What frustrations do expats face with Thai immigration procedures?

Sep 22, 2020
4 years ago
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well thank you Ranong Immigration. Made to feel like a 3rd class citizen, given a massive run around back and forth to photocopy more docs. Then told need 3 passport photos so off again to photo shop. Then put on hold for lunch all for 1900tbh..oh and gotta go back in 2wks...🤔
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post highlights the frustrations of an expat navigating the Thai immigration process, including long waits, excessive paperwork, and feeling treated poorly. Many comments reflect a mix of sympathy and criticism from other expats, with some pointing out the inefficiencies of the system and others suggesting that expats should be better prepared or accept the challenges as part of living in Thailand.
Ezmerelda ********
Had you known that you needed all those documents,had you come prepared then you would not have had a run around. In this case, you need to put the blame on youself and NOT on anyone else.
Charles *********
Welcome to Immigration

You will get well versed after a few times

all part of the fun living here in thailand
Alessandro **********
Photos and at least 2 sets of the whole documentation have always been a requirement to get a visa extension. So, what are you complaining for?
Ana *********
If you want to stay here... Their country, their rules! We can always bounce if we are not happy!
Rob ******
Yes , Thailand attitude of pen pushers , makes you appreciate good hearted rural workers .
Tod *********
And whose bright idea was it waiting until the last minute before you went to get your extension? (y)
Frank *******
can't hear the complaints any longer, you like to stay in Thailand then you deserve the treatment. Go somewhere else, where it is nicer, no visa issues and you are really welcome!
Xander **********
@Frank ******
yes I guess you like to be treated like shit so you can’t stand when people complain. Some people just can’t live without being humiliated. You enjoy it a lot, ha ?
Mitchell *******
These comments are keeping me entertained during my non travel year.
Terry ********
Perfectly normal Thai Immigration behaviour!
Steve ******
TIME TO GO
@Ho**
.
Todd *********
i am home :) Thailand is great right
Steve ******
@Todd ********
No money no honey
Todd *********
@Steve *****
then ur done cowboy... safe flight home
Steve ******
@Todd ********
im swimming
Todd *********
@St***
well played!!! Saves a few bucks at least mate!!!
Roderick **********
Sounds familiar🤔
Malcolm *********
Being a foreigner in a country like Thailand is always going to have some challenges and the bureaucracy can be madding (as it can be elsewhere) but I have never been made to feel unwelcome. US Immigration is the worst I have experienced.
Jane ***********
And your problem is? Like this couldn’t/wouldn’t happen in London or Berlin or Toronto (esp Toronto). Get over yourself
John *******
People in every country in the world always have something to bitch about , and people just love to bitch about those bitching ....get over it ffs
Burnard ************
I understand where you are coming from but if you were a Citizen, at all, you would not be dealing with Immigration at all, would you?
Siegert ********
Imagine how a Thai feels when applying for a visa in Europe or the US.............
Ciarán *******
If anyone treats you like a 3rd class citizen it's a reflection on them not us
Jon ********
Sorry about all these obtuse remarks from the self haters. No compassion or understanding is their horrible hallmark. Your frustrating day really brought out their little knives hahaha. Ignore them all... Carry on luv.
Marie ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jon *******
thank you hon, was only trying to highlight my experience. Thats all.
Siegert ********
@Jon *******
agree!
Burnard ************
@Jon *******
Agreed!
Maxim ***********
A lot of old fart in the comment who think being treated like shit is okay because we are not at home. They are the one who ends up broke after GF leave them for younger one and complain that life is so difficult, lol.
Maxim ***********
My msg hit a chord. Someone name Danny Moo told me in PM that he would slice my head open.
George ********
@Maxim **********
nice man bun LOL, you obviously have never had a "girlfriend" leave you.
Apex ********************
What's the difference between a 2nd and a 3rd class citizen?
Burnard ************
@Thailand ***************************************
If he was a Citizen at all, there would be no issues.
Gyungtaek *******
3rd class citizens in a 2-ish 3rd world country. Fantastic!
Jay *******
Report this to your embassy at once! How dare you be asked for information to allow you to stay in a country of your choice.
George ********
3rd class citizen? Your not a citizen of Thailand period.
Jenn **********
did you brush your teeth? shower? wear a clean shirt? body odor?...these are important to them...
Ciarán *******
@Jenn *********
I was stinkin in immigration today 😂😂 went home to get more documents, showered, stinkin again
Keef ********
Every immigration location is different. It has different instructions. If you follow the instructions like a Lego set then you have a happy day. If you don't, you have a shit day clueless still, come here, and we explain it to you. Welcome to 🇹🇭 it's not that difficult Ma'am.
Charles *****
Do as you are instructed to do on the application and it won't be a problem.
Jay *****
@Charles ****
that’s exactly what she’s done, but they then tell you different!
Charles *****
@Jay ****
what it says on the application is what they want plus is you take a letter from the bank to show money in the bank do it the same day. Then pump the book. Take 1000 baht out the bank at the ATM and show them the slip
Jay *****
@Charles ****
sorry, what has a bank account got to do with an extension?
Charles *****
Jay *****
@Charles ****
haha this proved my point. You obviously needed one but I didn’t 🙂
Steven ***************
@Jay ****
. You wont get a yearly extension without bank account details.. thats what it has to do with an extension.. Op didnt state the type of extension though.
Jay *****
@Steven **************
she’s returning in 2 weeks for the stamp so will be a 30 day extension. People on yearly extensions have had plenty of time to sort this out without going to immigration at its busiest time.
Dave *********
All the old retirees on retirement visas and other old bored individuals love to vent here ... nothing better to do ... And some old farts get enjoyment from those living constructive lives having a hard time at immigration... most of these beyond repair retirement visa holders have done sweet nothing in their lives to be proud of... pretty sad ... why not just shut up if not answering questions and only venting
Roy ***********
@Dave ********
There was no question, and the OP was the one doing the venting. Complaining about Thai immigration is proof of not having a constructing live, as it is useless.
George ********
@Dave ********
I love when a balding grey haired guy complains about old guys. Let me guess 59
***
years old is middle age and 60 is old FFS
Todd *********
Dave - add this guy above to the list too lol.
George ********
@Todd ********
Raveen is still alive
Keef ********
@Dave ********
I'm old I'll give you that. So bored at the gym. Have to do something🤣🤣🤣🤣
Greg ********
@Dave ********
So says an old fart 😉😊😂
Andy ********
You have been spoiled by the super friendly Consulate in Hull England which I guarantee is not the normal level of service but way beyond it. I have to agree with alot of folk on here though saying plan ahead and take all documents and extra photo copies every time. I keep a pack with photos, photocopies of passports, forms etc. so I have them with me just in case. Thailand is easier to enter/remain than the UK ir USA and nothing comes close to what it used to be like getting a Visa for Egypt or Angola fir example
Michael ********
@Andy *******
Agree i have to go work in Nigeria and Angola these guys got nothing to whinge about.

