Foreigners Required To Register At Local Police Station

[poldebol]

As far as I know, the head of the household must report to his police station when a non Thai stays in his house, undependent of what type of visa she/he has. The head of the household is responsible for this registration. When you stay in a hotel or in a guesthouse, the manager will be responsible to do so. Whether he does or not does is his responsibility.

When you stay with a Thai family, the person who is number one in the household book must report the farang who stays under his roof. This rule exists since the first time I came to Thailand (about 30 y ago). It is very similar to the rules in several european countries. I once tried to go to France with my Thai girlfriend and asked the French consulate what I had to do. I had to send in a plan of the trip and give a copy of every hotel reservation. If I stayed with friends in France, I had to get a written permission from the local mairie stating the adres where I planned to stay. All this had to be done 24 hours before I crossed the Belgian-French border. We went, but didn't do anything about the paperwork and travelled without problem. The same rules exist more or less in Germany and Belgium.

I have just stayed in an appartment with my Thai gf in Khon Kaen for 3 years, going back to Belgium for a couple of months now and then. I told the owner of the appartment about this rule and he said he would do. When I asked for a copy he did not seem to have one. Now I live with the parents of my wife and would very much like to register. Police and amphoe have never heard of such a thing. I wonder what to do, I am sure the law exists and a registration of residence in the same house as my gf might give extra weight to her visa application. There is also the possibility that the Thai authorities, who, to say the least, are not as farang-friendly as 30 y ago, might find an excuse to harass farangs and make further selections. I think it is in eveybody's interest to register, whether you live in Bangkok or in a small village in Isaan.

But, when the police seems to start to register farangs directly and not through the head of the household, something new has happened. As people have said here it is the privilege of the national and local Thai authorities to register the farangs, but there is a new element I have never noticed before.

Does anybody know whether there is a new law or rule about this police initiative. And can anybody help me to enlighten the local police?

[MaiChai]

There are alot of foreigners in Thailand now. This is just the police/immigration keeping tabs on people and making it easier to catch criminals from abroad hiding in Thailand. Thailand is very cooperative at arresting and extraditing criminals wanted in foreign countries. This is a little ironic because on the ground here policing is not that great or necessarily fair (nor is the legal system). I mean they are good at catching you for motoring offences but necessarily good at complex crimes or prosecuting rich or influential people. Just a great irony. I guess they don't want to loose face to the foreign police?

If you havn't anything to hide then I should register as requested

[carriemai]

Admittedly I've just read the first page of posts, but I love the way everyone's so damned sanguine about this!

Can you imagine if they came round to a house in your home country and asked for any 'foreigners' to go down the local police station for fingerprinting!?

Isn't it enough they make you waste your time and money by making you leave the country every 12 weeks? And for those who have a visa not requiring them to leave, having to report to Immigration every ninety days? For what? How many of those out on the lam are going to do border runs/90 reportings anyway?

Was it Texpat who said 'dance monkey dance'?

[antony77]

My wife got a call ths morning from the local police requesting I come in for a visit. I asked her why of course but no explanation was given to her.

Arrived at the police station but the boss was not there yet.and was told that it was not a problem.

The 2nd in command showed up and explained that I needed to register. It was apparent that they were not sure what was needed. but 2 forms were filled out and finger prints were taken for one form and prints of fingers grouped together for the other. Info from passport and extension of stay, type of visa and etc was written on both forms. Plus one photo because I only had one with me.

Before finishing everything the chief arrived. He speaks good English so that helped a bit.

He informed me his boss in Ubon had given a directive to him that all foreigners need to be registered and to ask them to register. I asked if it was for all of Thailand and he said yes.

He also had them make copies of my passport photo and extension pages.

So if you get a visit from the local police and are asked to go in for a visit it might be for this.

Can anybody tell me how to get the ink off hands?

most countries require foreigners who don't stay at hotels to register with Police upon arrival.

[exrockstar]

My wife got arrested last week and charged by the local Immigration office for not registering farangs staying in her hotel. She has to register them with said office, every day that they stay. She knew this law, but.... mai pen rai.... for 2 1/2 years, no questions asked.

It's easy for hotels in the city, an agent goes round all the hotels each day to get the forms, but a bit harder when you're out in the country. The local police were very sympathetic and tried their best to help, but to no avail. Wife had to go to court, up in front of the judge in handcuffs, 2000 Baht fine. I think she'll be sending the form in (several klms to the office) each day from now on!

If it were possible to teach her how to use a pc, she could e-mail them in ... Think I better go register with immigration when I get back.

So, whatever tightening up of laws is going on, it's not just affecting the farangs.

[auserb]

My wife got arrested last week and charged by the local Immigration office for not registering farangs staying in her hotel. She has to register them with said office, every day that they stay. She knew this law, but.... mai pen rai.... for 2 1/2 years, no questions asked.

