Retirement extension yesterday at Sisaket......

[Frank James]

When it comes time for me to do the annual shuffle I get uptight for days beforehand. I tell myself...jai yen yen. (doesn't help much.) I could go for the marriage visa, but just do the retirement visa because it's easier. I always take my wife with me. She has such a winning personality, she can get the grumpiest official eating from her hand in no time.

I keep in mind that I am here to get that stamp, whatever it takes. If they try to slide some extra little skim in there (100 baht...not worth mentioning) I'm just as likely to hand them two hundred. And to demand a receipt??? That is just asking for trouble. I don't even care if i get a receipt for the 1900 baht, as long as that stamp is in there, properly entered. yassss suh, thank ya kindly, swasdee krap! Bye!

And I silently repeat Barry Sandal's Thailand mantra to myself...Always remember---Who I Am...Where I'm From....Where I Am Now.

Once in a while, we're all going to run into some dick in there who wants to jack us around. No point helping him/her do it, by getting our ego overwrought. Tranquilo...

[Mudcrab]

I have also had a similar experience with the Chiang mai spousal visa investigation section.They became enraged because I said mentioned to them that contrary to what they were telling me the first officials I had dealt with had said something completely different(as we have all experienced)."Which officials -which officials they demanded ,which beet red faces and angry scowls-"Like how many officials are there here dude-you dont know the two women that work in the front-three yards away from your desk"however I just kept my mouth shut, but the longer I remain here I am seeing more and more of this very strong enviousness of we foreigners which is bubbling just below that thin venner of friendliness.Some Thais are just so envious of foreigners they can barely contain themselves as if we are the cause of all their problems.Also people who are in a weak position or suffering from some inferiority complex always love to Lord it over anyone else they might find to be in a weaker position under them.

Actually I am also quite fed up with the tight regulations here on we foreigners and therefore I am looking for another similar place to move to in Asia if anyone knows of such a place.Why should I be even afraid to accept some money in our shop or be afraid that someone might report me for sweeping the floor.That fascist type control is disgusting,when my wife recieved her PR in Canada she was free to work-do business-open accounts etc.etc.immediately and it took only a few short months to recieve the PR,not three years before we could even apply for it,no envelopes or foot dragging to encourage an offer of some cash under the table or constantly being told there is another fee to pay.(nickel and diming)and even the PR fee wasnt that much.Also no one would even think of charging a THai person more for any item than any other Canadian would pay,SO if anyone has any experience in other Asian countries where we might be more welcomed and freer I would welcome your input.Cheers..

You could try Canadasia....seriously where do you live in Thailand?

[ALFREDO]

Actually I am also quite fed up with the tight regulations here on we foreigners and therefore I am looking for another similar place to move to in Asia if anyone knows of such a place.

Regarding Immigration and Visa policy also work permits ect, I recommend CAMBODIA - Sihanoukville by the sea,

-but on the other hand, that country lacks still a lot of infrastructure you used to in TH on every corner!

VISA extensions done from your stool, not necessary to walk to a Immigration office, agents can do that for a small fee on top of the extension fees,

a year is about 360,- Dollars, similar to a years work permit - whatever you want to do, no problem with complex paperwork!

Regarding the OP, I just was yesterday in Udon Immigration and extended my stay for reason having children with a Thai women and staying with them.

I had forgotten to copy my Passport and TM card-entrance stamp - same mistake I make often!

That pages where than copied for me and it was clear for me, that I would, without a word, get nothing back from my 2.000.- Baht I handed over for that deed.

Even, if they had no copies to make for me, I usually give that 100.- Baht as a tee money-tip.

Maybe that was also what the Immigration officials had in mind, as they set a 1.900.- Baht fee and not 2.000.- Baht.

100.- Baht not worth any trouble anyway.

[Sceptict11]

I have also had a similar experience with the Chiang mai spousal visa investigation section.They became enraged because I said mentioned to them that contrary to what they were telling me the first officials I had dealt with had said something completely different(as we have all experienced)."Which officials -which officials they demanded ,which beet red faces and angry scowls-"Like how many officials are there here dude-you dont know the two women that work in the front-three yards away from your desk"however I just kept my mouth shut, but the longer I remain here I am seeing more and more of this very strong enviousness of we foreigners which is bubbling just below that thin venner of friendliness.Some Thais are just so envious of foreigners they can barely contain themselves as if we are the cause of all their problems.Also people who are in a weak position or suffering from some inferiority complex always love to Lord it over anyone else they might find to be in a weaker position under them.