When i applied for my certificate of entry had 3 folders, 1st with paperwork I knew i needed 2nd with paperwork i might need 3rd with everything else. Two sets of passport photos. Be prepared
Andy ********
@Michael *******
exactly.......
Peter *********
Agree there is not one expat who is in thailand who has not moaned about something thailand . Plenty of flights out
Todd *********
plenty of 500 baht bills to cover overstay too... 89 days for 20k baht. Best deal going. Well played immigration
Jay *****
@Peter ********
plenty of flights cancelled!
Peter *********
@Jay ****
I was just quoting what some others said
Jay *****
@Peter ********
haha. Yes I believed the same. Checked online & lots of flights but sadly then found out that most are cancelled without recompense. You have to try d book another & pay more money!
Todd *********
All the jag offs above here will also soon to be seen again on this page screaming for the economy to re-open soonest lol. It's a delicate balance and if the nation wishes to entice travellers and retirees to the nation for long term stays, will have to sort out it's myriad immigration issues. Treat people well. Have well-trained staff. Have clear and enforceable rules that encourage people to be able to stay long term.
Roy ***********
@Todd ********
They do not need well trained staff that see tourists as customers. People wanted to come here without that. Apparantly 150,000 are still working every angle to be able to stay here, the promised land. Why would they change?

Every immigration office makes you jump through hoops. It is part of protocol.
Burnard ************
@Todd ********
"Clear & Enforceable?" Are we still talking about Thailand?

The written rules are clear (or were before Covid). But they have enforced it anyway they want for the last 2.5 years (that I know about).
Stig **************
@Todd ********
spot on, about here sounds real Thai law/rules I know better old hags..
Jane ***********
thanks Dad
Todd *********
Ahhhh
@Ja**
!!! Missed you! I see you are still here spreading your unique brand of joy and light! Cheers 🥂
Jane ***********
@Todd ********
likewise. Glad we can always rely on you to be the sensible 'old woman' here. There's something boringly reliable about it.
Todd *********
@Jane **********
so cute :) - we realize you had the old woman part nailed down tight, (maybe a little sad at your antique tiara being challlenged) but the 'sensible' aspect appeared to have been booted to the curb sometime ago!... so here we are
Frank ******
You had 3 months grace , yet you complain ( your tardiness)
Kool *******
@Frank *****
, actually 5+ months grace, to work things out, from back in March.
Ciarán *******
@Kool ******
why don't you make like the wind and breeze on out of this thread😂😂😂
Kool *******
@Ciaran ******
, at least get your facts straight. You really didn't know what you were talking about now did you...hahaha.
Ciarán *******
@Kool ******
more gucci handbags 😂😂
Frank ******
@Kool ******
I was being nice
Ciarán *******
@Frank *****
he took that on the chin 😂😂 sorry!
Puggs **********
It's their country and their rules, you can always go home, no one is forcing you to stay in Thailand.
แมทธิว **************
@Puggs *********
wow fleas fighting over who owns the dog springs to mind
Ron *******
Nobody is forcing you to stay here.
Todd *********
nor is anybody forcing u to leave
Steve ******
plenty of flights out
Jay *****
@Steve *****
plenty of flights available to purchase, but most cancelled!
Steve ******
@Jay ****
Plenty are running and you had repatriation flights.
Jay *****
@Steve *****
no direct flights to UK, not even to purchase!
Steve ******
@Jay ****
did you miss the repatriation flights?, you mt get out so take a flight anywhere you can enter FFS man up.
Jay *****
@Steve *****
why are you telling me about non existent flights? Go buy one yourself if your so desperate to leave!
Steve ******
@Jay ****
i dont need to leave but if i did i would man up stop crying and find a flight.
Jay *****
@Steve *****
the OP coincidently does not want to leave either, otherwise why would she apply for an extension? Please refrain from posting useless info only to antagonise people seeking help.
Steve ******
@Jay ****
baby if you cant find flights, ask yourself how the other brits got home.
Jay *****
Mark ***********
That's Thailand
Dominic ****
Normality in any developing country...
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