Thai Criminal Background Search.

[Danielson2702]

Is it possible to check the criminal background of a thai national? Before I start the process of obtaining a visa for my girlfriend it would be useful to know the full extent of her background before I start using precious resources. I do understand that she served a 6 month sentence about a year ago and I know this will an adverse effect on her visa application. How can I obtain a background search on her as I don't want to waste any money if I know she'll not be granted a visa. Is there a work around?

Cheers.

Dan.

[elcent]

Thais can always change their names for 30 Baht. I don't think that criminal record if any goes with the new name. I suspect that records are subject of business too in some cases.

[Danielson2702]

I suspect that records are subject of business too in some cases.

That's the word around the campfire. It's the cost and guarantee that concern me. The thing is, to change names at this stage will only put the whole process back many moons and would only serve as being detrimental.

[goldfinger]

what was the reason for the 6 month (in jail??)

there should be some paperwork available

[Danielson2702]

what was the reason for the 6 month (in jail??)

there should be some paperwork available

She couldn't pay the fine/bribe for possession (small) and was subsequently jailed. That's all the information I'm prepared to offer. What I need to is how I can obtain her full background check.

[SeanMoran]

She couldn't pay the fine/bribe for possession (small) and was subsequently jailed. That's all the information I'm prepared to offer. What I need to is how I can obtain her full background check.

I'd suggest you leave that up to the authorities, for your heart's sake.

[7by7]

What country are you thinking of applying to?

If the UK then, depending on the sentence and how long ago, her record may have no adverse effect on her application, see here.

But being discovered trying to cover it up will!

[Danielson2702]

What country are you thinking of applying to?

But being discovered trying to cover it up will!

The application is for the UK and it's for a fiance visa as the lady is question is not employed proper. Of course, I understand that any attempt to hide information will be adverse but, it's a great worry, to her and, to me. I guess honesty is the best policy and her offence was only a minor for which she served six months.

[7by7]

As you can see from my earlier link, Para 320(18) of the immigration rules does not apply when the offence if committed in the UK would attract a maximum sentence of less than 12 months.

Unfortunately, possession of a class C drug would attract a maximum sentence of 12 months (see here); class B or A longer. So Para 320(18) will apply.

However, if the conviction is deemed to be spent under the The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 then, again, Para 320(18) would not apply. The period for a 6 month sentence to be spent is 7 years, so her conviction is not yet spent.

Even though her conviction is not spent, she may still be in with a chance as Para 320(18) has the exception of "admission would be justified for strong compassionate reasons" and it may be that an application as a fiance or spouse would be covered by this.

However, I am at the limit of my knowledge here. So unless someone with more knowledge of this area than I posts you may need to consider seeking professional help. If you do, then I strongly advise you to read this first.

You say

it's for a fiance visa as the lady is question is not employed proper

Which suggests that you may be considering using a fiance visa for a visit. If so; don't. Only apply for a fiance visa if it is the intention of you both to marry and live together indefinitely in the UK. If she were to be issued a fiance visa and return to Thailand without marrying you then were you to decide in the future to marry and apply for settlement she would have to explain why she did not marry you this time.

[Danielson2702]

I forgot to mention that she served the time in a Thai jail.

[7by7]

I assumed that to be the case.

Para 320(18) says conviction in any country including the United Kingdom of an offence which, if committed in the United Kingdom......

So for the purposes of assessing a visa application, they look at what would have happened had she committed the offence in the UK.

[Danielson2702]

I assumed that to be the case.

Para 320(18) says conviction in any country including the United Kingdom of an offence which, if committed in the United Kingdom......

So for the purposes of assessing a visa application, they look at what would have happened had she committed the offence in the UK.

She wouldn't have got six months. So I guess we could be worrying about nothing...

So, to close. Be honest and hope for the best.

Thanks for the input and the links.

It's all appreciated

Cheers

Dan.

[Colabamumbai]

There are agencies here in Bangkok that offer to check on your Thai girlfriend when you are away. Im sure one of them could go to a police station and see if she has a criminal record, they all have cop friends as you state and to what degree, how many offences. This would be the least expensive, how much could they charge you $50. bucks maybe.

Don't tell them about the offence you are aware of, that way you will know if they are honest when you get the result....Just my suggestion and not to hard to accomplish.

[cricketer]

My wife sometimes works with children in the UK and last year she had to get the Thai version of a CRB. We went to police headquarters in Bangkok, we paid extra to get the document issued in a day. She has never been in trouble with the BIB, so no problem. This might be a way of finding out if your GF has any further convictions that she hasn't told you about.

[damian5000]

what was the reason for the 6 month (in jail??)

there should be some paperwork available

She couldn't pay the fine/bribe for possession (small) and was subsequently jailed. That's all the information I'm prepared to offer. What I need to is how I can obtain her full background check.

This is classic.

[kiwijor]

Hi, The details of the Document required for police clearance application is as follows, Go to The Police Clearance Center at Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Rama 1, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.

You need a copy of her Passport,

A copy of her Thai ID card,

A copy of her house registration,

A copy of her Marriage or Divorce Certificate,

A requesting letter Fromm your Embassy, "if available",

Copy of name or surname Change is required.

Take all that to Police HQ as above, It will take a few days, and cost about 300 baht.

KiwiJor.

[Latindancer]

Hi, The details of the Document required for police clearance application is as follows, Go to The Police Clearance Center at Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Rama 1, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.

You need a copy of her Passport,

A copy of her Thai ID card,

A copy of her house registration,

A copy of her Marriage or Divorce Certificate,

A requesting letter Fromm your Embassy, "if available",

Copy of name or surname Change is required.

Take all that to Police HQ as above, It will take a few days, and cost about 300 baht.

KiwiJor.

It seems we have a winner ! And all for only 300 baht.

[ppmacready]

I forgot to mention that she served the time in a Thai jail.

Gee, she sounds that REALLY ''special'' type!

Your a lucky man.

Putting the house in her name will show them how confident YOU are that it will all work out.

[Danielson2702]

I forgot to mention that she served the time in a Thai jail.

Gee, she sounds that REALLY ''special'' type!

Your a lucky man.

Putting the house in her name will show them how confident YOU are that it will all work out.

To begin with, your grammar is below par. It's you're, not your. I have no assets, only the money I earn from my job. So, if she wants to cut my flat screen in half, she's more than welcome to it. But, there's no way I'm letting her take the xbox. Look, maybe you don't see the world as I do. In my opinion, everybody makes mistakes, we are but human and none of us are infallible. Sometimes everyone has to swim upstream. I certainly don't judge people for their past mistakes as it is those mistakes that they hopefully learn from. I've been to prison. I did some time in Pentonville 18 years ago because of a dispute over money. Does that mean I'll not ever have a chance of ever being -as you put it- "special?"

Edited February 2, 2010 by Danielson2702