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What challenges did expats face while trying to register a marriage in Chiang Khong, Thailand?

Marriage RegistrationVisa and Immigration IssuesThai BureaucracyChiang RaiChiang KhongExpat ExperiencesCorruption and BriberyLocal Government Processes
Nov 16, 2023
a year ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not a particularly useful anecdote- but maybe helpful to someone.

Just left the office in Chiang Khong trying to get a marriage recorded. While we sat at the window the dude changed his story repeatedly. The essence was "only the office chief can stamp foreigner marriages" at one point he mumbled something about due to the proximity of Laos. He also said the chief was upstairs in a meeting and then changed the story to he was in Bangkok until Wednesday. He also showed us a stack of near 20 sets of documents that he alleged were foreigner marriage packages awaiting review. He advised us to go to the office in Chiang Rai- which we had done and they told us to go to Chiang Khong. I am embarrassed for everyone involved including myself.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat shared their frustrating experience attempting to register their marriage in Chiang Khong, Thailand. They encountered conflicting information from officials about the need for the office chief's approval, leading to confusion about where to go next. Other expats chimed in with their stories, highlighting issues like bureaucratic inefficiency, the suggestion of hiring local agents for smoother processes, and the common practice of tipping government officials. There were discussions about the challenges and frustrations of navigating bureaucratic red tape and the implications of corruption in the process.
Jacob ********
Just a typical Thai trying to save face unable to speak good enough English to explain himself. Aka ( I don,t know how to do it) , ( i don,t want to do it.) , (boss angry I do it) , or you , you, give me money. If more foreigners stood up to paying bribes and extra fees for parks etc this would all stop. Just learn how to say NO! and don,t worry about your partners feelings because YOU stood up to them. Remember it is always YOUR fault for discussing the issue. Not the person trying to screw you over.
a year ago
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Daniel *****
@Jacob *******
 Thai people also regularly tip govt officials for service, not only foreigners, it's just the amount that varies. You can say no but then you will deliberately be dicked around, ignored or have to wait longer, up to you!
a year ago
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Jacob ********
@Daniel ****
 Sorry I don,t tip corruption. I have traveled to the Burmese border numerous times always made it in on $10. Hide most of your money offer 300 baht or $10 USD works every time.
a year ago
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Daniel *****
@Jacob *******
 In one breath you say you don't tip corruption but you then hand over 300 baht or $10. Sounds like you still have a lot to learn.
a year ago
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Jacob ********
@Daniel ****
 Why? I paid $10 without having to deal with excuses as to why my $10 bill is not new enough. Maybe it is you that needs to learn to have a spine.
a year ago
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Daniel *****
@Jacob *******
 Maybe I know something you don't, I also know not to argue with ignoramus' so good luck to you!
a year ago
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Jacob ********
@Daniel ****
 Thank you😍
a year ago
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Jacob ********
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Guy ******
@Jacob *******
 other avenue is relations in family. Many have connections in the military or police. Me I’m not sure of anything. My family there usually handle stuff
a year ago
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Guy ******
@Jacob *******
 I hear you. Bribing is not proper. I prefer to use friendly respect. To hopefully get cooperation
a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Update: went to Chiang Rai where they were first appalled and aghast that Chiang Khon would send us to them. Then admitted more and more small districts are doing it and they are now backlogged. I am sure this is high level politics bleeding down on the masses. It was super irritating too because there were almost no customers, the lady who "helped us" was talking on her cell phone hoping we would go away for the first 10 minutes and the girl at the next desk was doing some kind of arts and crafts with string.
a year ago
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Jacob ********
@Jack ***************
 That is the dicey part of living in Thailand. There is always that thought in the back of your mind you might suddenly have to leave because of some lame bull$hit. I gives real confidence in those wanting make any investments here. Have to love the backwards logic. Would drive any Vulcan mad.
a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jacob *******
 I'll do everything I can to do it right. And if they make it impossible I will "Live in Laos" and just swim the river when I need to travel.
a year ago
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Jack ****************
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jacob *******
 it's like you are in my head!
a year ago
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Jacob ********
@Jack ***************
 (Si Na) Saving Face more often misused for getting yourself out of trouble. Basically, asking the other to back down and walk away quiet.
a year ago
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Jacob ********
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Guy ******
Oops you forgot the tip. T.i.p. To insure promp service
a year ago
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Graham ******
The Amphur Prefect has to sign the register for you. We had an appointment at 8.30 and presented all of our documents and were away from there with our signed pink bordered certificates after about a hour waiting.
a year ago
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James *********
Do you think he might have been wanting tea money?
a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
 probably only the Poobah can take bribes and give stamps, but he is currently politicking for a better gig so not around to do the normal crappy job at home.
a year ago
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Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
 I think he was genuinely gelded.
a year ago
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Jack ****************
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Cory **********
I am normally against agents however in this case I am glad we did. We just hired an agent two years ago and went to Chiang Rai. Simple process. One hour we were done.
a year ago
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Brian *********
a year ago
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Brian *********
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