Good Way To Avoid Overcharging At Phuket Immigration.

[pagallim]

Next week I'll be going for what will be my fifth retirement extension. I've never paid anything other than the 1900 baht required, nor have I been asked to. Maybe I just look too poor..........

[kawapower]

If you go to Immigration with millions in the account you use for visa purposes it's not surprising they ask you for a tip!!

[hkt83100]

How old first(over/under 50) time you visited Immigration in Phuket?

First time was in 1994, I was on Visa B multiple entry with work permit. Later I retired and about 3 month after my 50th birthday I got my retirement extension. First time application took about 20 minutes, and it's never been longer since then, I guess most times under 15 minutes. I usually got all my papers complete, copies signed, speak to them in Thai and last not least I am used to dress politely. The last 90-days-report took about 5 minutes, for free.

[Jimi007]

Fair enough Jimi but do you have big money in a bank account here which they know you can draw on

No. I have never shown immigration in Thailand any bank books. They do want a copy of the front of one of my Thai ATM cards though. They say I have to show that I can get my money here.

[Felt 35]

How old first(over/under 50) time you visited Immigration in Phuket?

First time was in 1994, I was on Visa B multiple entry with work permit. Later I retired and about 3 month after my 50th birthday I got my retirement extension. First time application took about 20 minutes, and it's never been longer since then, I guess most times under 15 minutes. I usually got all my papers complete, copies signed, speak to them in Thai and last not least I am used to dress politely. The last 90-days-report took about 5 minutes, for free.

Okay, only curious,because they never seem to believe my age even if passport in front of them.

[xylophone]

We must assume all the people that have a problem at immigration are disliked by the immigration officers!!

You can assume what you like. The guy I had trouble with is like that with everyone and he was moved off the extensions desk to the front desk. I get on quite well with the extension officers and I think that's why they act friendly and ask for lunch money. Never asked for anything at the front desk with notification/extension (other than the fee). Always asked for 500 baht for Residence Certificate which I only offer 100 baht and tell then there is no charge.

Explain why some have a big problem whereas others do not? There must be a reason!!

My experience is that if you go in properly attired, with all you copies and paperwork in order, they will quickly stamp your paperwork, collect the fee, give you the receipt and send you on your way...

Great that you have experienced this, but I as one of many, have not, despite being well dressed and clean shaven AND with the correct paperwork (posted my experiences on a similar thread and they do not make pleasant reading). They are nothing more than a bunch of arrogant crooks in my opinion.

[Jimi007]

You can assume what you like. The guy I had trouble with is like that with everyone and he was moved off the extensions desk to the front desk. I get on quite well with the extension officers and I think that's why they act friendly and ask for lunch money. Never asked for anything at the front desk with notification/extension (other than the fee). Always asked for 500 baht for Residence Certificate which I only offer 100 baht and tell then there is no charge.

Explain why some have a big problem whereas others do not? There must be a reason!!

My experience is that if you go in properly attired, with all you copies and paperwork in order, they will quickly stamp your paperwork, collect the fee, give you the receipt and send you on your way...

Great that you have experienced this, but I as one of many, have not, despite being well dressed and clean shaven AND with the correct paperwork (posted my experiences on a similar thread and they do not make pleasant reading). They are nothing more than a bunch of arrogant crooks in my opinion.

And as I posted before, it took me 15 minutes last month from the time I pulled into the parking lot until the time I was leaving with my one year visa extension and receipt for 1,900 Baht. Almost the same the year before, except I wanted to renew 60 days before my expiration date. The captain approved it without any "tea money" involved. It takes me about 5 minutes to do my 90 day checkin. I've never had a problem with the Phuket office in the seven years I've dealt with them. The Patong office was much more tea money oriented it seemed to me... But they're out of business now.

[Felt 35]

Report coming soon. I shall do my first entre down there in 11 years soon. So if the TV members read about "farang" shot or arrested at Immigration its one less occupant on the board.

