Confusion over controversial new Immigration Form

[ubonjoe]

This story is beginning to break internationally and many reports suggest that anyone applying for a visa to visit Thailand will need to fill out them form. In fact, some stories read as if ALL visitors to Thailand will need to fill out the form.

Rightly or wrongly, this will be the inaccurate (verging on sensational) story that is designed to attract people's attention.

Properly managing the release of information to the international media is so important these days. Trying to correct errors and inaccuracies once the genie is out of the bottle is very difficult.

Probably spreading by face book twitter and etc. The part about visas sound like rumors to me.

Immigration has made no official announcement about the form or the requirements to do one.

[JohnC]

Well I visited Jomtien Immigration yesterday to renew my extension based on retirement, the only additional form I was asked to sign was one laying out the penalties for overstay, no other additional or new forms, I was out in 20 minutes. Went back today, picked up my passport, checked new extension entered then went for re-entry permit, same form as before plus of course copy of my new extension, no other paperwork requested, they were busy so took half an hour, checked permit then went and did my ninety day report, no changes, they scanned the barcode from my last report then changed the date, stamped and signed the old report as the barcode machine is out of order, so at least here in Jomtien nothing has changed, obviously just after the songkran holiday they were extremely busy but I still got a smile from the staff so all done for another year except for the 90 day in July!

In ten years I have never had any problems with the staff in Jomtien Immigration, always willing to help, having seen some of their "customers" I wouldn't like to work there!

[genobkk]

Interesting indeed needless to say best to just not fill out that form unless forced to then if forced just lie and have fun with it

I did not see the part about bank account numbers as someone claimed was being ask

[jybkk]

Was in Chamchuree today. Form was there. Also required a picture attached.

First desk (where they check if all your documents are ready) lied to our face saying this form is nothing new and has been needed for years (!!!) and ignored us when we remarked that it's mentionned nowhere on immigration website and that the form itself says it was created on 22 March.

Then the officer insisted I fill some places I left blank like social media, bank account and places frequented. Kept saying things vague enough to make it feel like the info was mandatory, then when pushing against it she suggested that just need to 'put something' like a mall you go often or some stupidity like this.

For the bank account (which is definitely on the form) I said I don't have it with me (which is true) and anyway don't want to give it so I wrote N/A. She said ok, but sign next to that line. Well, ok then.

[johnatong]

Was in Chamchuree today. Form was there. Also required a picture attached.

First desk (where they check if all your documents are ready) lied to our face saying this form is nothing new and has been needed for years (!!!) and ignored us when we remarked that it's mentionned nowhere on immigration website and that the form itself says it was created on 22 March.

Then the officer insisted I fill some places I left blank like social media, bank account and places frequented. Kept saying things vague enough to make it feel like the info was mandatory, then when pushing against it she suggested that just need to 'put something' like a mall you go often or some stupidity like this.

For the bank account (which is definitely on the form) I said I don't have it with me (which is true) and anyway don't want to give it so I wrote N/A. She said ok, but sign next to that line. Well, ok then.

Whilst agreeing that this form appears to be a nonsensical requirement there may be some "upstairs pressure" being applied to the IO's to "encourage" them to have the form completed.

[wobalt]

Was in Chamchuree today. Form was there. Also required a picture attached.

First desk (where they check if all your documents are ready) lied to our face saying this form is nothing new and has been needed for years (!!!) and ignored us when we remarked that it's mentionned nowhere on immigration website and that the form itself says it was created on 22 March.

Then the officer insisted I fill some places I left blank like social media, bank account and places frequented. Kept saying things vague enough to make it feel like the info was mandatory, then when pushing against it she suggested that just need to 'put something' like a mall you go often or some stupidity like this.

For the bank account (which is definitely on the form) I said I don't have it with me (which is true) and anyway don't want to give it so I wrote N/A. She said ok, but sign next to that line. Well, ok then.

Interesting- and you have to sign that draft?? Hmm..

May I ask you, what was the purpose for the visit there -extension?

[jybkk]

Was in Chamchuree today. Form was there. Also required a picture attached.

First desk (where they check if all your documents are ready) lied to our face saying this form is nothing new and has been needed for years (!!!) and ignored us when we remarked that it's mentionned nowhere on immigration website and that the form itself says it was created on 22 March.

Then the officer insisted I fill some places I left blank like social media, bank account and places frequented. Kept saying things vague enough to make it feel like the info was mandatory, then when pushing against it she suggested that just need to 'put something' like a mall you go often or some stupidity like this.

For the bank account (which is definitely on the form) I said I don't have it with me (which is true) and anyway don't want to give it so I wrote N/A. She said ok, but sign next to that line. Well, ok then.

