800 baht for a Residence Certificate at Immigration ??

[Andrew Dwyer]

So as the title suggests I was asked to pay 800 baht for a Residency Certificate ( for driving licence renewal ).

 

3 things stood out for me:

1) I was asked to enter a small back office with ( presumably ) no cameras and away from colleagues.

2) the residence certificate had nothing on it stating 800 baht or any other amount.

3) when i asked for a receipt I was given the “ no have “ reply.

 

The reason i was given is that Residency Certificates should be issued by the Embassy and not Immigration and this service was not their obligation.

 

Now i always understood ( rightly or wrongly ) that the issuing of certificate of residence was immigration responsibility,  a free service which could take up to 2 weeks or an express service for a small fee ( 200 to 500 baht ).
When i presented my passport and filled form I was told only to return after lunch, wasn’t offered any options and when i returned was ushered straight into the small office behind the IO’s desks.

The IO gave me the cert in an envelope and said “800 baht”, i said “ i thought it was free “ to which he laughed and said again “ 800 baht “, i then replied “ i give you 800 baht and you give me a receipt, yes ? “. His face changed drastically and he answered bitterly “ no receipt !! “, at this point i knew i was going to stand my ground.

 

I dug my heels in and refused to pay and was told that the next time I had to go to the Embassy for C of R. I left with the residency certificate, one of the office minions followed me out to explain in better English but was surprised to see my wife sitting outside and said more or less “ this time okay but next time go to the Embassy “, my wife thought it suspicious.

 

I have had 2 residence certificates before but my memory is a little cloudy, more or less this:

Dec 2016 : FOC and instantly issued at another Immigration Office.

Dec 2018: maybe FOC but possibly a small fee ( certainly not more than 300 baht ) at my current IO.

 

I understand your experience will differ as every IO has their own ideas so this is not about what they charge you elsewhere but what would you have done in my situation ??

 

So:

Did i do the right thing ?

Did i act like an arrogant Farang ?

Have i set myself up for immigration grief in the future. ?

Should i have put 300/500 baht on the table as a compromise ?

 

 

[Pouatchee]

where did this happen?

honestly... they have your info, so you can expect anything. is it supposed to be free? yes

do most of us pay? yes

used to be 500bht... seems they increased the fee...

so once again, where did this happen?

[proton]

Only ever had one and it was free

[Liquorice]

Certain Embassies no longer issue proof of address.
In fact, just today reading some info on the British Embassy website, they accept a Certificate of residence from Immigration as proof of your address.

 

Your address is already on your existing licence, so why another CofR, unless you moved.

[James105]

It's 300 baht at Jomtien but everyone else knows this is not an official fee.   Not sure what they do with the money but presume they share it amongst themselves as some kind of "tip".   

 

I don't mind the 300 baht tip too much as no-one in this country gets paid what I would consider to be a fair wage, but I would for sure have raised my eyebrows somewhat at an 800 tip.  

[novacova]

31 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

The IO gave me the cert in an envelope and said “800 baht”, i said “ i thought it was free “ to which he laughed and said again “ 800 baht “

Apparently you got the expedited service, lucky you. Free, wait up to two weeks. 500฿, next day.

31 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

dug my heels in and refused to pay and was told that the next time I had to go to the Embassy for C of R

You too fussy, they don’t want your business anymore.

31 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Did i do the right thing ?

No

31 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Did i act like an arrogant Farang ?

It appears that way.

31 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Have i set myself up for immigration grief in the future. ?

No, just don’t go back to that IO for a CoR on your own, you might have to hire an agent 

 

In the future, don’t fuss with the IO’s, things will definitely go much smoother.

Edited July 2 by novacova

[DrJoy]

5 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Your address is already on your existing licence, so why another CofR, unless you moved.

At renewal, you need it regardless of address changed or not

[DrJack54]

19 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Did i do the right thing ?

Without naming the immigration office it's useless to discuss.

My immigration office is CW.

Certificate of residence is 200b and delivered by mail. Takes about 5 working days. There is no option to pay extra and obtain COR on the spot.

