How can I obtain a Residence Certificate in Bangkok while on an Education visa?

Jun 27, 2017
7 years ago
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Residence Certificate in Bangkok

I want to do the driving license and for that I need a Residence Certificate. I'm here with an Education visa. I tried to get the certificate at my embassy but since I'm still registered in my homecountry they will not issue such a document. They said, I should try to go to the immigration office. Will I get the document there? If yes, what would they want to see? Passport with visa and rental contract? How long would it usually take?

Thanks in advance for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To obtain a Residence Certificate in Bangkok while on an Education visa, you typically need to visit the immigration office. You will need to present your passport with visa, rental contract, a doctor's certificate showing you are fit to drive, and possibly passport photos. The application process may take about 30 minutes, but be prepared for potential waiting times. Additionally, you may encounter unofficial fees associated with the processing of the certificate. However, acquiring the certificate may depend on whether you are performing 90 day reporting at the immigration office in Bangkok.
Frank ******
Kevin *********
I just got my certificate of residency here in Jomtien. They wanted a signed copy of my passport, my visa and departure card as well as my Chinook. Two passport photos and each additional copy they will want an extra passport photo. You will need to fill out a TM 18 and it is 300 Baht for each certificate of residency. About 30 minutes, not including waiting to see the clerk.
Ron *******
You could but you would need to do a change of address. The problem would be I think, using the certificate for any business you wanted to do in Bangkok. You should be able to obtain one from your Embassy.
Frank ******
@Ron ******
so the answer is a clear no if i'm not reporting every 90 days ? can i get it from another province like my wife province which buriram ?
Ron *******
If your saying that people get them at Bangkok without doing 90 day reports for a 500bht under the table payment, then I must say your the only person I've ever known to get one that way in Bangkok. Nobody else from reports has ever managed it.
Gene ********
Something that others have mentioned before, and I found this, too, is that there may be an unofficial "fee" associated with the residency cert. This is basically a contribution to the tea fund because nobody has ever reported getting a receipt. My "fee" was 500 baht. Even at that it's less hassle and much cheaper than the fee for the notary service at the embassy.
Gene ********
I recently got a residency cert from the Immigration Office in Hua Hin. I needed the completed form, a passport-style photo, copies of all relevant pages of my passport, and my lease. The process was painless, and took about 30 minutes in all.

I took my driver's license in Bangkok before moving to Prachuap, and they accepted my US Embassy notarized statement as proof of address.
Ron *******
Not at Bangkok immigration unless your doing 90 day reports there.
Troy *********
wrong!
Adrien ******
@Ian ********
is correct. Most Residency Certificates are obtained at Immigration or in some Provinces Tourist Police Stations.
Ian *********
You need the certificate from immigration. They will need to see proof of address. Take the docs you mentioned. You also need a doctors certificate that your fit to drive. Many clinics issue or hospital depending where you are. Process will prob take 30 min to 1hr at immigration.
Ivan ************
@Ron ******
it's 500B next day in Chiang Mai through G4T (the agency). I have heard that you can theoretically get it for free directly if you wait a month+ but when I asked at immigration they directed me to the agency. Just need photos, passport, name card for where you live, lease wouldn't hurt but wasn't necessary when I did it.
Ron *******
No Frank if your living in Bangkok because your not doing 90 day reports at Bangkok immigration but leaving the country every 90 days. If your using another immigration office then yes because this is a specific problem to Bangkok.

The other immigration area which is a problem seems to be Chang Mai. Reports there suggest it can take 2 months to get one but there is apparently a same day service for a fee.
Frank ******
@Ron ******
..... just to check can I get a proof of residence if I'm on non o immigrant from savannakhet ? every 90 days needs to do a border run ? TIA
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ********
Don't need to worry. I'm aware of the situation. I prefer public transport anyway but sometimes in some rural places when there is not much transport available it would be nice to rent a motorbike (instead of the bicycle 😉). I love my live, don't want to end it yet 😊
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
Thank you, yes, I know that I will have to do both parts of the test. In 2 years my situation might change, so I don't worry about that today :)
Ian *********
If you have never driven a vehicle Thailand is ranked second most dangerous place in the world to drive and die. And 75% of those that die are on bikes. Thousands injured annually.
Ron *******
You will in that case need to do the complete test. Also worth remembering that once you have your licence it's temporary for 2 years and you will need another residents permit to purchase a vehicle.
Gigi ********
ok tja dänn...
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gigi *******
no, I don't have a license from Switzerland
Gigi ********
häsch de auto uswiss i dä schwiz ?...musch en nur umschriebä la
Ron *******
Until your doing 90 day reports at Bangkok you cannot get a Residents permit there. When you say doing an extension, that's not a 90 day report.
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
I will do my first report and also extension at the end of July. So I can not get the document before?
Ron *******
You cannot get a residence certificate at Bangkok immigration unless your doing 90 day reports there.
Ian *********
Its called a Proof of Residence letter from memory
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian ********
ah sorry, I somehow read embassy 😬
Ian *********
As I said you need to go to Thai Immigation
Patrik ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can not get it from the embassy. I'm not really emigrated (yet). So I'm still registred in Switzerland (home country) where I pay my taxes and where I have my insurance. As long as that is the case I can not get the letter from the embassy.
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