"Gratuity" request from immigration officer visiting home for marriage visa requirement

[Crossy]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I think it’s one of those consistency issues, where the only consistency is the inconsistency.

 

Yeah, our office wants a visit every year for marriage extensions.

 

Same lads each time, we have the same witnesses, they take the same photos.

 

No issues, Madam always offers tea / coffee / coke which they always decline.

[billd766]

17 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

Well done it is all a bluff they do not approve or disapprove your application, its their head office not them. if all docs are in order on application and at home visit then it will be approved.

But before your documents go to the regional office they are inspected locally, and the IO can always find a problem or ask you for something that you don't have.

[IvorBiggun2]

3 minutes ago, billd766 said:

A one off payment of 500 baht or so

Yes you are part of the problem. They think all farangs are dumb asses with too much money.

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, Crossy said:

 

Yeah, our office wants a visit every year for marriage extensions.

 

Same lads each time, we have the same witnesses, they take the same photos.

 

No issues, Madam always offers tea / coffee / coke which they always decline.

We have two homes here, we three years ago changed our registers address from the coast to the mountains.

 

At our coastal address visits were required every year, at our mountain address only one visit has been required.

 

I last week submitted my request for extension and asked if a visit will be required as we plan to flee to the coast to get away from the PM2.5 pollution.

 

‘No, only on the first year’ was the answer.

 

So two different offices, completely different requirements.

[IvorBiggun2]

3 minutes ago, billd766 said:

But before your documents go to the regional office they are inspected locally, and the IO can always find a problem or ask you for something that you don't have.

Tosh

[Celsius]

On a side note, my wife had an interview for Canadian tourist visa. We gave the lady who interviewed us 1000 dollars and $20 Tim Horton's gift card.

Edited March 24, 2023 by Celsius

[Chomper Higgot]

20 minutes ago, billd766 said:

But before your documents go to the regional office they are inspected locally, and the IO can always find a problem or ask you for something that you don't have.

Over many years I've found the IO officers are very precise in their requirements and provide accurate statements on what they require.

 

Some are more polite about it than others, but I’ve never once been asked for something that was not adequately explained or unreasonable.

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by Jai Dee
Typos corrected at OP's request

[freedomnow]

Welcome to the jungle.

[Mavideol]

famous phrase from Thai Immigration Office when asking how much..... UP TO U...   555

Edited March 24, 2023 by Mavideol

[scottiejohn]

14 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

So two different offices, completely different requirements.

How much was in the brown envelope?

[transam]

11 minutes ago, Celsius said:

On a side note, my wife had an interview for Canadian tourist visa. We gave the lady who interviewed us 1000 dollars and $20 Tim Horton's gift card.

........Sure you did.....................????.....................

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, HuskerDo2 said:

Bizarre story. Why do so many people move away from their homeland only to be met with more nonsense than if they just stayed home?

Much warmer here.

[IvorBiggun2]

7 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

famous phrase from Thai Immigration Office when asking how much..... UP TO U...  

Coming 18 years and only time I've been asked for money was when i got asked once for 400 baht to have my old passport visa stamps transferred to my new passport. I refused to pay. Shoulders were shrugged and I got my stamps transferred no more said.

[Pawpcorn]

1 hour ago, VocalNeal said:

...give your wife 1000 let her sort it out.

Good advice, and I'd think 1000 baht would be wise, and money well spent, considering TIT.

[HuskerDo2]

Just now, owl sees all said:

Much warmer here.

For folks in the US it's warm in the southern states as well. No need to rush off to Thailand for warm weather all year long. A move to Florida will take care of that for them. Maybe some just need a change of pace so they move overseas. Sadly, most return home after finding out their overseas "paradise" isn't what they thought it would be. True!

[billd766]

33 minutes ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

Yes you are part of the problem. They think all farangs are dumb asses with too much money.

Please read and quote ALL of the post, and not simply snip the bit that you don't like.

