Charges for Immigration Home Visits.

[connda]

Exceptional home visit for retirement extension, whatever next ? but charge em 1000 baht lol.

1000 bahts is cheap compared to hiring an agent and traveling down there to PM and waiting from 5 to 5 and possibly returning the next day for your passport. Does one have to be sick to avail themselves of this service. I can borrow my neighbors wheelchair as well.

...and you promote the practice of corruption? In this case, I'd take them to task. You're advocating becoming a complicit partner out of fear. Weakling! Really?

Ask for a receipt. If you get one, report them to the corruption line with receipt in hand. Otherwise, tell them F/O.

Edited December 22, 2015 by connda

[connda]

If you feel lonely move to Kap Choeng and you will have visitors.

Since a while I read about these home visits even for retirees.

They have too much time and staff!

Thats would be worth reporting.

Fortunately in Khon Kaen they are busy enough.

In Chiang Mai, they have the staff for home visits, but not the staff to process the increasing numbers of retirees living in the region. I'm thinking...."Problem".

In CM, they have visited our home, and never asked for a donation, and I live a considerable distance from CM. Which is good. Because by now, you'd understand the reception they'd get. If they don't want to drive so far, they can establish an office in Lampang.

Edited December 22, 2015 by connda

[robblok]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

There is a difference between giving someone money, because of good services and a bribe that is demanded. They are not entitled to this money but they ask for it. Totally different story.

[connda]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

Thank you for sponsoring, supporting, and promoting corruption in Thailand, and in whatever country you come from.

Edited December 22, 2015 by connda

[johnmell]

I have just done first marriage extension at Nakhon Phanom immigration and only paid 1,900 Baht. Cannot understand why your friend had to pay 2,900. Had a home visit from 3 immigration police and no fee asked for regarding travel expenses.

[willyumiii]

I can understand a home visit for a Non O visa based on marriage to confirm that you are married and living with your wife...

But why a home visit for a retirement Non O?

To confirm that you are retired and relaxing?

Can anyone explain the logic of this?

Edited December 22, 2015 by willyumiii

[gamini]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

Thank you for sponsoring, supporting, and promoting corruption in Thailand, and in whatever country you come from.

I guess you don't know the meaning of Boxing Day. Look it up on Google. I pity you for your ignorance

[gamini]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

There is a difference between giving someone money, because of good services and a bribe that is demanded. They are not entitled to this money but they ask for it. Totally different story.

They expect some kind of Tip because most Thais would do so. Because they are much more generous than the average Farang here. So perhaps that's why they ask for something. And why do they have to come to your house? because so many farangs marry a Thai girl so they can stay here. So they check up to see whether the marriage is genuine, or one of convenience. perhaps you look like one of these people because none of my friends married to Thais or I have ever had at any time, any visits by the police to our houses. But as I said, perhaps we live in different worlds from you

Edited December 22, 2015 by gamini

[big carl]

They want money,

Ask for a receipt and take their photo.

Then complain to the generals corruption line.

Yes, i though of that, but you know like others, they are a law unto themselves.

They have you by the b*lls. One is in a no win situation with corrupt officials.

If I refuse then they could easily block my visa as they make up their own rules as they go along.

Not a nice situation to be in but what can one do. Nowt

It would depend on the amount they want. I my self highly enjoy living here in Thailand. The immigration people are the ones who I definitely do not want to piss off. I have seen on Thai Visa to many times the things they do to make it hard on you. Particularly on the Marriage yearly extensions.

[gk10002000]

Being sociable might not hurt. Offer them some Thai deserts, maybe a cold Iced Tea if it is a hot day or even a beer if he looks like a friendly chap.

[uptheos]

I wouldn't answer the door. Let them come back again, like we have to, countless times.

Unless they've given you a definite appointment time, do as above.

[onetime]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

Yeah, you live in a different world alright.

Just because people have money does not mean they owe others any of it. If you want to have something, money included, get off your arse and make it happen.

Running around with a piss poor attitude and an outstretched hand is tantamount to begging, and an admittance that you're incapable of doing anything substantial in life.

[ratcatcher]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

"Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful."

No, you are quite wrong about most of what you said, but right about the fact that you live in a different world from the people you so easily insult.

Immigration Officers are members of the Royal Thai Police Force (Immigration division) they are not tradesmen, plumbers or service personnel at a restaurant. These immigration officers are required, on most occasions, to pay an initial visit to people extending their permission to stay based on a Thai wife, and latterly those on retirement extensions in areas where that has become an official requirement. Most of these officers are reasonably well paid by Thai standards.

Being co-operative, polite and sociable always helps things move along in this country.

Some officers have hinted at, requested (demanded) "tips" for petrol etc and as others have pointed out, this is pure and simple corruption. Offering the officer/s refreshments or a bag of fruit etc is being sociable, but not necessary.

