I have been extending my stay now for 3 years and this is the first time that I have encountered being photographed with my family via a webcam by the immigration officer during the interview process. The photo, along with personal details about me copied from my TM7 and passport, were uploaded to the Royal Thai Police website. Has anyone else experienced this with other non-immigrant visa applications or extension of stays?

Where was this?

Where was this?

Chiang Mai.

This is a new one on me. But everyone who enters and leaves the Kingdom by air is photographed - maybe just an extension of that procedure.

Or maybe its an indication that Imm is finally going online with their records.

Edited February 16, 201115 yr by clinique

This is a new one on me. But everyone who enters and leaves the Kingdom by air is photographed - maybe just an extension of that procedure.

Or maybe its an indication that Imm is finally going online with their records.

It was not a case of immigration accessing its own website.

The immigration officer actually logged onto the Royal Thai Police website. I watched as she entered a user-name and password to access the website.

Edited February 16, 201115 yr by venturalaw

Webcam photo and electronic index fingerprints have been standard in Bangkok since the move to Chiang Watanna a year ago. Believe all will be doing when equipment is available.

Immigration is a part of the Royal Thai Police.

This is a new one on me. But everyone who enters and leaves the Kingdom by air is photographed - maybe just an extension of that procedure.

Or maybe its an indication that Imm is finally going online with their records.

Anyone who leaves or enters by land border is also photographed on webcam, they are right in front of you while the Immigration Officer deals with your passport.

This is a new one on me. But everyone who enters and leaves the Kingdom by air is photographed - maybe just an extension of that procedure.

Or maybe its an indication that Imm is finally going online with their records.

Anyone who leaves or enters by land border is also photographed on webcam, they are right in front of you while the Immigration Officer deals with your passport.

Been through that procedure many times. However, on this occasion, as previously stated, information from my TM7 form was uploaded, including my home address, and additional information that is not included, i.e. a family photo, when entering or exiting the country. I'm not complaining, merely informing and wondering if this is, as previously stated, occurring to those who hold other types of visas during the application for extension process.

Pee Somchai (Big Brother) is watching you!!

It could be that they are using the Chiang Mai immigration office for a test run of a new procedure to add this additional information into the police computers.