Can I obtain a police clearance letter while abroad, or do I need to do it in the UK?

July 16, 2024
2 months ago
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Edit: no need for unhelpful comments. After years of living in Thailand I understand everything is not always translated properly. It could also mean the country your in.

I need a police clearance letter. I have the forms. Just want to know if I can get my prints in a police station any country or has to be my country (UK). The UK embassy can't advice me. I am not in The UK now.

Thank you for any advice :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster seeks advice on obtaining a police clearance letter while living abroad, specifically questioning whether fingerprints must be taken in their home country (UK) or if they can be done at any international location. Several comments indicate the need to obtain fingerprints in the country of origin, while others share personal experiences from different countries, indicating that Thai consulates may be able to assist but are not always guaranteed to accept the prints. The conversation explores various scenarios and offers insights into the process, including the necessity of getting documents legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if required for use outside Thailand.
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Terary **********
When I did mine I went down to the local court house and they printed out a statement to show I had no active cases. It wasn't a document a long criminal history or even extensive, it was only valid for the local municipality. The Thai Government will accept almost anything.
Terary **********
@Christina ********
I wasn't either.
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
thanks I'm not in Thailand so it's a little different.
Toni **********
It’s sad that most the ‘Top Contributors’ in this group never have anything nice to say and are basically just keyboard warriors 👎🏼
Kealy ************
I got my prints done in Thailand 🤷🏼‍♀️
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kealy ***********
yes I did this before, but I'm not in Thailand.
Andy ********
I understand exactly what you are asking. The only solution is to get the original text in Thai and get a competent translator to answer your question.

If you need a competent Thai-English translator message me directly.
Samuel ********
Keep in mind for the document to be properly valid outside of Thailand you will need to get it legalized by MFA.

Casual use I wouldn’t bloody care
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Samuel *******
Thank you. It is for University application.
James *********
Really Really?
Robert ***********
Reading comprehension?
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert **********
Thai language > English

It's OK though as you can get in another country then your origin ...
Sonia *******
@Jessica ******
big brother is listening
Bob *******
@Christina ********
are you applying for the new DTV or is this for a different kind of visa, if you don’t mind sharing?
Bob *******
@Christina ********
thanks for sharing. Yes, apparently for the new DTV there does not seem to be a request for clearance. Check your private messages, I am going to send you something you might find helpful.
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ******
hi, I need it for University in The UK.

I have Non O for Thailand. So it's not visa related. Thanks 😊
Jon ***********
I got my police clearance for work visa at municipal center in Chiang Rai, for what it's worth 😊if people don't have help to offer, silence 🤐 is better 😂😭
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *********
there is already a comment from someone who got in another country. So really if you haven't done it, then why bother commenting.
Joe **********
@Jon **********
I am neither critical or angry just observant!
Jon ***********
@Joe *********
who knows , creating a gigantic thread of angry critical reactions 😂🤣
Joe **********
@Jon **********
Not when the answer is staring them in the face and yours was probably a different visa with different requirements.
Alastair ******
You are right the ask the question. And I can tell you from personal experience, I am in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and had to get Police Clearance for my residence in Thailand.

I had to go to the Thai Consulate here in HCMC to have my prints taken. There was a cost, and I had to go back a few days later to receive them before I could send it to the Royal Thai office in BKK…that was in January.

I had still heard nothing in May, and couldn’t get a reply on the phone or email. So on my next trip to Thailand I stopped at the office. They told me the prints taken at the consulate weren’t good enough, but the system doesn’t allow for them to contact me!…anyhow, they took my prints at the office, and less than three weeks later I received the certificate in Vietnam.

So you should be able to get them taken at any Thai Consulate, but they may not be good enough! It’s best to go to the office in BKK if you can🤷🏾‍♂️
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alastair *****
amazing thanks, had a little look and prices much higher but will have another look! :)
Alastair ******
@Christina ********
a friend paid an Agent/Legal Advisor to do it for him, his came back promptly without a problem, but I think it cost him 100USD
Alastair ******
@Christina ********
it is quite daunting, and everything “official” in Thailand is a test of patience! You can try the local police station, they may be willing to help🤷🏽‍♂️…The Viet Police wouldn’t entertain me, and I wasn’t going to push!

…Good luck🤞🏾
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alastair *****
thank you so much. I'm in France, and from The UK.

There is a Thai Consulate near me in France.

I will try here, although it's scary they didn't except yours. Maybe I will do both to make sure.

Thank you for your answer, was looking for someone who has done it. 😊
Alastair ******
***********************************
Michael *******
Country of origin or residence if you have PR or work permit
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
thank you. I better get back to The UK then.
Greta *****
In your country. It says it in english
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greta ****
it's separate. It's just a police clearence for Thai crimes. And it is not to enter Thailand, this would be a DBS if anything. I already have my Non-O. I've made a police clearance before but was in Thailand at the time. I hoped someone in the group may have done this. Will see thanks for your input 💕
Greta *****
@Christina ********
Maybe because they want to know whether you've commited any crimes in your home country as they try to keep criminals away from the country? 🤔
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greta ****
yes I understand English... just could mean the country your in, or your country depending on translation.

It is for finger prints, so unsure why it would have to be either your orgin country or Thailand. Especially as many travellers don't live in either. Thanks
Joe **********
It says in your screenshot that you have to do it in your own country so why are you even asking on here?

The answer is in your own post!!!!
Joe **********
@Nigel ********
So this makes a difference how?
Nigel *********
@Joe *********
it doesn't say in your own country. You put the word "own" in yourself.
Joe **********
@Christina ********
There isn't any miscommunication here it'very clearly states that it has to be done in your own country, sorry if that's not what you want to hear but in this case there isn't a way around it.
Christina *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *********
I understand it says "your". But used to Thailand and English Language translation not always being 100%.

Which is why I'm asking...

It could mean the county you are in...
Stephen *******
I have done this in UK takes a long time to come back.
Steve *******
It clearly says "in your country" in your screenshot.
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