Answered2 days ago
What resources can I use to overcome language barriers at Thai immigration when renewing my visa?
I have to renew my visa soon, are there places or people who help with the language barrier at immigration? Im not talking about agencies, they want like 25000 baht.
Answer summary
Expats looking to renew their visas in Thailand often face language barriers at immigration offices. The conversation highlights several suggestions for overcoming these challenges. Many commenters note that immigration staff in various locations, including Hua Hin and Chiang Rai, generally speak good English, alleviating the need for translation. Some suggest using tools like Google Translate or seeking help from volunteers, including students who can assist with paperwork. In addition, the community underscores the importance of providing location details to receive more tailored recommendations for assistance.
41 repliesnewest first
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Ashley ********
yea, google translator
Nigel *******
Thai Visa Center ask for Grace
Jo **********
Straight forward, just need translator
Dave ****************
If you've managed to write this post in English then you can manage immi. Saying where you are would be helpful, but a translator will cost the same as an agent. Same job pretty much. Here in Phuket there are teenage volunteers doing work experience from school. They speak good English and help you with your forms.
Nigel **************
They speak good English at most Imm offices
Dave ****************
If you've managed to write this post in English then you can manage immi.
Saying where you are would be helpful, but a translator will cost the same as an agent. Same job pretty much.
Here in Phuket there are teenage volunteers doing work experience from school. They speak good English and help you with your forms.
Saying where you are would be helpful, but a translator will cost the same as an agent. Same job pretty much.
Here in Phuket there are teenage volunteers doing work experience from school. They speak good English and help you with your forms.
Jo **********
OPStraight forward, just need translator
Ossie *********
Google translate
Lee *************
Lee Pornsuwan
TerranceBrdge ********
I did all of my documents at chiang rai IO they very helpful and a good understanding of English
Ossie *********
Google translate
TerranceBrdge ********
I did all of my documents at chiang rai IO they very helpful and a good understanding of English
Lee *************
There should be volunteers at immigration to help you with the language barriers.
Go there to find out
Go there to find out
Alan *****
Im suprised that no Thai person hasn’t thought about standing outside an immigration office with a sign saying. “ I can help with visas” Ppl would be happy to pay them
Lynn ***********
Alan Bow From what I found out, independent interpreter service is not prohibited at the Immi office although perhaps hardly anyone wants to do it because most visitors are skeptical or else they bring their own communication assistant or visa consultant representative, or else they use translation app on their mobile. There may also be other burdens on it that we do not want to discuss in details.
Pete *******
Just go to immigration as most speak English to a degree a your only renewing.
Alexander *************
Plain English at the immigration will do excellent. Absolutely no need for translation except your case is extremely complicated
Jesper *******
Language barrier? I did not speak more than 10 words while doing my extension at CW bkk....(wait outside) first sentence coming from the officer after I handed all my docs...(sign here) (phone number) (look at camera)(pay 1900baht)....after collecting passport (check date)....saying thank you with a 'WAI' and im out of the place
Pete *******
Just go to immigration as most speak English to a degree a your only renewing.
Jesper *******
Language barrier? I did not speak more than 10 words while doing my extension at CW bkk....(wait outside) first sentence coming from the officer after I handed all my docs...(sign here) (phone number) (look at camera)(pay 1900baht)....after collecting passport (check date)....saying thank you with a 'WAI' and im out of the place
Alexander *************
Plain English at the immigration will do excellent. Absolutely no need for translation except your case is extremely complicated
Lynn ***********
Alexander DThornerian Yes, I would reckon so.
Tomas *******
8000 only with my agency
Glennstev ***********
Which language do you need help with?..If it is English don't worry.It is spoken at immigration offices
Tomas *******
8000 only with my agency
Glennstev ***********
Which language do you need help with?..If it is English don't worry.It is spoken at immigration offices
Damien ********
If you can’t speak fast fluent thai….your in trouble!
Why would anyone speak English at an immigration office !!! Ridiculous idea
Why would anyone speak English at an immigration office !!! Ridiculous idea
Lynn ***********
Damien Morath Nah, Thai officials do speak English. It's probably unrealistic to expect every official to speak at the same speed as the native speakers but everyone there do speak and understand English, at least in a substantive communicable level. Immigration/MFA should be the best English-speaking department/ministry in Thailand.
Damien ********
Lynn Bhongsiri I was
Joking 🙃!!!!!!
Of course English is spoken by many Thais in immigration offices
Joking 🙃!!!!!!
Of course English is spoken by many Thais in immigration offices
Mark ***************
I had good experience in HuaHin as the Government officers at the information desk showed me the procedure with bank, housing verification and checked that forms are filled out correctly.
The pain of waiting in a queue is alleviated by an agent .. they seem to get through quickly!
The pain of waiting in a queue is alleviated by an agent .. they seem to get through quickly!
Ant ***********
8000 baht in Hua shin for a renewal with an agent if you have everything in order
14,000 baht if you don’t have “ everything “ in order
14,000 baht if you don’t have “ everything “ in order
Wayne *********
Probably would help if you told people your in Hua Hin
Ant ***********
Of course
Which immigration?
Hua Hin
Yes at the main immigration they will help you
If it’s all too much
It’s 8000 baht for an agent to do the paperwork
Or if you don’t have “ everything “ - it’s 14,000 baht
Which immigration?
Hua Hin
Yes at the main immigration they will help you
If it’s all too much
It’s 8000 baht for an agent to do the paperwork
Or if you don’t have “ everything “ - it’s 14,000 baht
Paul **********
Go into Laos you’ll get hit with plenty guys to you give them your passport letting him know where your planning to stay and will have it back to ya in morning along with a 60mg day stamp then head back into Thailand y
Jeramy ********
Just wondering how much your time is worth to you? I spent 16k on the visa fee and the agent total; money well spent, they took care of it all. You can do it all yourself. Many officers speak English.
Marianne ********
For these kinds of questions it's certainly a good idea to add where you are located so people can suggest translator services or people available to help closer to you.
Ray ********
Are you talking about getting a 12 months extension to your visa . What visa are you talking about . Need more information to help you properly
Marianne ********
Ray Low-On They're just asking for translation-help though. Not help with the actual extension.
Ray ********
Marianne Holmen I know 25,000 for an extension is way too much
Marianne ********
Ray Low-On Especially since they're only interested in a translator and not a agent.
Michael ********
Where are you ? Some places have volunteers that can help. If not find a student if just language
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