How do I apply for a criminal record check in Thailand for an Ed Visa?

Oct 8, 2017
7 years ago
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone else had to apply for a criminal record check while in Thailand (for Ed Visa application)? I am told I can do it at immigration in Samui for a fee but don't know how long it takes to come back.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the necessity of obtaining a criminal record check for an Ed Visa application in Thailand. Users share their experiences, indicating that the requirement for a criminal record check appears to be enforced in certain regions like Samui, despite some having successfully acquired their Ed Visas without it. Clarifying comments point out that the check must generally be obtained from the applicant's home country, and there are discussions about the timeline for receiving the criminal record check through various channels, including embassies.
Robert *******
Checklist for Non Immigrant Visa for Education from Thai Embassy Kuala Lumpur, point nr 7. Certified criminal record in the applicant’s country of origin.
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Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
'For degree program only'... however, I am going to the school tomorrow for clarification so will post the results here for anyone looking this up in future 🙂
Haldis **********
I got my ed visa two weeks ago, nobody asked me for a criminal record check.
Johnsuma ******
yeah maybe, there are lots strange things in the land of smile, everydays are funny days.

good night.
Julia ************
@Parmentier *****
Maybe because you married during a time when it was still needed? As proof that the marriage is valid?
Adam ***********
No idea. They don't require it in Bangkok. Maybe a different requirement where you are.
Johnsuma ******
so if it was no need in 2017 why immigration is asking a copy of it ?
Adam ***********
Your English is clear. You may have needed a police background check in 1982 to get married but in 2017 you don't need one.

Maybe my English isn't clear?
Johnsuma ******
To get a certified mariage document you need to get mariage !... lol. To get maried you need a criminal record clean... seems my EN not clear lol
Adam ***********
Your certified marriage documents don't contain a police background check. Maybe you're getting this confused with the affirmation of freedom to marry?
Johnsuma ******
the point is that a police record is still necessary for mariage. ( and seems also compulsory for some schools)

if it was not necessary there is no reason to request a copy certified of mariage doc.
Adam ***********
So firstly you're saying is it was compulsory if you were getting married in Phuket in 1982. I can't disagree with that, but it's not really relevant. A lot has changed since then.

Secondly - certified marriage document's for non-O visas are nothing to do with police background checks. Not sure what point you're making there.
Johnsuma ******
it seems they check as many people use false or falsified documents.
Johnsuma ******
it was in Phuket 35 years ago. and still actual as for my retire/mariage visa 2 years ago we need to provide a copy certified of that mariage document.

we live in Surathani.
Adam ***********
Definitely not in Bangkok. Maybe different elsewhere.
Johnsuma ******
@Adam **********
sorry but for mariage its compulsory. I had to provide one, and the signature legalisation were also necessary.
Julia ************
@Haldis *********
So that’s why it’s different (see Tod’s comment).
Haldis **********
No, I go to school in Korat and applied for visa in Vientiane.
Adam ***********
@Parme*****
there's no requirement for a criminal record check in order to marry here, or to get a business visa or work permit. Are you just making this up as you go along?!
Julia ************
Was that in the south?
Haldis **********
All I know is that I never had to get it.
Johnsuma ******
its not requested for visa, but it is for mariage, maybe also for work, but i not sure, for school i do not know.
Johnsuma ******
Criminal record MUST be requested in your own country and at the last city you were living.

embassy does not deliver such document.
Johnsuma ******
Mmmm thailand have no access to euro or us files for such attestation !
Tod *********
That is NOT correct
@Parme*****
, :/

For ED visa applications that require a records check you can use the Special Branch's service here in Thailand.
Richard *******
I had to get one several years ago when applying for my Brazilian WP. At that time I went to the RTP HQ building at Rama I road in Bangkok. My clearance was posted back to me around 12 days later.
Tod *********
Okay they recently made a "new rule" down on the islands (the southern division Zone 6) that all ed visa applicants needed a back ground check. It's NOT something done country wide (except for certain nationalities) BUT if you want paperwork to get an ED visa from down there you're gonna need a background check.
Robert *******
It is also on the check list from KL Embassy, they have 2 different ED visa categories, on for non business conference/meeting and one for Education and the last is the one with police check:
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Robert *******
Never heard that a criminal record check is needed for an ED visa, where are you going to apply? Criminal checks are done by Royal Thai Police, not Immigration, the website of the office:
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Hazel *******
@Helen **********
.... I found this which might be useful
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Robert *******
It will after 14 years, well at least some times
Hazel *******
Ask the school.....
Hazel *******
....but yes if you've been in Thailand for 4 years it doesn't make sense at all!
Hazel *******
It doesn't say your address had to be in UK for 5 years, just asks for address
Robert *******
Visa is sold by the Embassy and Consulate, under regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but they can make some own requirements. It is confusing many times.
Hazel *******
I 'think' you can still use Disclosure Scotland (yes even if you lived in England) to get a standard check done. I looked on the website, it says if you live outside the UK you have to do a postal thing instead of online.
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
whyyy hahah why does it have to be so confusing! I don;t trust any of it hahah
Robert *******
It's not required at Vientienne:
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Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hazel ******
yes, they want it from home country. Obviously I am not going there any time soon so wondering how to do it from here. Since I have lived here for four years I don;t have a UK address to provide them with via the CRB check website so I am lost.
Hazel *******
I had to get one for my ed visa.... but from UK. I presume it would be from your home country.... I mean no point getting one from Thailand as they'd already be aware of any naughtiness no?
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So why does my school say it's required? Seems that other people have asked this on the Thai Visa forum but got nowhere. Very confusing. I;ll ask the school to clarify! Thank you :)
Robert *******
It's training at a language school, not getting a University degree in Thai language. So no problem.
Robert *******
Use this one:
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Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It says 'for degree only' but my school says I need it
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You can see it on the requirements on that pdf
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, I am applying for a non- immigrant ed visa. I am not teaching, I am learning.
Robert *******
So you are applying for a Non Immigrant B visa as a teacher not for a ED visa.
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Set by the ministry of education. Also, if you check what you need to take with you to apply, you will see it listed. I am applying in KL so I checked their site. Also the langiage school I am going to state in on their site.
Robert *******
NEW requirements set by who and where did you learn about this?
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's not for teaching kids or anything. I think it is to check I am not on the run for some horrible crime in the UK.
Helen ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
It is a new requirement as of 2017. I think they want one from my home country but I have been in Thailand for four years...mainly on an O visa.
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