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What should expats know about varying immigration procedures in Thailand?

immigration procedures Thailand certificate of residence visa requirements expat tips Hua Hin Pai Jomtien Aranyaprathet local regulations

Sep 22, 2025

6 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Did you know that immigration procedures in Thailand can vary depending on the office you visit? For example, in Pai the certificate of residence was issued in just five minutes with only my passport required. In Hua Hin however the process took over an hour and they asked for photos of me along with two copies of both my passport and visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Immigration procedures in Thailand can differ significantly depending on the location. For instance, obtaining a certificate of residence can take mere minutes in Pai with just a passport, whereas in Hua Hin, it may take over an hour with additional documentation required. Many commenters affirm that local regulations vary widely across provinces, influencing processing times and requirements.

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Bill **********

aranyarathet, refused to issue certificate of residence whilst I was there doing my 90 day reporting, said I had to first get letter from sa kaeow government office the area I live in, went to that office and they said they have nothing to issue regarding this ? however when I first lived in chon buri I paid a local agent to get it for me

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Bob **********

Jomtien 300 baht in the morning pick up in afternoon two photos copies of passport and tm30

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Rob **********

It is widely known and has always been that way.

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Matt ********

I’m off to HH IO this week to get one for the first time, so I will go well prepared. Thank you 👍

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Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

very good

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Matt ********

See, some people can be polite. It’s not difficult 😆

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Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

bring the cookies. It makes a difference

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Ryan **********

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J **************

Yes many of us knew that

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Wannikea *********

Oh feign surprise.

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Jesper *******

Some reports says either you pay 500baht to get it on the spot or wait for 1 week in your mail(free)

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Graham ******

or get it free within 25 minutes (Sa Kaeo province)

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Graham ******

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Jim ***********

Yes all Provinces have own rules and requirements. This is Thailand 🇹🇭

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Todd *********

Literally everyone knows this. You are the last to arrive. 👏🏼

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Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for taking the time to show your friendliness

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Todd *********

@Ryan *********

anytime

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Todd *********

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Stuart *********

Possibly the most known fact in this group.

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Chris **********

@Stuart ********

as far as the variation in difficulty between different Thailand immigration offices yes, but did everybody know about the ease of business at the Pai office which in my opinion is a very useful piece of key information from the author

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Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

a simple thank you would’ve been fine

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Chris **********

@Ryan *********

Thanks

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Stuart *********

@Ryan *********

I understand what you wanted to tell people but in this group it’s like telling people that water is wet.

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Stuart *********

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