Actually I am also quite fed up with the tight regulations here on we foreigners and therefore I am looking for another similar place to move to in Asia if anyone knows of such a place.Why should I be even afraid to accept some money in our shop or be afraid that someone might report me for sweeping the floor.That fascist type control is disgusting,when my wife recieved her PR in Canada she was free to work-do business-open accounts etc.etc.immediately and it took only a few short months to recieve the PR,not three years before we could even apply for it,no envelopes or foot dragging to encourage an offer of some cash under the table or constantly being told there is another fee to pay.(nickel and diming)and even the PR fee wasnt that much.Also no one would even think of charging a THai person more for any item than any other Canadian would pay,SO if anyone has any experience in other Asian countries where we might be more welcomed and freer I would welcome your input.Cheers..

Best you leave soon.

Canada sounds like a good place !

[squarethecircle]

I have also had a similar experience with the Chiang mai spousal visa investigation section.They became enraged because I said mentioned to them that contrary to what they were telling me the first officials I had dealt with had said something completely different(as we have all experienced)."Which officials -which officials they demanded ,which beet red faces and angry scowls-"Like how many officials are there here dude-you dont know the two women that work in the front-three yards away from your desk"however I just kept my mouth shut, but the longer I remain here I am seeing more and more of this very strong enviousness of we foreigners which is bubbling just below that thin venner of friendliness.Some Thais are just so envious of foreigners they can barely contain themselves as if we are the cause of all their problems.Also people who are in a weak position or suffering from some inferiority complex always love to Lord it over anyone else they might find to be in a weaker position under them.

Actually I am also quite fed up with the tight regulations here on we foreigners and therefore I am looking for another similar place to move to in Asia if anyone knows of such a place.Why should I be even afraid to accept some money in our shop or be afraid that someone might report me for sweeping the floor.That fascist type control is disgusting,when my wife recieved her PR in Canada she was free to work-do business-open accounts etc.etc.immediately and it took only a few short months to recieve the PR,not three years before we could even apply for it,no envelopes or foot dragging to encourage an offer of some cash under the table or constantly being told there is another fee to pay.(nickel and diming)and even the PR fee wasnt that much.Also no one would even think of charging a THai person more for any item than any other Canadian would pay,SO if anyone has any experience in other Asian countries where we might be more welcomed and freer I would welcome your input.Cheers..

555+...you gotta get out of here, boss...what a rant...

[jpduggan]

Well done for standing up to him.

[khrab]

To the OP. Same old story, TiT, Immigration offices, and many other establishments, make up their own rules. By the way, as some (minority I hope) posters keep on saying "Remember, we are guests in this country". BS.

Well, I see it this way:

I am not a guest in Thailand, I am a sponsor of Thailand.

[NoshowJones]

To the OP. Same old story, TiT, Immigration offices, and many other establishments, make up their own rules. By the way, as some (minority I hope) posters keep on saying "Remember, we are guests in this country". BS.

Well, I see it this way:

I am not a guest in Thailand, I am a sponsor of Thailand.

Maybe that's a good way of putting it.

[sms747]

the only way to get rid of corruption is not to give into it, well done to the OP These officials are not badly paid, get free health care cheap loans etc, they should be ashamed of themselves.

Edited December 12, 2013 by sms747

[cronus]

""a copy of your wife's report of foreigner staying at her home""

Yes, the "foreigner" aka her husband! Thailand

[tropo]

I would have just rolled with it, even the extra 100 baht. At least you got your extension.

Try taking your wife to the UK or the US and what you did was a cake walk.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but sometimes you have to "go along to get along." 100 baht?

Have taken my wife and step-daughters to the UK. NO hassle if you meet the requirements and get everything right for presentation at UKBA.

Yes, but if you didn't have your documents in order would you have been abused in the manner the OP was?... and did they demand an off the receipt "service" fee? I very much doubt it and if you were you'd have plenty of options for recourse.

[tropo]

. All in all, your report is sounds like the immigration offers were acting reasonable. Better luck next time and maybe check the local requirements ahead of time.

Seriously? You consider their behaviour reasonable?

