Lets put a stop to corruption at Phuket Town Immigration office!

[NamKangMan]

would be nice with some reports on getting a proof of residence in Town and Patong..

I went on Oct. 16 for the proof, and I got it for free. ;-)

Question is ... were you asked for any money ? I have been asked in the past, but refused, pointing out that certificate attracted no 'fee', and paid nothing.

Yes I was asked (whispering) for 300, and I asked for a receipt. That ended the discussion. It was at counter 3, the guy with the old-fashioned glasses.

The last time I needed a Certificate of Residence (for a licence) it was a while ago now, and in Phuket Town.

An overweight Thai guy, on the end of the desk/counter, issued the cerificate to me, no "whisper" - he said straight out, "300 baht." I paid.

He was dripping with a lot of gold (rings and a big necklace) I gave him a 500 baht note and he pulled out a huge wad of money from his pocket and gave me the change.

As I left, the next lamb walked up and sat down.

The next time I am due - I will play my part and politely try to refuse.

Edited October 19, 2014 by NamKangMan

[merijn]

How about these farang volunteers who been telling people for years that this free papers cost but they know it's free, are they not here to help us..?

Offcourse they know that it should be for free but what do you expect them to do?

Tell the officers how to do their job, like they will listen.

[JetsetBkk]

Phuket expats, tourists called to report corrupt officials

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket office announced today that foreign expats and tourists in Phuket can report cases of corruption to its officers.

“We are encouraging all foreigners on the island to come forward with any allegations of corruption involving local government officials,” said Tawichat Nillakan of the NACC Phuket office.

Complaints can be lodged at the NACC office at Provincial Hall from November 5-7, between 9am and 4pm.

http://www.thephuketforum.net/General-News-13/Phuket-expats-tourists-called-to-report-corrupt-officials-38327-n.html

There's even a map of how to get there.

Dämn! I went right past it twice today!

[robblok]

Just be happy you got the option of paying for it here in Nothaburi (above BKK) they dont give the certificate paid for or free. Id rather pay tea-money then to pay more at my embassy.

[sfokevin]

I wish the Chiang Mai News had a reporter like this:

http://www.phuketgazette.net/articles/articles/get_article_detail/37149

Edited January 15, 2015 by sfokevin

[lowprofile]

would be nice with some reports on getting a proof of residence in Town and Patong..

I went on Oct. 16 for the proof, and I got it for free. ;-)

Question is ... were you asked for any money ? I have been asked in the past, but refused, pointing out that certificate attracted no 'fee', and paid nothing.

Yes I was asked (whispering) for 300, and I asked for a receipt. That ended the discussion. It was at counter 3, the guy with the old-fashioned glasses.

Counter 3, that's the man!....

My landlady had to deal with him some time ago, lovely lady from a rather influential local family - "I can't believe it, he talked down to me". Now she knows what it is like to be a farang in there.

[Bogan Koori]

I always pay the amount asked to help move things along quicker. I even give them a tip when it's really fast. I don't see why people get so worked up. It's 5 or 6 dollars

[hansgruber]

People will rue the day when corruption is stamped out. The backdoor little deals to make life easier will be gone and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done.

[gamba]

Wife and I was on Phuket town Amphur to get a new ID and passport and no problem. Now when I was there I also ask for a yellow book. Even have all the paper ready I was told the “big person” want 5000 baht to sign the paper. Has anyone in TV lately experience to make this 'tabien baan book. I was told I have non chance whatever to get this book if not pay 5000. Is this the “price” or is it radical more up now?

[agogohome]

Wife and I was on Phuket town Amphur to get a new ID and passport and no problem. Now when I was there I also ask for a yellow book. Even have all the paper ready I was told the “big person” want 5000 baht to sign the paper. Has anyone in TV lately experience to make this 'tabien baan book. I was told I have non chance whatever to get this book if not pay 5000. Is this the “price” or is it radical more up now?

Can I suggest you get the name of the 'big person' and take it to the Damrongtham Centre at City Hall. I can't remember now, but I think there's no charge for the yellow book - other than the usual 20 baht service charge. Someone can correct me, if I'm wrong!

[merijn]

Wife and I was on Phuket town Amphur to get a new ID and passport and no problem. Now when I was there I also ask for a yellow book. Even have all the paper ready I was told the “big person” want 5000 baht to sign the paper. Has anyone in TV lately experience to make this 'tabien baan book. I was told I have non chance whatever to get this book if not pay 5000. Is this the “price” or is it radical more up now?

