very deliberate glance  at  footwear. 

A t shirt, baggy  shorts, and  generic  flip  flops in an Office are generally not complimentary to the occasion!

One thing I  have never  yet witnessed in anyone  turning up in a  suit and tie.

I wonder what that  would provoke as a  reaction? 555

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, allencraig said:

So I guess it's official.

Good! Then I will only see respectable foreigner at immigration next time.

43 minutes ago, RyanWalker said:

Yhe funny thing though is, always the guys with shorts and vests, tats and slippers that get the visas no prob. Dress nicely and you have a good chance of getting denied????

You say? Not my witnessed experience ( unless  using a hovering agent).

7 minutes ago, MeePeeMai said:

Big spender eh? 

That's not the point. Hope not too far over your head. Point is wearing slacks and a cardigan does not camouflage a bum.

Always but always makes me laugh. Most of you must be so called upper class snobs.

Yes there is dress shorts worn them for many years as part of a military uniform.

Now back to immigration your all grown ups do as you please dress how you want.