Where did you grow up that such behaviour by government officials would be considered "reasonable"? Would you have bent over and put up with such behaviour from officials in your own country?

[Sceptict11]

. All in all, your report is sounds like the immigration offers were acting reasonable. Better luck next time and maybe check the local requirements ahead of time.

Seriously? You consider their behaviour reasonable?

Where did you grow up that such behaviour by government officials would be considered "reasonable"? Would you have bent over and put up with such behaviour from officials in your own country?

Hearing one side of an issue does not allow a judgement to be made !

[Barney R]

You need to change your name to always 12 . 100 baht you are not in America or England you are in Thailand wake up stop whinging . You have cheap food , beer ,transport ,electricity ,water ect ect and you whinge over 100 baht . Go back to your home country if you are unhappy .

[IAMSOBAD]

Just remember that immigration is run by the RTP...BIB...SAME SAME.

They are corrupt and work traffic...immigration... littering...jet ski...taxi...red shirt events...looting of Zen...etc.

Maybe the Army will clean house soon.

Sent from my not so smart phone

[tropo]

Although you thought that you had the 'required' documents you should also be aware that the Immigration Officer is entitled to request any further documents, that he decides are necessary, in order to process your application.

Also even if you provide everything asked for there is no right to an extension, it is still provided at their discretion.

Ref the additional copies the charge was probably 100 baht. They could have sent you away to get them instead. That could well happen next year.

Ref the 'what if I was single', they might have requested documents to prove you lived at the address claimed.

Next year the staff may have changed, if you are lucky.

"At their discretion"? What's wrong with the Thai government making up the rules and criteria for ex pats to live in their country, instead of allowing IOs to suit themselves according to what side of the bed they get out of?

I think you will find that the immigration officer in pretty well every country has, by law, the discretion to allow/disallow any application. Piss them off at your peril.

You are wrong. In developed countries the immigration officials have well laid out guidelines in which they operate. They cannot just refuse for the sake of refusal - perhaps because the official is having a bad day or they don't like the applicant.. Even if they refuse, they need to have a good reason for refusal.

For example, when applying for a visa for Australia, a refusal is accompanied with a long, very detailed reason for the refusal. I know what I'm talking about as I've read 2 tourist visa refusal letters from the Australian immigration office.

What would you do in your country if your wife had to get an extension and the immigration officer later called you to abuse you... as the Thai immigration officer called the OP's wife later on?

[tropo]

. All in all, your report is sounds like the immigration offers were acting reasonable. Better luck next time and maybe check the local requirements ahead of time.

Seriously? You consider their behaviour reasonable?

Where did you grow up that such behaviour by government officials would be considered "reasonable"? Would you have bent over and put up with such behaviour from officials in your own country?

Hearing one side of an issue does not allow a judgement to be made !

.. ok, so why did you make a judgement - i.e. that the officers were acting reasonably?

Allow me to elaborate.... if we take the OP's story as fact, then most definitely the immigration officers were not acting reasonably.

This is not a court room. We make assessments based on what we read.

[louse1953]

I've had no bad experiences with that Imm Office either. For 100b, you card is now marked, Sir . I hope you feel you have made a worthwhile stand. Personally , I'd just pay up and shut up, but that's just me.

Well,i support the ops.stand on petty corruption.If everybody stood up and were counted it may come to an end.

It is the weak that keep this game going,next time it will be a 1000 baht,you gunna let that slide?

[tropo]

Actually I am also quite fed up with the tight regulations here on we foreigners and therefore I am looking for another similar place to move to in Asia if anyone knows of such a place.

Regarding Immigration and Visa policy also work permits ect, I recommend CAMBODIA - Sihanoukville by the sea,

-but on the other hand, that country lacks still a lot of infrastructure you used to in TH on every corner!

VISA extensions done from your stool, not necessary to walk to a Immigration office, agents can do that for a small fee on top of the extension fees,

a year is about 360,- Dollars, similar to a years work permit - whatever you want to do, no problem with complex paperwork!

Regarding the OP, I just was yesterday in Udon Immigration and extended my stay for reason having children with a Thai women and staying with them.

I had forgotten to copy my Passport and TM card-entrance stamp - same mistake I make often!

That pages where than copied for me and it was clear for me, that I would, without a word, get nothing back from my 2.000.- Baht I handed over for that deed.