Can I suggest you get the name of the 'big person' and take it to the Damrongtham Centre at City Hall. I can't remember now, but I think there's no charge for the yellow book - other than the usual 20 baht service charge. Someone can correct me, if I'm wrong!

Correct the Yellow book should be for free except for the normal (20 baht) service charge.

[gamba]

Wife and I was on Phuket town Amphur to get a new ID and passport and no problem. Now when I was there I also ask for a yellow book. Even have all the paper ready I was told the “big person” want 5000 baht to sign the paper. Has anyone in TV lately experience to make this 'tabien baan book. I was told I have non chance whatever to get this book if not pay 5000. Is this the “price” or is it radical more up now?

Can I suggest you get the name of the 'big person' and take it to the Damrongtham Centre at City Hall. I can't remember now, but I think there's no charge for the yellow book - other than the usual 20 baht service charge. Someone can correct me, if I'm wrong!

The problem I cannot go to Damrongtham and put my Phuket stay in risk. As farang it can be difficult for you to stay in Phuket especially if you are tied up with Business, property, family etc. Believe me, I know one farang who had to leave Phuket with business, family etc. to other part of Thailand. I don't mind to pay 5000 if goes to the public box but not to one corrupt public servant "big" person. I live here many years already without the yellow book but just like to know the if someone TV have obtain the book recently.

[agogohome]

Wife and I was on Phuket town Amphur to get a new ID and passport and no problem. Now when I was there I also ask for a yellow book. Even have all the paper ready I was told the “big person” want 5000 baht to sign the paper. Has anyone in TV lately experience to make this 'tabien baan book. I was told I have non chance whatever to get this book if not pay 5000. Is this the “price” or is it radical more up now?

Can I suggest you get the name of the 'big person' and take it to the Damrongtham Centre at City Hall. I can't remember now, but I think there's no charge for the yellow book - other than the usual 20 baht service charge. Someone can correct me, if I'm wrong!

The problem I cannot go to Damrongtham and put my Phuket stay in risk. As farang it can be difficult for you to stay in Phuket especially if you are tied up with Business, property, family etc. Believe me, I know one farang who had to leave Phuket with business, family etc. to other part of Thailand. I don't mind to pay 5000 if goes to the public box but not to one corrupt public servant "big" person. I live here many years already without the yellow book but just like to know the if someone TV have obtain the book recently.

Out of interest, can I ask why you want the yellow book? I've never found any practical use for it! They're not accepted as proof of address for buying a new, or 2nd hand vehicle - you still need a letter from immigration. (on Phuket....before someone kicks off they've done it elsewhere!).

[gamba]

Your right, do not need it but just the feeling that I have house book same my wife and children. I only want to apply because I was there anyway.

[crusty]

Yes, I would agree that the Transport Office is a delight to use. Friendly staff, willing to attempt to explain in English, never a hint of corruption.

Yes, cheeky sense of humour too. When I opened a packet of photographs and asked the lady "Do you want big ones or small ones ?" she looked me in the eye and with a straight face said "I like big ones !"

[DrDave]

Phuket expats, tourists called to report corrupt officials

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket office announced today that foreign expats and tourists in Phuket can report cases of corruption to its officers.

“We are encouraging all foreigners on the island to come forward with any allegations of corruption involving local government officials,” said Tawichat Nillakan of the NACC Phuket office.

Complaints can be lodged at the NACC office at Provincial Hall from November 5-7, between 9am and 4pm.

http://www.thephuketforum.net/General-News-13/Phuket-expats-tourists-called-to-report-corrupt-officials-38327-n.html

There's even a map of how to get there.

Dämn! I went right past it twice today!

There is such a simple solution to this problem, but it will never be implemented.

If Immigration HQ in Bangkok would provide signage (in Thai and English) with each service/document and the corresponding cost (including those with no charge), and require that these signs be displayed in a prominent area of each office, the problem would all but disappear. Offices with no signage could be reported to HQ.

I wouldn't be surprised if a local office would "update" the rates on the signs. To counter this, an image of the official signs/rates could be posted on Immigration's website, and any deviations from the official signage/rates could be reported to HQ as well.

Such a simple solution - but will never happen.

[agogohome]

Phuket expats, tourists called to report corrupt officials

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket office announced today that foreign expats and tourists in Phuket can report cases of corruption to its officers.

“We are encouraging all foreigners on the island to come forward with any allegations of corruption involving local government officials,” said Tawichat Nillakan of the NACC Phuket office.