It's easy for hotels in the city, an agent goes round all the hotels each day to get the forms, but a bit harder when you're out in the country. The local police were very sympathetic and tried their best to help, but to no avail. Wife had to go to court, up in front of the judge in handcuffs, 2000 Baht fine. I think she'll be sending the form in (several klms to the office) each day from now on!

If it were possible to teach her how to use a pc, she could e-mail them in ... Think I better go register with immigration when I get back.

So, whatever tightening up of laws is going on, it's not just affecting the farangs.

and now you tell me...

This is not Police country haaaaa

[djvolak]

My wife got a call ths morning from the local police requesting I come in for a visit. I asked her why of course but no explanation was given to her.

Arrived at the police station but the boss was not there yet.and was told that it was not a problem.

The 2nd in command showed up and explained that I needed to register. It was apparent that they were not sure what was needed. but 2 forms were filled out and finger prints were taken for one form and prints of fingers grouped together for the other. Info from passport and extension of stay, type of visa and etc was written on both forms. Plus one photo because I only had one with me.

Before finishing everything the chief arrived. He speaks good English so that helped a bit.

He informed me his boss in Ubon had given a directive to him that all foreigners need to be registered and to ask them to register. I asked if it was for all of Thailand and he said yes.

He also had them make copies of my passport photo and extension pages.

So if you get a visit from the local police and are asked to go in for a visit it might be for this.

Can anybody tell me how to get the ink off hands?

You use dawn dish soap or another like it. It works well, or they use mechanics hand cleaner at the cop shops I have been printed at.

[bottleymike]

This is regular ink pad ink. I have already used soap and water.

Any alcohol based liquid like after shave will do the trick nail varnish remover also works but does not smell as nice

Be careful if your using Lao Khao, it could take a layer of skin off no problem

[Monkeypants]

Ok Chaps,

I just don't get it.

I have a yellow house book, I am pretty sure most of you people do too.

Do I have to register with the police?

I am on a NON "o" visa and leave the country every 90 days.

[ubonjoe]

You do if you are asked to. This topic is about something new they started.

But according to the immigration act you should report your presense with 48 hours of arrival to the police.

[Lite Beer]

I have a yellow house book, I am pretty sure most of you people do too.

I am sure that the number of members on here that have a Yellow Tabbien Baan would be very small.

[sassienie]

This happened to me on the 10th March in Doi Lor, Chiang Mai:

I was out shopping. When I arrived home my wife informed me that the local police had visited my home, some in plain clothes.

The plain clothes policemen asked some questions about me, left a form to fill in and requested that after I had completed the form, to either take to the local police station or the police will visit me again and collect the form.

We also discovered that the police had asked local people if they know of the addresses of other Farangs in the area.

All the questions on the form were in Thai and answers were expected to be written in Thai, so I asked my wife to assist me with the form.

Questions on the form included:

Width of forehead, colour of skin, size of nose, size of ears, any distinguishing marks on body, body size, pitch of voice, height, hobbies, occupation, passport details, telephone number, plus a photo of myself.

My wife and I decided to take the completed form to the police station. Once there the policeman that previously visited my home took us into his office for an interview. He could speak passable English and explained that in Chiang Mai there has been a substantial increase in crime against Farangs, such as theft, murders, muggings and vehicle theft. He said that the police are now going to keep a regular watch and contact with Farangs in my area, (near Chom Thong) not only for my own protection but also as a deterrent to curb drug dealing and crime especially since there has been a large increase in the amount of Burmese moving into the area. He also described the situation that due to the economic crisis, many Thai people are becoming desperate to acquire money and Farangs are obvious targets for resentment and crime.

The policeman concluded by giving us advice on how to secure our home and gave his contact details if we required help from them.

Although the policeman was at all times courteous, friendly and polite, he did show me, without my asking, the personal details of other Farangs in the area that had submitting their forms, as if suggesting because I am a Farang, that I should know all the other Farangs in my area. I explained that I do not know them, but the policeman still described their details to me on the forms.

An update to when I began this post back in March:

As for my situation, have heard nothing since and all is quite on the Eastern front.

Did hear a rumour that a Canadian living in my area and was also visited by the police last March, was arrested because his visa had expired. The 63 year old guy was 18 days over due with his visa run.

He was arrested, imprisoned, fined than deported.

So any Farangs living here who are on the iffy side, keep looking over that shoulder, you may be next.

Living out in the sticks is no longer a surety that you wont be detected.

[loong]

When I was living in the North a police check like this snagged a farang that I knew. He had overstayed for more than 4 years. He was held in prison until his Father arranged for the funds to be sent to pay the overstay fine and cost of airplane ticket to deport him. He was also involved in some sort of business and I don't know if he was in trouble due to lack of work permit or not.

He is now blacklisted and cannot return to Thailand even though he has a wife and child here.

