Thai Bureauracy

[PEP]

I went to see the Local Ampur (District Governor) today with a view of getting some sort of Documentation as evidence that I have been “resident” in Thailand for nine years.

I only got as far as one of his Deputies who insisted that I would have to have a Certified Translation, into Thai Language, of my Passport before the Ampur would consider any request. (unheard of request in my lifetime)

I tried to explain that my Passport has been accepted, as it should, by Immigration, Customs, Police and many other Government and semi-government Departments in many, many countries throughout the world without any request for a translation into any other language. I do not believe that it is required, necessary or may in fact be illegal to do so. I further explained that an “official” Thai translation, in any case, has to be certified by the Dept. of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. His final reply was: “I will study Thai Law and see if it is required”. End of interview!

Please, has anyone had a similar request?

[lopburi3]

You will find those registering foreign marriages have to obtain such translations on a regular basis.

For "certified" he probably only means a translation that you have signed.

[rgs2001uk]

Sounds like a trip out to the MFA is the order of the day.

I believe they will make a copy of the main page of your passport and relevant visa page, then type up a letter in Thai, basically saying its a certified true copy.

This is what the amphur office staff want to see.

Usually required for those seeking a yellow book.

[TerryLH]

"...request for a translation into any other language. I do not believe that it is required, necessary or may in fact be illegal to do so."

I'm curious. Why do you think it might be illegal to translate your pp into Thai or any other language?

[Brunus]

When I was on a non B and registered at my embassy I needed a document that proved I was resident in Thailand. I just asked my embassy. I needed to use the document in my country and I had no problem. I don't know if this document from the embassy can be used in Thailand.

[PEP]

Sounds like a trip out to the MFA is the order of the day.

I believe they will make a copy of the main page of your passport and relevant visa page, then type up a letter in Thai, basically saying its a certified true copy.

This is what the amphur office staff want to see.

Usually required for those seeking a yellow book.

Thanks everyone for replies. Does indeed seem to be a visit to that BIG City is necessary.

[Dah fahrang]

I went to see the Local Ampur (District Governor) today with a view of getting some sort of Documentation as evidence that I have been “resident” in Thailand for nine years.

Forgive my curiosity, but why would you need documentation from the amphur to prove residence?

Is it, as others suggest, to apply for a yellow book?

Or for other 'sundry purposes' for which a letter from Immigration would be as good, and with far less hassle?

I encountered an identical dead end at my amphur, and decided, after a similar going-no-where discussion that to "Follow the Yellow Book Road" was a Wizard of Oz-like dream, probably with little or no substantial advantages over and above the proof of residence letter I got from Immigration. To date, my decision has been proven right!!!