Could someone please let me know how easy it is to get a Residence Certificate from the Krabi Immigration Office if on visa exemption?
My son is arriving into Thailand next week and is planning to stay on Koh Lanta for the high season. He'll be coming in on visa exemption (he's a UK resident), so he's planning to do 60 days with 30 day extension followed by a border run/flight to Malaysia to get another 60+30 days. He'll leave Thailand after that.
He's looking for Residence Certificate so he can get a Thai driving licence for motorbikes and legally ride a motorbike/scooter whilst there. He has a UK licence for cars and IDP, but no motorbike licence. The AirBnB he's staying at have already said that they will register and give him a TM30 upon arrival.
Unfortunately, I've read so many things over the past week or so, that I'm totally confused!
Can he get a Residence Certificate with just a TM30 on a visa exemption at Krabi or does he need to file a 90-day report (TM48 I think?), which he won't be able to do, seeing as he'll have to leave before 90 days are up. From what I've read, it seems that getting a Residence Certificate can be hard in Bangkok, but can be easier in other provinces/at other Immigration Offices. I haven't been able to find any info on the Krabi IO, hence the question.
Would it be easier if he used an agent to help with the whole process? Can they help to expedite things? If yes, any recommendations on who to use?
The easiest thing to do would be to pass his motorbike test in the UK but he doesn't have time to do this before travelling. He has done a CBT course in UK, but I understand that has no value in Thailand when it comes to riding motorbikes.
The alternatives include renting a car, buying a bicycle - but these aren't really long term options for him. He doesn't want to ride illegally without a motorbike licence (even if loads of other people seem to), as this could end up turning ugly if he ended up in an accident!!
Just trying to help him do things the right way, so any help is much appreciated. Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The process for obtaining a Residence Certificate from the Krabi Immigration Office while on a visa exemption can be challenging. The individual is seeking clarity on whether a TM30 form, which is to be provided by the AirBnB for temporary accommodation registration, is sufficient for securing the Residence Certificate, as it appears that a 90-day report (TM48) may not be feasible given the planned short stay. Experiences vary by location, with some suggesting that it might be easier to obtain such certificates in regions like Pattaya, while others express uncertainty about Krabi's specific requirements. It might be advisable to hire an agent to navigate the process, although no specific recommendations for Krabi were given. Ultimately, without a formal motorbike licence, riding legally could be complex, leading to alternatives such as purchasing an electric bike or using public transport.