If you are comfortable and happy to make large donations to their pockets, feel free, but don't accuse others of meanness if they decide against it.

In the area of the lower north in which we live, the immigration officers are pleasant and helpful. Respect on the other hand, is mutually earned.

[robblok]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

There is a difference between giving someone money, because of good services and a bribe that is demanded. They are not entitled to this money but they ask for it. Totally different story.

They expect some kind of Tip because most Thais would do so. Because they are much more generous than the average Farang here. So perhaps that's why they ask for something. And why do they have to come to your house? because so many farangs marry a Thai girl so they can stay here. So they check up to see whether the marriage is genuine, or one of convenience. perhaps you look like one of these people because none of my friends married to Thais or I have ever had at any time, any visits by the police to our houses. But as I said, perhaps we live in different worlds from you

We indeed live in different worlds, tipping someone for doing their job (in a normal way without extra service) is crazy. Demanding money is even crazier. They came by my house because its part of their job and they were ordered to do so not as a service to me. It was bothersome to say the least and the fact that they came more as once while it was completely clear I was married and we were living together made it even more stupid. Had they asked for fuel money I would have laughed hard at them (i live 2 km from the immigration). I was probably chosen a few years in a row because I was an easy mark easy to accomplish and get the numbers of visit up.

I don't think we live in different worlds we just have different morals, demanding money or tips is bad and looks a lot like a bribe to me. Giving a tip for good service, sure I always do that I buy a black label bottle of wisky and give it to the mailman. I have done so for many years because I receive a more then average amount of parcels and I have never lost one. So giving out of my own free will a bottle of johny walker black label (far more worth as a bit of fuel money) is worth it to me.

I just don't make a fool out of myself by giving money when demanded for a service that is their job and that they already get an allowance for. Its a bribe nothing more nothing less.

[55Jay]

A friend of mine went yesterday to Korat Immigration for his first extension based on a Non-Immigrant-O Married Visa. He had to pay 2.900 Baht (with receipt, no teamoney!). He asked why 1.000 Baht more as usual? They told him, it is only for the first extension, the next will cost 1.900 Baht.

May be that this is the new Price inv´cluding the visit at home!

Look in his passport. Did they give him a single re-entry permit @ 1,000 Baht?

They ask me every time I pick up my approved extension. Comes across as being anxious to sell me the stamp, but I think they are trying to be helpful by anticipating what is often requested by many western foreigners who get it all done in one visit vs. having to come back later for a re-entry permit.

[55Jay]

what a crowd of cheapskates on this forum who have nothing better to do than bash everything in Thailand. These posters have hundreds of thousands of baht their bank accounts, equaling 5 to 10 years pay for the average immigration officer and they begrudge a few Baht. Perhaps I live in a different world from them and have a different backround, but it is always been our custom to give a small tip to tradesmen, police officers, the postman and others like immigration and consequently I've always found them respectful pleasant and helpful.

What country do you come from where it is customary to tip police and the postman?

[Nomad97]

Last week I applied for an extension of stay based upon retirement at KCI (Surin Province). I was given a stamp in my passport to say that the application was under consideration, informed that I would receive a home visit and to return to Immigration in 30 days time. Two days later, and 10 minutes after a courtesy phone call, 3 men from Immigration turned up at the house. I was required to find 2 witnesses who had house books and ID cards to vouch for me. Everything was conducted in a friendly manner, photos were taken, documents were signed and they departed within the hour. At no time did they ask for any money (and none was offered).

Edited December 23, 2015 by Nomad97

[stommeln11]

A friend of mine went yesterday to Korat Immigration for his first extension based on a Non-Immigrant-O Married Visa. He had to pay 2.900 Baht (with receipt, no teamoney!). He asked why 1.000 Baht more as usual? They told him, it is only for the first extension, the next will cost 1.900 Baht.

May be that this is the new Price inv´cluding the visit at home!

Look in his passport. Did they give him a single re-entry permit @ 1,000 Baht?

They ask me every time I pick up my approved extension. Comes across as being anxious to sell me the stamp, but I think they are trying to be helpful by anticipating what is often requested by many western foreigners who get it all done in one visit vs. having to come back later for a re-entry permit.

No, he paid 2.900 Bath and got e receipt. In his passport he has the normel stamp to come back in 1 month to get the married-extension.

[OMGImInPattaya]

I wouldn't answer the door. Let them come back again, like we have to, countless times.

Pretty stupid advice...they'ed probably deny the visa extension based on incomplete documentation.

[nidieunimaitre]

I wouldn't answer the door. Let them come back again, like we have to, countless times.

Pretty stupid advice...they'ed probably deny the visa extension based on incomplete documentation.

This is why in the past 8 years I have always used non im o visas, obtained in my home country.

They can be stretched to 17 months if you are married to a Thai.