Interesting- and you have to sign that draft?? Hmm..

May I ask you, what was the purpose for the visit there -extension?

Extension of business visa.

Saw someone filling bank info from a foreign bank and that was ok for them. Seems they just want to see some ink on the dotted lines.

[wobalt]

Was in Chamchuree today. Form was there. Also required a picture attached.

First desk (where they check if all your documents are ready) lied to our face saying this form is nothing new and has been needed for years (!!!) and ignored us when we remarked that it's mentionned nowhere on immigration website and that the form itself says it was created on 22 March.

Then the officer insisted I fill some places I left blank like social media, bank account and places frequented. Kept saying things vague enough to make it feel like the info was mandatory, then when pushing against it she suggested that just need to 'put something' like a mall you go often or some stupidity like this.

For the bank account (which is definitely on the form) I said I don't have it with me (which is true) and anyway don't want to give it so I wrote N/A. She said ok, but sign next to that line. Well, ok then.

Interesting- and you have to sign that draft?? Hmm..

May I ask you, what was the purpose for the visit there -extension?

Extension of business visa.

Saw someone filling bank info from a foreign bank and that was ok for them. Seems they just want to see some ink on the dotted lines.

Thanks, but I guess you have to fill the TM7 as well??

I would be a bit cautious with the signing of the draft, as basically it would make it "somewhat" legal. In the current status it is not finally approved (trial basis). The draft contains also no confidential statement to protect your private data.

[bobbymack]

So the form asks for what social media you use? Just say non-applicable. Don't use any. How will they know otherwise? With vehicles, just say don't own any? Bank account, just make one up with a wrong account. If anything came to pass just say you must have made an error when putting in the bank account number. Places one hangs out, just say you stay in or never visit the same place more than once. Job done.

[MYKTHEMIN]

Renewed my retirement extension at Loei immigration yesterday and they had all the new forms which had to be filled in and a new overstay rule form all required completing and signing.

[malathione]

Was asked to fill in the new form today while doing my 90 day report; Nakhon Phanom Immigration.

They said just fill in what you remember. Quite painless, I have a bad memory. They didn't give it a second glance.

[bbi1]

Does everyone arriving at the airport in BKK need to fill this form in? Seems pretty stupid to me imo

[ubonjoe]

Does everyone arriving at the airport in BKK need to fill this form in? Seems pretty stupid to me imo

I have seen nothing to indicate it will need to be done at an airport.

[kotsak]

Got my re-entry permit at CW Immd this morning. Had an appointment via their online queuing application and I was done roughly in 15 mins. Didn't have to fill up any extra forms :>

[Daffy D]

Did my 90 today at Lop Buri No forms No fuss No problem in and out in about 5min.

At Lop Buri they just scan the current 90 day slip in the passport print out a new one and staple in the passport - done.

I really feel for you guys that have all those ever changing hoops to jump through. Think if I ever were to move instead of checking out the neighbors karaoke etc. I'd check the local immigration office requirements first

[NativeBob]

Yesterday april 29 went to CW to extend ED-Visa

Waited 3 hours. hell so slow

Officer passed laminated sheet to me and asked to read it

Something like this:

"dear sir/madam.

my Big Boss is not here today. He went abroad. Only My Big Boss can approve your application. He will be back on Tuesday. Please come again on Tuesday and ask for ticket N2. Sorry for inconvenience"

Well not eaxctly word-by-word, by close

Ok. they show this to all with ED-Visa ext.

I did't do research as it was late and freakin exhausted of sitting

However I came back to another officer and she say ... HOLD ON ...

YOU CAN COME ON MONDAY !!!

<deleted>? on Monday is ok, who gives about Big Boss story ...

Ok. what's clear are

1. It is bigfat lie about B.Boss

2. nobody really have any clue

3. Monday but Tuesday - they probably will apply new law tomorrow, May 1st

Probably it is about profiling, probably anything else

but she took 1900 from me, and stamp "extension on consideration" stamp untill May 2.

I got a strange feeling they will charge me again 1900 (

not good

[Pomthai]

Monday is a public holiday - possibly immigration closed anyway.

[khwaibah]

Monday is a public holiday - possibly immigration closed anyway.

They are open.

May 02 (Monday) - Labor day. Banks closed, except for satellite branches such as at malls, but government offices open. Some business may be closed.

May 5th and 6th (Thursday and Friday) - Coronation day plus special holiday to allow for long weekend. Banks closed except satellite branches, Government offices and schools closed. Bars open.

May 9th (Monday) - Royal Ploughing Ceremony. Banks open. Schools closed. Not certain about government offices such as immigration, this is one holiday that I find confusing regarding governments. Some Thai embassies/consulates will be closed.

