It seems everyone has had a different experience when dealing with the Thai beauracracy. As for myself, I noticed everytime I extend my visa, each government official would require documents different than the others. Now, I think I understand why.

I just went to my local Amphur to get a Yellow Book Tor Lor 13. The boss lady said she had heard of it, but never done one before, so I would be the first. She looked up in the books and made a copy for me of the page concerning TL 13. All it said was, it was a Tabien Baan for farangs. The farang must show up with the homeowner, submit to an interview, fill out a form and give a thumbprint. No mention in the book of what documents were required. The lady gave me a list of things to bring, passport, wife, whitness, etc.

So, it seems its not really the fault of the officials, they dont have a clearcut set of rules to go by.

I tend to agree, much of the problem is caused by poor procedural documents as you described. Much time is wasted interpreting the minimal information provided.

Unfortunately these difficulties are exacerbated by the line allowing the officer discretion to basically ask for what he likes, tough if he's having a bad day or doesn't like your after-shave

Yeah, its too bad that every third world country was not a British colony at one time so they would know how to do a real beauracracy, like India.

TH

Edited February 15, 200818 yr by thaihome