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Do immigration officers look for 'tea money' during home inspections for marriage visa verification in Thailand?
Jan 26, 2026
3 months ago
Aman *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHas it been the case that immigration officers doing inspections of living arrangements, to establish if marriages are genuine or not that they have looked for back handers or tea money? Wife received an unusual call from immigration inspector who seemed to be lining up for a bit of tea money
UPDATE
Well that went smoothly, didn't even step foot in the accommodation, had a chat outside with the landlord for 10 mins, took a group selfie and on his way. Either my wife was mistaken or he changed his mind regarding gas money. Very professional interaction, polite and friendly.
☺️
UPDATE
Well that went smoothly, didn't even step foot in the accommodation, had a chat outside with the landlord for 10 mins, took a group selfie and on his way. Either my wife was mistaken or he changed his mind regarding gas money. Very professional interaction, polite and friendly.
☺️
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses experiences with immigration home inspections related to marriage visas in Thailand. While some users mention that officials occasionally hint at wanting 'tea money' or small payments for expenses, many emphasize that such payments are not mandatory and that the visits are usually courteous and professional. People advise to be cautious about paying anything without a receipt and to maintain a good relationship with local immigration officers.
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Steve *******
I paid 2900bt for my 1st yearly extension of stay based on marriage, when I questioned it, the Immigration Officer said the 1000bt was to pay for diesel for the home visit, they did have a 3 hour round trip. It was even stated on the receipt I was given.
Gaz ********
SAME here
Allan **************
Had 2 come to the house last year had to have 3 neighbors come with ID they took a photo of all of us at the front of the house about 45 minutes no money asked for. This year when I went in they took all the paper work and said no home visit this time but my under consideration was 48 days 11 December to 28 January but got it on the 19 January.
Nigel **************
We had about 4 or 5 IO came to check our house for retirement visa. Asked for 2000 while they were there because it was a 3 hour return trip to our house. Told afterwards I should not have paid that.
John ********
Think I’d have paid too under those conditions.
Nigel **************
John Wenman I did pay. I wanted my Visa and had many people in the room at the time.
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Nigel **************
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Jimmy *******
We did our 1st year extension in Kamala, Phuket. 1 x Immigration lady came and checked our home and took photo's. No need to pay anything as its not required or expected.
Shane ******
Give em bit of scratch for fuel, and have a bite to eat prepped, what's the big deal?
Dan *******
I agree. Treat them as you would guests in your home.
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Dan *******
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Snorbitz ***
No fee in koh samui he came last week stayed 10 minutes filled forms in took photos and off he went
Brandon ************
They might say they are looking for gas money, or money for lunch, etc. It's not uncommon for sure. And if you say no, you'll probably have bigger issues with your wife than with immigration.
Brett *********
@Brandon ***********
very true. 2000 is a bit steep but certainly supporting the cause is expected. Developing a good relationship with local immigration office is never a bad idea. Attitude is everything.Reply to
Brett *********
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Malcolm *******
Just had a visit from Jomtien Immigration . 5 Officers turned up last Friday morning . Took a few pics of us in and out of the house , took details from our Thai witness , said they had a few more visits and left after about 10 mins max . Couldnt have been more professional .
Reg ***********
Malcolm Pogue exactly the same experience in kanchanaburi 😀
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Reg ***********
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Rob **********
Home visits are very common especially for extensions based on marriage, and they will also ask one of your neighbors to attend and they will take pics as well. All provinces are getting more strict with this now, but if everything is above board you have nothing to worry about. This is free of charge, if any money is mentioned ask for a receipt they will change their mind quickly.
Steve *******
Rob Hua Hin Not necessarily, I got a receipt for 2900bt after paying for the extention of stay and 1000bt for the home visit
Rob **********
Steve Greir I have never been asked for any money for the home visit, and none of my friends have never paid either.
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Rob **********
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Julian *******
Rob Hua Hin yup
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Julian *******
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Michael ********
Quite common, we just provided refreshments.
Steven ********
500 baht standard for home visit up my way
Aman *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSteven Corrie where is up your way? might be in the same area 🙂
Steven ********
Aman Jivan chaiyaphum
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Steven ********
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