May 20th (Friday) - Visakha Bucha Day. Banks closed, government offices and schools closed and Embassies/Consulates closed. This is a dry day, no alcohol allowed to be sold.

From Tywais.

[Hedghog]

Thursday,did extension of stay.

Phitsanulok.

No new forms.

All done twenty minutes.

You do have to remove your shoes at the door,as usual.

[OJAS]

So the form asks for what social media you use? Just say non-applicable. Don't use any. How will they know otherwise? With vehicles, just say don't own any? Bank account, just make one up with a wrong account. If anything came to pass just say you must have made an error when putting in the bank account number. Places one hangs out, just say you stay in or never visit the same place more than once. Job done.

If I'm ever asked to complete this form I'll just state my first ever bank account number here in Thailand. Stopped using the account years ago after it had been raided by a fraudster but never formally closed it. If it's still open I'm sure that Immigration will be fascinated by its 11-satang balance!

As far the email address, I'm sure that the Hotmail one which was suspended after it had been hacked into by a viagra flogger would do the trick just fine!

[mgjackson69]

Was in Chamchuree today. Form was there. Also required a picture attached.

First desk (where they check if all your documents are ready) lied to our face saying this form is nothing new and has been needed for years (!!!) and ignored us when we remarked that it's mentionned nowhere on immigration website and that the form itself says it was created on 22 March.

Then the officer insisted I fill some places I left blank like social media, bank account and places frequented. Kept saying things vague enough to make it feel like the info was mandatory, then when pushing against it she suggested that just need to 'put something' like a mall you go often or some stupidity like this.

For the bank account (which is definitely on the form) I said I don't have it with me (which is true) and anyway don't want to give it so I wrote N/A. She said ok, but sign next to that line. Well, ok then.

Interesting- and you have to sign that draft?? Hmm..

May I ask you, what was the purpose for the visit there -extension?

Extension of business visa.

Saw someone filling bank info from a foreign bank and that was ok for them. Seems they just want to see some ink on the dotted lines.

Thanks, but I guess you have to fill the TM7 as well??

I would be a bit cautious with the signing of the draft, as basically it would make it "somewhat" legal. In the current status it is not finally approved (trial basis). The draft contains also no confidential statement to protect your private data.

signing an unofficial document will not add any legitimacy to it.

[EvilDrSomkid]

I can't find anything clear about if the form is being used at cheang wattana. Is it? Doing my extension of stay next week.

[Oceanbat]

I can't find anything clear about if the form is being used at cheang wattana. Is it? Doing my extension of stay next week.

I think just chamchuri square so far. I was presented with it last week.

OB

[MYKTHEMIN]

Loei immigration had them last tuesday, no big deal.

[gk10002000]

Just a general note of caution on dealing with forms and signing. Regardless of my total objection to the form, both in content and idea, if you put down false information and then sign it, as some posters are indicating they had to sign, you open yourself to possible troubles. This thing can get out of hand, and if you ever run into any future issue you might have trouble as they claim upon review that you signed, and lied, etc. Has anybody gotten in contact with anybody really in charge of immigration about this form? Of course with the military in charge, there really is only one official

[ignis]

false information ?

got my little book out, found 7 old email address....... just checked them and 6 still work, 2 of them not looked at for 10+ year, other items, have a Thai Bank account for many year rarely use maybe 3 or 4 times a year.. still appear active but not used for years Trillion, Skype, Twitter etc. Places visited... guess that is easy Local Village Markets + Big C 2x month, so that would not be false information right ?..

Anyway they have already my main Thai Bank Details + email + mobile as it is on the retirement extension forms every year...

As others have said.. I have often got personal detail from other people over the years, on things handed out at Immigration, so would be wary of filling in up to date personal info.

[frodo77]

90 day Thurs at Jomtien. No form.

[KhunBENQ]

I will definitely create a new email addr. for that with forwarding to my "prime" address(es).

I will give one of my savings accounts with the lowest balance and rarely used ("holiday" account).

I am on FB, Google/youtube, Thaivisa and ? (don't even know how many sporadically visited forums).

More than I could fill in this form.

And none of these carries any real name, address or whatever (which is not asked on the form).

And that has nothing to do with this new form.

And well, I have forgotten that I still have a XING account with real data

I visit "Star Bar" or "Jokers" every two weeks.

No need to lie

[BritManToo]

I don't have a bank account in any country of the world, I'm old school, cash under the mattress of my bed.

Twitter? Email? Social media? What's that?

Phone number? haven't had a phone for years.

Where do I socialize? in my room.

No need to tell anyone, anything of use.

[KhunBENQ]

On TV without email.

Liar