Complaints can be lodged at the NACC office at Provincial Hall from November 5-7, between 9am and 4pm.

http://www.thephuketforum.net/General-News-13/Phuket-expats-tourists-called-to-report-corrupt-officials-38327-n.html

There's even a map of how to get there.

Dämn! I went right past it twice today!

There is such a simple solution to this problem, but it will never be implemented.

If Immigration HQ in Bangkok would provide signage (in Thai and English) with each service/document and the corresponding cost (including those with no charge), and require that these signs be displayed in a prominent area of each office, the problem would all but disappear. Offices with no signage could be reported to HQ.

I wouldn't be surprised if a local office would "update" the rates on the signs. To counter this, an image of the official signs/rates could be posted on Immigration's website, and any deviations from the official signage/rates could be reported to HQ as well.

Such a simple solution - but will never happen.

All immigration offices used to have large boards on their walls, with the schedule of fees for each serrvice clearly displayed (in Thai & English). It's obvious to anyone why they've been removed over the years!

[agogohome]

Your right, do not need it but just the feeling that I have house book same my wife and children. I only want to apply because I was there anyway.

I agree entirely - it would be nice to know that you're in the system and accepted as part of a Thai family. My experience is from a close neighbour and friend that's got one. He hasn't found a single use for it yet - which put me off bothering. For your amusement, it cost him a genuine Manchester United T' shirt, to get it. LOL

[Headgame]

Went today to Patong Immigration for my 90 day report. In and out in 4 minutes. Service with a smile and no fees requested. All new staff. Excellent service. Very busy as well but well organized compared to previous visits.

[agogohome]

Went today to Patong Immigration for my 90 day report. In and out in 4 minutes. Service with a smile and no fees requested. All new staff. Excellent service. Very busy as well but well organized compared to previous visits.

That's good to hear. I wish the same could be said for the office in Phuket town. It took me the best part of 2 hours to do my reporting last month. The new office downlstairs is an overcrowded shambles - completely unorganised with the ticket system not working properly. I joined a long queue of people, only to find it eventually lead to the photo copy counter.

[uptheos]

Dream on

I am going to let you into a little secret

It not just Phuket immigration who are like this but the whole establishment in Thailand

From the top until the bottom ...

It also once pissed me off but I just learned to go with the flow as it's better for my blood pressure

I'm aware of that! .... I've never paid a single penny in the 17 years I've lived here, and if everyone else refused to, the whole issue would go away.

How many Certificate of Residence's do you get in say 5 years?

I know, it's the principle right?

Just by pass them and pay $50 up from your consulate........that'll teach em.

[merijn]

Went today to Patong Immigration for my 90 day report. In and out in 4 minutes. Service with a smile and no fees requested. All new staff. Excellent service. Very busy as well but well organized compared to previous visits.

That's good to hear. I wish the same could be said for the office in Phuket town. It took me the best part of 2 hours to do my reporting last month. The new office downlstairs is an overcrowded shambles - completely unorganised with the ticket system not working properly. I joined a long queue of people, only to find it eventually lead to the photo copy counter.

Maybe they saw you struggling as there is now a new ticket machine for all different task and the copy counter is moved outside of the office.

[agogohome]

Went today to Patong Immigration for my 90 day report. In and out in 4 minutes. Service with a smile and no fees requested. All new staff. Excellent service. Very busy as well but well organized compared to previous visits.

That's good to hear. I wish the same could be said for the office in Phuket town. It took me the best part of 2 hours to do my reporting last month. The new office downlstairs is an overcrowded shambles - completely unorganised with the ticket system not working properly. I joined a long queue of people, only to find it eventually lead to the photo copy counter.

Maybe they saw you struggling as there is now a new ticket machine for all different task and the copy counter is moved outside of the office.

Me... and the other 100+ lost souls milling around, not knowing where to go - or who to ask. Hate the damn place! LOL

[NamKangMan]

People will rue the day when corruption is stamped out. The backdoor little deals to make life easier will be gone and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done.

"and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done." - unless we are complaining that the "few baht" has become a few thousand baht.

[hansgruber]

People will rue the day when corruption is stamped out. The backdoor little deals to make life easier will be gone and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done.

"and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done." - unless we are complaining that the "few baht" has become a few thousand baht.

Stop searching my posts out for debate.

I can't babysit you online all day.

[NamKangMan]

People will rue the day when corruption is stamped out. The backdoor little deals to make life easier will be gone and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done.

"and then we will be complaining here about the good old days when you could sling them a few baht and done." - unless we are complaining that the "few baht" has become a few thousand baht.

Stop searching my posts out for debate.

I can't babysit you online all day.

You do know, there's no obligation to reply.