[Pash]

This one seems to be popping up every so often, almost always out in the boonies.

Not sure if you live in the city or outside.

I'm of the impression that this task is solely for the immigration police, unless you have no immigration close by. Falls I would think under the same law requiring you to report every movement throughout Thailand the moment you stay more then 24 hours away from your registered abode.

I reckon we'd end up with a bit of a queue at Pattaya police station if they do this over here

Personally, I am getting sick and tired of jumping through all the hoops Thailand seems to be erecting for foreigners over the last couple of years. I employ several Thais, treat and pay them well, as well as help support my Thai GF's family. My business has been thriving in despite the state of the Thai economy and I have Thai VAT receipts to prove it. I have never run afoul of the laws of Thailand. The heck with it, I'm thinking of setting up shop in Hong Kong. If the Thai government doesn't want me here, adios Porndick...

See you. Don't bother writing.

If you live here or there (wherever there is) that then becomes your choice. I live here because I want to be here. I recognise and accept I have to do things at the behest of the Government if I want to stay here. Thats my choice and I will stick by it. If you (and thats a generic 'you' for all the whingers and whiners) can't put up with it then please buy a 1 way ticket. Hurry there might be a rush on them.

Wait till you try other non- European countries and find there is no real difference it is just presented or put in another manner. Even those countries originally "colonised" by Europeans can be so difficult. Try a few.

One thing I do notice is that forums magnify the problem but if you can't read them what else are you going to complain about.

With the original posting. I have never had the request and we live in the boonies.

For the ink try concentrated HNo3 or a 4" belt sander. When the skin grows back it will be just like a babies bum. It only hurts really bad for the first week.

[robint]

Well I sympathise with you guys a little bit but I have to say that the writing has been on the wall for some time now. THEY DONT WANT YOU HERE long time

I have chucked the whole residence thing in the bin and now only arrived as a tourist with double entry. So the rules and regs can go stuff themselves, cos its nothing to do with me anymore. No more hoops to jump through, just have bag can travel. Its a wonderful sense of relief from all the crap. I spend under 6 months here at my pleasure and the other in the Phillipines where I am made very welcome and can even get a legitimate permanent residence visa if I wish (will study this issue for a while first)

I really dont know why you guys are clinging to the sinking ship, because you can be very sure that it will only continue to deteriorate as it has done over the last 5 years. Sadly the magic has long since gone and its no longer a cheap stay anymore with the strength of the Baht. When I came here 20 years ago it was 25 to the USD (about 38 to gbp. It was pricey then and you needed serious dosh to stay. Well IMHO its alll headed that way again. They will force out the old timers on economic grounds.

In all sincerity - get a life. Why stay where you are not wanted.

OH BTW before you all jump on me, Philippines is not all a bed of roses, just a different set o survival tac-tics needed which you must learn or suffer the consequences.

Edited June 1, 2009 by robint

[PawyiLee]

I'm on my 8th RETIREMENT extension of a Non-O visa and have lived the whole time 10 kliks from Yasothon. A few years ago plainclothes police came by a couple of times when when my wife's grown daughter was THE only ONE home, but haven't heard from them lately and have never been told to register with the police.

This evening, however, I got a summons from my tambon health clinic to report to the village meeting hall between 7 and 8 AM, because I'm over 35 (way over), high blood pressure (141 - is that really hi?), and fat (because my waist measures 101 cm - come on, now!) The summons says not to eat or drink anything after 6 as THEY WANT MY BLOOD! WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO ME?

[ubonjoe]

I'm on my 8th RETIREMENT extension of a Non-O visa and have lived the whole time 10 kliks from Yasothon. A few years ago plainclothes police came by a couple of times when when my wife's grown daughter was THE only ONE home, but haven't heard from them lately and have never been told to register with the police.

This evening, however, I got a summons from my tambon health clinic to report to the village meeting hall between 7 and 8 AM, because I'm over 35 (way over), high blood pressure (141 - is that really hi?), and fat (because my waist measures 101 cm - come on, now!) The summons says not to eat or drink anything after 6 as THEY WANT MY BLOOD! WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO ME?

I have no idea. But it sounds like the are concerned about your health. It has to be something local.

Just smile and give them a little blood.

[abdulrahman]

I'm on my 8th RETIREMENT extension of a Non-O visa and have lived the whole time 10 kliks from Yasothon. A few years ago plainclothes police came by a couple of times when when my wife's grown daughter was THE only ONE home, but haven't heard from them lately and have never been told to register with the police.

This evening, however, I got a summons from my tambon health clinic to report to the village meeting hall between 7 and 8 AM, because I'm over 35 (way over), high blood pressure (141 - is that really hi?), and fat (because my waist measures 101 cm - come on, now!) The summons says not to eat or drink anything after 6 as THEY WANT MY BLOOD! WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO ME?