In regards to embassies providing equivalent UK,USA,AU do not.

(no I'm not referring to income letter) 

[Gottfrid]

7 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Certain Embassies no longer issue proof of address.
In fact, just today reading some info on the British Embassy website, they accept a Certificate of residence from Immigration as proof of your address.

 

Your address is already on your existing licence, so why another CofR, unless you moved.

Because that is what Land & Transport Department tells you to bring for renewal.

[Gottfrid]

My immigration office takes 500 baht for the paper, but why have a problem. Yeah, it´s supposed to be free. However, we chose to live in Thailand, we are aware of the special rules made up and corruption. We stay here because of many reason, where one is that it´s much cheaper than home. Then it´s not such a big deal to pay a little extra sometimes. It´s like taking the good with the bad, where the good is holding the power. Otherwise we would have left.

[DrJack54]

8 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Your address is already on your existing licence, so why another CofR, unless you moved.

You require COR for example obtaining new TDL.

I recently renewed my TDL and have not changed address however needed to obtain new cor.

 

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

28 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

where did this happen?

honestly... they have your info, so you can expect anything. is it supposed to be free? yes

do most of us pay? yes

used to be 500bht... seems they increased the fee...

so once again, where did this happen?

The location is irrelevant, my question was “ what would you have done in my situation ? “

[EVENKEEL]

I pay 500 baht for mine, money goes in the top drawer, no receipt, issued on the spot. 11 yrs ago in Sakon Nakhon they were charging me 1000 baht.

[Andrew Dwyer]

27 minutes ago, proton said:

Only ever had one and it was free

Yes, but what would you do if they asked you for 800 baht next time ?

[Andrew Dwyer]

14 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Certain Embassies no longer issue proof of address.
In fact, just today reading some info on the British Embassy website, they accept a Certificate of residence from Immigration as proof of your address.

 

Your address is already on your existing licence, so why another CofR, unless you moved.

Because that is what my DLT request for drivers licence renewal 

[Red Phoenix]

At my SiSaKet Imm Office, when I needed a Residence Certificate to apply for my Thai driver's permit, it was issued on the spot (took 10 minutes) and when I asked how much I had to pay, they said it was free of charge (like it should be).

However, my Imm Office when I inquired beforehand told me that they only issue a Residence Certificate when you provide a filled-in Request form from the Thai authority that requires it for providing you a service. So I had to go first to the SiSaKet DTP (3 km down the road) to get that official Request Form - also issued on the spot and free of charge - and then to the Imm Office to get the Res-Cert, and then back to the DTP with that required document to apply for my Thai driver's permit. 

Issued in 1 hour (including eye/eaction-test).

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

. It´s like taking the good with the bad, where the good is holding the power. Otherwise we would have left

I like the way you put that.

My thai partner an myself big fan of national parks.

Yes the old duel pricing. She Thai 40 baht me farang 200b.

Doesn't bother me one bit. 

[Andrew Dwyer]

13 minutes ago, novacova said:

Apparently you got the expedited service, lucky you. Free, wait up to two weeks. 500฿, next day.

You too fussy, they don’t want your business anymore.

No

It appears that way.

No, just don’t go back to that IO for a CoR on your own, you might have to hire an agent 

 

In the future, don’t fuss with the IO’s, things will definitely go much smoother.

My own opinion is that I overreacted and any other day would have put 400/500 baht on the table before walking out.

[Liquorice]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

You require COR for example obtaining new TDL.

I recently renewed my TDL and have not changed address however needed to obtain new cor.

 

 

Yes, I just realised the reason I've never been asked for a new CofR is because I have that little yellow book and pink ID card, the one's that many claim are useless. 😉

[Andrew Dwyer]

10 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Without naming the immigration office it's useless to discuss.

My immigration office is CW.

Certificate of residence is 200b and delivered by mail. Takes about 5 working days. There is no option to pay extra and obtain COR on the spot.

In regards to embassies providing equivalent UK,USA,AU do not.

(no I'm not referring to income letter) 

Why is the location so important to you ? 
The question is:

Did I overreact or what would you do in this situation ?

