Heads up to anyone using Pattaya Immigration. I had my annual interview for the Non Imm. O visa Ext. of Stay thru marriage yesterday. Nightmare. Worst in 28 years. Even my usually unflappable Thai wife was upset at the process. Home photos rejected. Had to go home take more, a 1-hour return drive. Photocopies unacceptable. In and out all morning to get more done then having to queue up again in long queues of at least 40 or 50 people in front of us twice.
The female immigration officer even had a problem with the map to our house which we printed off from Google Maps. Not good enough. It had to be hand drawn with a copy so that means hand drawn twice. Don’t know if the IO was just having a bad day or not but doubt it as a friend said he had something similar happen to him last week in Bangkok immigration. Oh and marriage cert. good for the last 23 years, not anymore. Needs updating every year now so had to go to the Amphur district office do that.
The questions they’re asking nowadays are very invasive as well. Why did you move? (asked twice) How did you pay for your house? Got receipts? Where does your income come from? Got any pension? Proof? Receipts? Be warned. It’s a new dawn in immigration these days and the bank freezes were just the start. I’d be interested to know if anybody’s had similar experiences having done a recent 1-year Extension of Stay on long-term Thai visa. Thanks.🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent experience with Pattaya Immigration for a Non Imm. O visa extension revealed a number of challenges, including the rejection of home photos and photocopies, invasive questioning about income and residence, and a requirement for an updated marriage certificate each year. The process has become more stringent, causing stress for applicants and even triggering frustration among those previously familiar with the system. Comments from community members suggest these issues are widespread, with many facing similar difficulties at immigration offices across Thailand.