I have no idea. But it sounds like the are concerned about your health. It has to be something local.

Just smile and give them a little blood.

Ubonjoe is probably right,they have this kind of programs going on and off all the time in Isaan,you are evidently considered a resident.

(by the health services only)

Give them a pint of blood,make them happy,save the paper for the next time you need the village clinic.Make some friends!

[phutoie2]

See you. Don't bother writing.

If you live here or there (wherever there is) that then becomes your choice. I live here because I want to be here. I recognise and accept I have to do things at the behest of the Government if I want to stay here. Thats my choice and I will stick by it. If you (and thats a generic 'you' for all the whingers and whiners) can't put up with it then please buy a 1 way ticket. Hurry there might be a rush on them.

Wait till you try other non- European countries and find there is no real difference it is just presented or put in another manner. Even those countries originally "colonised" by Europeans can be so difficult. Try a few.

One thing I do notice is that forums magnify the problem but if you can't read them what else are you going to complain about.

With the original posting. I have never had the request and we live in the boonies.

For the ink try concentrated HNo3 or a 4" belt sander. When the skin grows back it will be just like a babies bum. It only hurts really bad for the first week.

Strewth! another member of the 'If you don't like here you can go home brigade'. Together with the 'I have lived here for X number of years and it has never happened to me' mob they should have their own forum.

I have only just recovered from the 'Do you carry your passport on you, if stopped by the Police' topic from a few months ago. One of TV's best ever!

Yes I know its a 'forum 'too!

Good morning, time for my scrambled eggs.

[Mamuang16]

I live in Ubon also but the police didn't ask me nothing. Are you sure of your information?

[Farma]

Mamuang16 I live not so far from you. It took 7 years as a frequent visitor before they decided to ask for my photo and details.

[ubonjoe]

I quoted what the police chief told me. I consider him a reliable source of information.

If you go back through the topic you will find a post about it being done in Surin also. And in Chiang Mai earlier this year.

[neverdie]

Actually, if they deputised every bar girl in Thailand and made them immigration field agents, they could easily collect DNA samples as well...

There's an awful lot of people on this forum with experience of removing fingerprint ink...

Thanks for the laugh, what a classic

[weescotsguy66]

I live in Prathum Thani, and have never heard of this ruling, I personally do not see it as an issue every now and again to keep track of your Gary Glitter type people however to inform the government every time I am away from my home more than 24 hours is too excessive as part of a normal living society

I have been doing Tourist visa for the last 8 years, however with my (Thai) retirement age coming in the next 8 years I was thinking it might be good to get on the right side of the Immigration Office.

My suggestion would be to track all the illegal immigrants first then worry about farang expats next. Burma has alot more illegal immigrants in this country than any other.

I do love this country it is certaily different to the UK in many ways LOS

[milkycheese]

I was followed to a restaurant and 2 police cars came in and requested me to go to the Police station to register and fined me 100thb..... I think its a joke as I was only visiting a relative. Thailand has gone to the dogs, literally.

[patklang]

I had a visit a couple of days ago from a young Policeman who informed (T/wife) every ferang in/or around Surin will be checked up on. I provided him with fingerprints and a photo after the 2 page Thai form was completed by him.

The blue ink has gone now and I hope that doesn't mean I will be deported

Dave

I confirm what you say. I and other expat friends around Sangkha (Surin) have all been visited or had to go to the local police station.

I was told that the reason for doing this - as another member mentioned - was for identification purposes should there be an accidental death. As well as the photo and fingerprints, he also asked me for:-

any personal indentification features in case of say death by fire by which relatives you confirm it's me

&

a 'fee' of B100 (which some refused!).

On the light hearted side, 1 friend refused to give his finger prints so to save face the policeman put friend's wife's finger prints on the form instead!!!

Scared of the big brother concept od is he doing something illegal.About time Thailand got their act in order and started to have a data base of all tourists and expats just in case something happens.Why do people panic so much when the country is trying to get more professional like most countries.

[abdulrahman]

Scared of the big brother concept od is he doing something illegal.About time Thailand got their act in order and started to have a data base of all tourists and expats just in case something happens.Why do people panic so much when the country is trying to get more professional like most countries.

More professional OR paranoid?

Yeah,a Police State IS very professional!

[remil]

been here 12 years and never done that before. There keeping tabs on all of you watch out. THere always planning something sneaky these cops

[tijnebijn]

I was followed to a restaurant and 2 police cars came in and requested me to go to the Police station to register and fined me 100thb..... I think its a joke as I was only visiting a relative. Thailand has gone to the dogs, literally.

funny that those 2 talking police cars came into the restaurant .....

[G54]

I don't believe this will apply to foreigners in cities. However, if immigration wants my fingerprints and stool sample, just say when ...

They cn have my diarrhoea any day