[DrJack54]

17 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

The location is irrelevant, my question was “ what would you have done in my situation ? “

Irrelevant apart from fact that gives heads up to anyone dealing with your office.

800 is max I have ever read of.

500 for on the spot at some offices.

 

You asked did you do the wrong thing. Prob not however I would pay the 800b as I tend to adhere to "when in Rome" 

[Andrew Dwyer]

8 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

My immigration office takes 500 baht for the paper, but why have a problem. Yeah, it´s supposed to be free. However, we chose to live in Thailand, we are aware of the special rules made up and corruption. We stay here because of many reason, where one is that it´s much cheaper than home. Then it´s not such a big deal to pay a little extra sometimes. It´s like taking the good with the bad, where the good is holding the power. Otherwise we would have left.

Thanks for your answer, i think i overreacted, hopefully i haven’t caused myself any future problems.

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Yes, I just realised the reason I've never been asked for a new CofR is because I have that little yellow book and pink ID card, the one's that many claim are useless. 😉

You will not renew a TDL with docs you mention these days.

Certainly was possible way back.

They require a COR

Similar chat to opening bank accounts. 

[Andrew Dwyer]

9 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

I pay 500 baht for mine, money goes in the top drawer, no receipt, issued on the spot. 11 yrs ago in Sakon Nakhon they were charging me 1000 baht.

Thanks, that makes me think I did the wrong thing.

[Andrew Dwyer]

8 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

At my SiSaKet Imm Office, when I needed a Residence Certificate to apply for my Thai driver's permit, it was issued on the spot (took 10 minutes) and when I asked how much I had to pay, they said it was free of charge (like it should be).

However, my Imm Office when I inquired beforehand told me that they only issue a Residence Certificate when you provide a filled-in Request form from the Thai authority that requires it for providing you a service. So I had to go first to the SiSaKet DTP (3 km down the road) to get that official Request Form - also issued on the spot and free of charge - and then to the Imm Office to get the Res-Cert, and then back to the DTP with that required document to apply for my Thai driver's permit. 

Issued in 1 hour (including eye/eaction-test).

Yes, i have heard of this before.

My IO requested nothing only my passport and the filled form ……. oh and 800 baht !

[Gottfrid]

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I like the way you put that.

My thai partner an myself big fan of national parks.

Yes the old duel pricing. She Thai 40 baht me farang 200b.

Doesn't bother me one bit. 

No, it´s just how it is. We went recently to Pattaya Snow "Frost Magical Ice of Siam". I was prepared to pay the double price, but showed my Thai driver license, and magically the woman in the booth gave me the Thai price. You can imagine my surprise. My chin fell and mouth wide open. 😉 

[Liquorice]

5 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

The location is irrelevant, my question was “ what would you have done in my situation ? “

I'd have done the same as you, but also added the UK Embassy doesn't issue them because that's not where I file my TM30.
There is a reason they offer no receipt, so their corrupt methods aren't exposed.

 

I'd have suggested at my next extension renewal I pay 500 BHT ........... no receipt required.

 

There are those that state there could be repercussions, but in my experience when you stand up and challenge them, they actually respect you more in the future.

One not to be trifled with.

[Gottfrid]

6 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Thanks for your answer, i think i overreacted, hopefully i haven’t caused myself any future problems.

We all overreact sometimes. They are quite used to that and usually hold no grudge long time. You know, many people say that you should not take the <deleted>, but sometimes it´s better to just go with it. My advise for you, next time you need something. Like only the extension for one year. It´s 1900 baht. I always leave them 2k, and tell them to buy some donuts, like the US cops like. Just try it. I think they will understand, lighten up and give you a smile.

 

[couchpotato]

10 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Why is the location so important to you ? 
The question is:

Did I overreact or what would you do in this situation ?

You over reacted then and are still overreacting by being secretive and not disclosing the IO location. 

[Andrew Dwyer]

I am not saying I did the right thing am just asking what others would do in this situation.

Caught me on a bad day i suppose and normally I would offer 500 baht, if they insisted I would pay the 800 and spend the rest of the day angry at myself for not standing up to them.