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What are the dress codes and immigration rules for expats visiting or living in Thailand?

Thailand Immigration Visa Rules Dress Code at Immigration Expats in Thailand Overstay Penalties Visa Extension Chonburi Immigration Chaengwattana Immigration Cultural Norms

Aug 26, 2017

7 years ago

Korn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For you guys who never been there before!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses dress codes at Thai immigration offices, with commenters sharing their experiences of immigration expectations and local norms. There's a consensus that dressing appropriately, such as wearing long pants, is advisable to avoid scrutiny or negative perceptions, though some argue that enforcement might not be strict. Additional discussions delve into overstay penalties in Thailand, featuring opinions on the consequences of being even one day late, including fines and potential bans. Overall, the thread highlights the importance of adhering to local customs and understanding the nuances of immigration regulations.

Ron *******

Don't bother getting dressed up if your using Chonburi Immigration. They will look at you as if your attempting to hide something.

You'll stand out like a sore thumb.

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Richard *******

There used to be something called national pride, Obviously it is something that you dont feel the need to project when overseas. After travelling, to and working in over 100 countries over the past 37 years, i can comfortably say that I am pleased that i left a good impression and was never looked down on.

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Steven ***********

😂

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Lance *******

Like pissing in the wind this page sometimes

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Ron *******

I've just told you. There is no dress code, at least nothing that anybody is concerned about at Chonburi. My dress code is Tommy Bahama and a pair of reefs. Does me.

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Tod *********

Now

, I wasn't advocating that by any stretch of the imagination so let's not go overboard. ;)

The dress code signage is up for a reason and it's my own personal opinion there's no excuse for a foreigner to show up looking like a bum at a thai gov't office.

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Ron *******

Why? Do you think people bring suits and ties to Pattaya for a holiday? Maybe ask immigration there why lots of them where jeans and T shirt and no uniform. It's 2017 not 1917.

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Tod *********

That makes me feel sad for the immigration officers :/

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Tod *********

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Tod *********

This is actual warning signage at some border crossing. Look at what the dress code is to get into the country :)

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Dee *******

#3 is funny considering 90% of the country wears flip-flops.

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Tod *********

#6 looks like a "catch all" to keep people out if they want to ;)

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Tod *********

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Richard *******

I remember seeing these type of signs 36 years ago at Don Muang Airport arrivals. Back then i even saw the occasional people being told off. I always make it a point to dress in long pants and a shirt when i go to immigration, i believe it does help.

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Joe ******

"Dress Codes" existed since I entered Thailand the first time decades ago. Nothing new ;-)

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Joe ******

Although they should replace the "Hippie" with "Teacher" as most hippies live on a pretty good pension by now :-)

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Tod *********

, you see they did change the amounts for the proof of funds ;)

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Joe ******

Yeap, still there in Sungai Kolok :-)

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Robert *******

and written in 1979 according this picture. 38 years old and still in place and I read so many times: Immigration change rules on a daily basis.

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Robert *******

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Tod *********

That signage is up out at Chaengwattana and I've seen all manner of ill-dressed foreigners inside the immigration office. They certainly aren't banning people from entering for not following the dress code.

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Stephen ********

I once saw a guy walk up to the officers at Immigration barefoot.

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Lance *******

I'm sure they make you jump a few extra hoops if you don't dress accordingly. One guy gave me a filthy look and spoke something to me in his tongue when i was in and out in 15 minutes. He looked like he had been sitting for a while dressed in shorts and a singlet.

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Lance *******

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Jimmy ***********

What's next ? A fucking dress code to enter 7 11 ?

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Alexandre **********************

Saw people breaking every single rule.

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Jimmy ***********

yes!

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Tod *********

now now, it is a government office and people are expected to dress and conduct themselves accordingly.

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Tod *********

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Richard *****

I guess from the notice that long trousers have to be worn to visit the office? Docker's cargo shorts not acceptable?

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Ron *******

No don't worry about it until something happens such as last July being involved in 9 car shunt on the 7 road and people injured with a full investigation and copys of passports being produced.

After all, it's only a 5 year ban and deportation under arrest.

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Ron *******

I have a black & white way of not leading people into thinking that being on overstay, even for 1 day, doesn't matter. The penalty on being caught on 1 day of overstay is exactly the same as being caught on 12 months of overstay. A 5 year ban.

Maybe the experts should start advising people not to bother with visa runs? Work out against paying for run against a 500bht a day fine and take the cheaper option? After all, getting caught on 1 days over stay or 12 months overstay, it's the same penalty?

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Ivan ************

the very fact that Thai Immigration waive the fine for overstays under 24 hours, and that penalties after that are gradated according to overstay length indicates that the people who count DON'T consider it all the same. You have a remarkably black and white way of looking at the world for someone living in a country full of grey.

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Ron *******

I don't know of a case personally where anybody was caught, do you? But it's ok. Carry on with the belief that overstay is ok. After all, 1 day, 2 days, Why not just go for a whole month? Overstay is overstay you can't dress it up or deny the law.

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Tod *********

seems a little extreme and coincidental doncha think?

a single day overstay is not the end of the world.

I don't know of a case where a single person was ever arrested or banned for a one day overstay.

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Tod *********

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Aaron ****************

If you are one day overstay at the airport they often don't even fine you the 500 baht, you get a little stamp saying it's been waived. I wouldn't worry about it.

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Tod *********

correct, a single day's overstay fine is waived at the airport but you get the "overstay of under 24 hours fine waived" stamp.

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Tod *********

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Allan ******

What if I show up at immigration 1 day late for the extension?

I suppose they'd just back date it anyway.

I should have stayed an extra night in Cambo.

😡

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Allan ******

Can't win, can ya.

By the way, how many days before my visa expires can I apply for the extension?

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Tod *********

they'll charge you 500 baht for overstay and date the extension from the expiration of your stamp.

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Tod *********

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Ron *******

More chance of the Pattaya Taxi Drivers association agreeing to use there meters.

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Tod *********

, you got a zero chance of getting a 31 day extension :/

You could either leave with a single day overstay, OR you could go to the immigration office and buy the "application for extension denied" 7 day stamp to get outta thailand for 1900baht

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Ron *******

You've got no chance of getting 31 days.

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Allan ******

I'll be on a one day overstay when I leave this time. Hope they don't ban me.

I've got one more 30 day visa extension to do at immigration. I wonder if I could convince the nice people to give me 31 days?

😒

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Allan ******

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