Ask question

What challenges do expats face with Thai immigration offices regarding visa renewals?

Thai immigration visa renewal expat experiences government bureaucracy local regulations

Mar 3, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

There's nothing so good as information from the source.

1,891

views

2

likes

49

all likes

15

replies

0

images

6

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Expats attempting to navigate visa renewal processes in Thailand often encounter inconsistencies between local immigration offices. While the local immigration office is seen as the primary source of information, experiences can vary significantly, leading to confusion and frustration. For instance, updates on official websites may be unreliable, and personal encounters at immigration can result in contradictory outcomes, as illustrated by a case of a retiree facing visa renewal challenges in Pattaya.

Dennis ***********

A friend of mine(18 yrs living in PATTAYA)renewed retirement visa at Jomtien each yr no issues in /out done.Last yr went as usual approached Imm officers desk-passport-documents-fee.Officer looked at him and said denied you have to leave the country.Went 3 days later different officer .Officer -good morning sir give me your Passport/documents examination-stamped renewal and said have a nice day.Amazingly it happens

Like

Reply

Kool *******

You will learn after a time in Thailand that most government websites, including immigration, are not updated regularly, or timely.

Like

Reply

Todd *********

Right up until you realize all the offices do their own thing

Like

Reply

Jacob ********

Always a bit stressful even in the best of times. Just never sure what stunt they might pull out of the hat today $$$.

Like

Reply

Todd *********

agreed. Every time can be a new experience at some locations I think

Like

Reply

Reply to

Todd *********

Reply

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I haven't been to all the offices, so until I'm asked for additional information I follow the official protocol. It hasn't failed me in 16 years.

Like

Reply

Peter **********

I’d love to see you talk like that to a police officer when they stop you… 🤣🤣🤣

Like

Reply

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Peter Janssens thanks for your concern, but I know several officers in my village, and occasionally drink with a couple retired ones. My Thai lady friend works highway checkpoints as needed.

Like

Reply

Todd *********

@Peter *********

i'd love to see you get better at reading comprehension.😂🤣🤣😂😂

Like

Reply

Reply to

Todd *********

Reply

Brandon ************

The "source" is your local immigration office. They are the ones who make the rules, regardless of what you find on the internet.

Like

Reply

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Stuart Cumming what part of my statement " anyone who lives in Thailand already knows... didn't you understand?

Like

Reply

Peter **********

I guess the part where it says “but possibly many newcomers think something like ‘official government information’ exists in Thailand so it is good that they are educated by people like Stuart even though people like Tom Reubens can respond really rude”???

Does that properly explain the situation?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Peter **********

Reply

Tom *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

what office are you using? This is the official line. What ever happens outside of those distinctions anyone who lives in Thailand already knows about. If your entering the country by air Bangkok rules generally apply.

Like

Reply

Andrew ***********

unfortunately that is only partly correct, you are forgetting where you are. Every officer, every immigration office has different rules and that can change, depend on who you get on the day. Most importantly it's always at the discretion of the immigration officer you get. You could goo w and be told something and go back 1 day later and get a different officer and the requirements change or are different.

Like

Reply

Stuart *********

If you believe that offices around the country follow the “official” line (or at least should) then you’ve either not been in these forums too long or are living in cloud cuckoo land.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the current uncertainties regarding the renewal and re-entry process for the new Thai visa?

56 comments

3 months ago

What should expats know about renewing visas by leaving and re-entering Thailand?

3 comments

5 months ago

What are the challenges of renewing a Thai O visa and proving income?

54 comments

7 months ago

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

21 comments

a year ago

What are the current challenges faced during the visa extension process in Thailand?

20 comments

2 years ago

Why are different Thai immigration offices requesting varying accommodation documentation for visa extensions?

52 comments

2 years ago

What are the challenges and complexities of visa regulations for expats in Thailand?

102 comments

2 years ago

What experiences do expats have with obtaining a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa and transitioning to a one-year retirement visa in Bangkok?

14 comments

2 years ago

What are the difficulties faced when applying for a Non-O visa extension based on marriage in Thailand?

22 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for renewing a marriage or retirement visa in Thailand?

12 comments

4 years ago

What frustrations do expats face with Thai immigration procedures?

92 comments

4 years ago

What is the current process for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?

14 comments

4 years ago

What challenges did expats face when attempting to extend their visas at the Phuket immigration office recently?

10 comments

4 years ago

What are the current challenges and implications for expats regarding visa renewals in Thailand?

97 comments

4 years ago

What are the challenges faced by expats regarding visa extensions in Thailand?

13 comments

5 years ago

What are the challenges faced by expats in Thailand regarding immigration policies and bureaucracy?

16 comments

5 years ago

What are the current challenges in converting a Tourist Visa to Non O in Thailand?

1 comments

5 years ago

What should expats know before renewing a tourist visa at Nonthaburi immigration in Thailand?

0 comments

5 years ago

What are the requirements for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand, particularly in Loei Province?

8 comments

6 years ago

What issues have expats faced when renewing a Non-B visa for a limited partnership company recently?

4 comments

6 years ago

What are the challenges expats face when seeking advice on Thai visa rules and regulations?

34 comments

6 years ago

What are the challenges faced by expats in obtaining Thai visas, specifically in relation to experiences in Phuket and Penang?

9 comments

6 years ago

What are the challenges and options for extending a tourist visa in Thailand after being denied in Koh Samui?

4 comments

6 years ago

What are the new immigration procedures at the Chonburi office, and how do they affect visa renewals?

6 comments

6 years ago

What are the challenges of getting a visa extension at the Chonburi Immigration office in Pattaya?

8 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.