 

34 minutes ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

Tosh

Proof.

 

Unless you visit the regional office, in rural Thailand you take your documents to the provincial office to be dealt with.

 

Then the local office send the documents to the regional office for checking and confirmation, which is why there is 30 days awaiting approval time.

[transam]

14 minutes ago, Pawpcorn said:

Good advice, and I'd think 1000 baht would be wise, and money well spent, considering TIT.

Do you also Wai at Tesco staff..........

[IvorBiggun2]

8 minutes ago, billd766 said:

Proof.

 

Sorry I should have made it clear.

 

I was referring to the second part of your answer. 

 

Quote

 

the IO can always find a problem or ask you for something that you don't have.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by IvorBiggun2

[transam]

At my immigration office, there is a sign on the wall with a phone number to use if you are not happy with the service. 

I don't think an officer would risk his job and pension over asking for a couple of quid......????

[Jack1988]

they never asked money to me and my thai wife. Only interview us for 20 min. that's it

[Skipalongcassidy]

Turns out that there was no need to worry... my neighbor that was vouching for me is an honest RTP and the immigration officer kindly refused my offer of payment.

[transam]

2 minutes ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

Turns out that there was no need to worry... my neighbor that was vouching for me is an honest RTP and the immigration officer kindly refused my offer of payment.

Lucky you weren't arrested for bribery.......????

[Yellowtail]

IO #1: Where should we go for lunch? 

IO #2: How about the new Suki shop? 

IO #1: Who do we have in the area that tipped big last year?

 

 

  

 

[IvorBiggun2]

3 minutes ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

immigration officer kindly refused my offer of payment.

Same happened too me when I did my first stamp transfer to my new passport. Hence why I know there is no charge for the service. Officers name is Khun Arcade if anyone comes across him.

[Chomper Higgot]

56 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

How much was in the brown envelope?

Sorry, no envelopes of any colour.

[billd766]

3 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

Yes you are part of the problem. They think all farangs are dumb asses with too much money.

You can do as you wish.

 

I will do as I wish.

 

If you don't like what I do, then the problem is yours and not mine.

 

You don't own me, you are not my family.

 

You are just another anonymous keyboard warrior, who believes that his way is the only right way, and everybody who disagrees with you is wrong.

[BoganInParasite]

Had the same from the local office head back in 2018 on the home visit. He asked the wife in Thai and she relayed it to me. I then told him ever so politely that it would not happen, ever. Said it in English directly to his face and told the wife not to translate it since I knew he understood and could speak English. He was also insisting I convert to a retirement visa in a few years. Took the opportunity to explain to him it was not required and not ever going to happen. He managed to humiliate himself in the office a couple of years later but that's another story. Noticed on my last office visit for the 90 day report there was a new head listed. 

[AustinRacing]

In my case, the smart BMW and a police pick up with 4 young officers and the older boss were given a bunch of bananas each from my only tree that I had waited almost a year to enjoy. They did a good job and were nice. The boss sat inside the car, door open for while and other officers standing around. Our friend/witness who is a lawyer said they’re waiting for some money. So out came the white envelope (don’t have brown) with a 1000 in it. I asked my wife and friend if I can get the bananas back at least. They laughed and didn’t realize I was semi-serious. 

[Bangkok Barry]

21 hours ago, brianthainess said:

They once asked me for the ferry ticket, for coming, i told them I didn't invite you, you wanted to come, I also pointed out that i thought police didn't pay for the ferry. My dog snapped at their heals as they got in their car to go "Good girl !" i called out. 

On a serious note never give 'em a dime they'll see you as an easy target, forever.

Risky, messing with anyone in a uniform. All they have to do is say 'extension denied' and good luck appealing it.

[Bangkok Barry]

19 hours ago, transam said:

At my immigration office, there is a sign on the wall with a phone number to use if you are not happy with the service. 

Get back to us if you ever hear of anyone being reprimanded over bad service or illegal practise.