Is a short sleeve button-down shirt acceptable at Chiang Mai immigration?

May 8, 2018
7 years ago
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Quick dress code question for going to Chiang Mai immigration. Is a short sleeve button down shirt with long pants and dress shoes ok to wear or do you need a long sleeve shirt as well? TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The dress code for Chiang Mai immigration is generally flexible. Many commenters report attending in casual attire such as short sleeve shirts, t-shirts, shorts, and even flip flops without encountering issues. While formal attire like long sleeve shirts may be viewed as more respectful, it is not a strict requirement. The consensus is that as long as one dresses neatly and behaves politely, short sleeve shirts and casual clothing are acceptable.
Bradley ********
Depends...you got money?
Graham *********
wife beater thong crocks..that's normal day wear
Graham *********
lol
Tod *********
sorry, my humor filter was on and I missed the joke ;)
Ian ***************
I just bring along a copy of my KISS Army membership certificate and it's all good. Star Child confirmation :-)
Tod *********
Wheew, at least they didn't mention KISS band t-shirts so I'm okay (y)
Ian ***************
Have always gone with t-shirt, long shorts and flip flops. No problems so far ;-)
Tod *********
If they followed the dress code signage that
@Bi**
posted down in pattaya the place would be empty :O ;)
Martin *********
I was about to comment. 😂 here in Patts , it looks like ‘ anything ‘ goes
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m the type that’s always early meeting people and for appointments and big on following protocol. That’s probably why I’ve chosen to be single most of my adult life. 😜
James ********
You'll look fine!
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ivan ************
@Ma**
the wifebeater is the one marked "vest" in the top row. I'm referring to the second row with the one marked "shirt top"- I suspect that maybe should be "short top" as it has sleeves but seems to show a bare midriff.
Mary ********
@Ivan ***********
no its no wife beater shirts. You know Marlon Brando in Street Car wardrobe.
Duncan *******
That picture is from Chaengwattana, it is NOT from Chiang Mai.
Scott **************
What?? No rubba slippa's?
Ivan ************
I think the issue with the "Shirt Top" in that image is that it has a bare midriff, not the short sleeves.
Stéfan ********
More than fine... A TShirt, shorts and flip-flops and anything above is fine
Duncan *******
@Bill *******
what you've heard is wrong. In and out of Chiang Mai immigration for over 5 years - tshirt, shorts and flipflops and Ive never once had a problem. There are some immigration offices that are apparently anal about dress - Chiang Mai isnt one of then
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
I got that the day I moved here. The real estate agent was on top of that. 👍
Stéfan ********
Yes, the T30 form is hugely important in CM. Some of my friends have been fined for not having it.
Ivan ************
Bill I guess my view is that what actually happens is of more relevance than "official policy" if that can even be discerned. And "what actually happens" is going to come in the form of anecdotes. There isn't a consistent policy across all immigration offices, they all run differently.

The image you posted was not from Chiang Mai, "Immigration Division 1" looks like Bangkok, and as such people's anecdotes from Chiang Mai are more valuable IMO to what you need to do than your trying to interpret a sign from Bangkok.

I'd be more concerned about having your TM30 in order- something that matters in Chiang Mai but that Bangkok simply doesn't care about.

A short sleeve shirt isn't going to be a issue.
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ivan ***********
I was asking for clarification on shirt policy because I couldn’t clearly see the posted sign on the long board. Obviously anecdotal experiences matter but I specifically asked for shirt policy, not what you can get away with. I always go back to my original question when replies stray. But thank you for your viewpoint.
Ivan ************
Bill why are you asking here if you don't want people's anecdotal experiences? I don't believe there are any "official regulations" on this, in the sense of a law that you have to wear certain clothes to immigration. It's all subjective and a matter of etiquette and down to the individual immigration office and the mood of the people there on the day. So we can tell you that 100% there is no issue with a short sleeve shirt, but if you want to be uber-respectful then in general yes long sleeves are more respectful. They are not required for immigration though.

In practice, unless you dressed like a hobo, or extremely skimpily, it's not going to be an issue... and to be honest 90% of the time not even then, they don't in practice usually have an issue with things like short shorts, miniskirts or strappy tops either.

There are isolated cases of people being refused where they looked terrible... like wearing dirty wifebeaters, that sort of thing... so just make a tiny modicum of effort as to your dress and you will have no issues, they are NOT uber-picky on this, they just want a minimum.
Stéfan ********
@Bill *******
I hear you. It's obviously your first visit there. You'll be fine.
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And yes....behavior is a huge component too!! :-)
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stéfan *******
I totally get that. But when one is giving advice and there is sufficient information that Thai offices have an expectation, then I think it's more prudent to offer the official regulations. But your point is well taken. Thanks.
Stéfan ********
Bill Pierce Not many people respect this.. I was there yesterday and there were many people in shorts and tshirts. I think that as long as you look and behave politely, you'll be fine. What you describe as your attire for your visit is absolutely fine. Are you more likely to be viewed with a higher sense of respect? yes. But would they turn you away because you're wearing shorts? I've never heard or seen this happen. FYI, I wore a long sleeve shirt and long dark jeans with dressy Adidas shoes not because of the dress code but because I enjoy dressing nicely.
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm sure some people have anecdotal stories of exceptions being made but given that I live here now and am applying for an extension of stay based on age and adequate income I'm not going to mess that up because someone got a pass on Thai etiquette.
Bill ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not from what I've read. I only needed clarification about the shirt because the large sign was hard to read about the short sleeve shirt.
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