[LivinginKata]

<snip>

And as I posted before, it took me 15 minutes last month from the time I pulled into the parking lot until the time I was leaving with my one year visa extension and receipt for 1,900 Baht.

I'm guessing that is a retirement extension ? Lot more paperwork & hassle for a married extension.

[Jimi007]

<snip>

And as I posted before, it took me 15 minutes last month from the time I pulled into the parking lot until the time I was leaving with my one year visa extension and receipt for 1,900 Baht.

I'm guessing that is a retirement extension ? Lot more paperwork & hassle for a married extension.

Yes, a retirement extension. I'm old!

[LivinginKata]

<snip>

And as I posted before, it took me 15 minutes last month from the time I pulled into the parking lot until the time I was leaving with my one year visa extension and receipt for 1,900 Baht.

I'm guessing that is a retirement extension ? Lot more paperwork & hassle for a married extension.

Yes, a retirement extension. I'm old!

Me too ..... Back when I used the retirement method (when it was reduced from 55 to 50) it was a pleasure to apply for the retirement, granted on the spot. Prior to that I used the marriage route with lots of hassle, then I needed a work permit and I could not use the retirement route any more. Back to marriage method with income/tax/company paperwork. This causes the immigration officers a lot more time and paperwork plus typing out statements from me and the wife, plus the paperwork needs sent to Bangkok for approval and requires a visit every 30 days until Bangkok approves the extension. I believe that's why they 'look for' the lunch money.

[Jimi007]

<snip>

And as I posted before, it took me 15 minutes last month from the time I pulled into the parking lot until the time I was leaving with my one year visa extension and receipt for 1,900 Baht.

I'm guessing that is a retirement extension ? Lot more paperwork & hassle for a married extension.

Yes, a retirement extension. I'm old!

Me too ..... Back when I used the retirement method (when it was reduced from 55 to 50) it was a pleasure to apply for the retirement, granted on the spot. Prior to that I used the marriage route with lots of hassle, then I needed a work permit and I could not use the retirement route any more. Back to marriage method with income/tax/company paperwork. This causes the immigration officers a lot more time and paperwork plus typing out statements from me and the wife, plus the paperwork needs sent to Bangkok for approval and requires a visit every 30 days until Bangkok approves the extension. I believe that's why they 'look for' the lunch money.

My timing was pretty good. I was doing visa runs to Myanmar every 30 days until turned 50. They changed the laws that same year, at least as far as getting 30 days for a re-entry from Myanmar. What year was it changed from 55 years old to 50?

[LivinginKata]

My timing was pretty good. I was doing visa runs to Myanmar every 30 days until turned 50. They changed the laws that same year, at least as far as getting 30 days for a re-entry from Myanmar. What year was it changed from 55 years old to 50?

My guess would be about year 2002. I arrived Phuket in 1996 when it was still 60 for retirement extension.

[hkt83100]

My guess would be about year 2002. I arrived Phuket in 1996 when it was still 60 for retirement extension.

My first retirement extension dates back to April 3rd, 2003. It was the time when they extended your last entry to one year, not one year from the application. Since that time I am on my third passport. By the way, my birth year is 1952.

[huuwi]

But if you only heard it and its never happened to you what are you worrying about? Have never had it happend to me but I have HEARD on some occasions the corrupt immigration officers will give you a break on the over stay fees and not charge for each actual day!!!

maybe they are balancing the kick backs.

you are correct, happen to me.

[pagallim]

If I still smoked, I would be having a 'Hamlet moment'. This morning, a new Retirement Visa, plus 90 day report, both done in 20 minutes. A bargain at 1900 baht!

[Felt 35]

I bend my neck and bow and withdrew herby my skeptism. I got my retirement visa and multiple re- entry in about 30-40 minutes yesterday. It was busy in the office but not extremely. I was not asked for any tip but I had exactly amount of cash with me for the extension and reentry.

Let’s hope this is permanent change and that everyone gets fair and equal treatment whatever they apply for at the Immigration office.