Even, if they had no copies to make for me, I usually give that 100.- Baht as a tee money-tip.

Maybe that was also what the Immigration officials had in mind, as they set a 1.900.- Baht fee and not 2.000.- Baht.

100.- Baht not worth any trouble anyway.

I have never given a 100 baht tip to the Immigration officers in too many visits to count over 8 years... and neither has it ever been required at the Chonburi office as they have always given change. If they didn't I would ask for it. A simple, "can I please have my change" would suffice. If they asked for a service fee I would ask for an official receipt. I really don't see the problem with this and don't see why people run away scared to ask for their change.

I would rather give it to a street beggar or someone else doing it tough than a well paid immigration officer.

USD 360 for a Cambodian visa is about 11,500 baht. Including a visit to my embassy to get an income letter, the total yearly costs of the retirement extension for me is about 2700 baht. That's a much better deal that Cambodia.

[Tchooptip]

Report them to 1111

My immigration guys are great - happy and smiling and really helpful - and not a single hint of backhanders.

Me too, but my immigration guys are smiling young ladies.

[khrab]

The parking lot of CM IMMI might be a pita and the place overcrowed, but:

Everytime I get my receipt over 1900 baht, the change (100-baht-bill) and the receipt are stapled together so the change cannot get "lost".

[nrasmussen]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

[louse1953]

Time and time again - I recommend when dealing with immigration - record the process on camera (iPhone) and report these crooks who "change the rules"/enforce different rules.

I don't believe you do this openly.

[tropo]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

Did you miss the point? No one's paying bribes - the officials are insisting on keeping the change.

[Sceptict11]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

Did you miss the point? No one's paying bribes - the officials are insisting on keeping the change.

I hope you have good sound evidence for that accusation.

NEVER in many years have I been subject to such behavior from " officials"

[tropo]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

Did you miss the point? No one's paying bribes - the officials are insisting on keeping the change.

I hope you have good sound evidence for that accusation.

NEVER in many years have I been subject to such behavior from " officials"

I already explained in a post just above that I have never been asked for a "tip" or "serivce fee"... however, there have been many, many reports on here over the years about "customers" not being given back their 100 baht change for an extension, in many different branches. I suspect there is some truth to it due to the high number of such reports over the years. Do you think all these forum members are lying? Do you think the OP is lying?

In fact these reports have been so numerous that there is a standing recommendation for people visiting immigration offices to take exact change when paying for a 1900 baht extension.

Edited December 12, 2013 by tropo

[Jip99]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

Isn't it a bit early in your TV career to making smart-arse comments ?

[louse1953]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

Did you miss the point? No one's paying bribes - the officials are insisting on keeping the change.

I hope you have good sound evidence for that accusation.

NEVER in many years have I been subject to such behavior from " officials"

I already explained in a post just above that I have never been asked for a "tip" or "serivce fee"... however, there have been many, many reports on here over the years about "customers" not being given back their 100 baht change for an extension, in many different branches. I suspect there is some truth to it due to the high number of such reports over the years. Do you think all these forum members are lying? Do you think the OP is lying?

In fact these reports have been so numerous that there is a standing recommendation for people visiting immigration offices to take exact change when paying for a 1900 baht extension.

Is it that difficult to give the correct amount,or is that too hard.You got a year to get it together.

[Sceptict11]

Isn't paying bribes a criminal offense in Thailand?

If it is, isn't this thread in violation of this forum rule: "16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand."

Did you miss the point? No one's paying bribes - the officials are insisting on keeping the change.

I hope you have good sound evidence for that accusation.

NEVER in many years have I been subject to such behavior from " officials"

I already explained in a post just above that I have never been asked for a "tip" or "serivce fee"... however, there have been many, many reports on here over the years about "customers" not being given back their 100 baht change for an extension, in many different branches. I suspect there is some truth to it due to the high number of such reports over the years. Do you think all these forum members are lying? Do you think the OP is lying?

In fact these reports have been so numerous that there is a standing recommendation for people visiting immigration offices to take exact change when paying for a 1900 baht extension.

I can only speak from personal experience.

If any "change" has been due to me I have always received it without drama or difficulty.

[CMfoodie]

After spending hours at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane and watching the amount of trashy tourists, expats, and half human, half dressed, pierced circus freaks, tatooed hippies trying to get or renew visas I am surprised the Thai consular workers are so tolerant.