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What should you do if pressured for a bribe at a Thai immigration office?

bribesimmigrationvisa issuesexpat adviceThailandcorruptionreporting procedurestea money
Dec 12, 2023
a year ago
Jack *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can anything be done if you are pressured for bribe money at an immigration office? I'm guessing not but I'd like to know if anyone has heard any stories. It happened to us...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation centers around the issue of being pressured for bribes at immigration offices in Thailand. Users share experiences and advice on what actions to take, such as demanding a receipt, documenting the incident for a police report, or even filing a complaint with the anti-corruption commission if there's enough evidence. Some participants argue against paying bribes, emphasizing the negative impact of corruption on the broader society, while others suggest that sometimes paying may be a more practical solution to avoid lengthy bureaucratic issues. Several comments address the necessity of having complete paperwork to mitigate the risk of facing such demands.
Anton ********
I been asked for 100thb for certificate of residency and they gave it to me in 5min.

Agents cen get one for 1000thb

Officially immigration have 30days to give you this cert... Sooo for me it was good deal
a year ago
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Mma *******
Maybe the agent is making it up and will pocket the money.
a year ago
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Brian ***********
Agents , yes.. at Immigration , never.

I can wait in line and do 2 or 3 trips for the amount of tea money the agents ask for.
a year ago
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James *********
Git yer heads up outta the sand. This happens All Over the world 😊
a year ago
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Leo ******
Please explain the difference between fees, taxes, fines and bribes?
a year ago
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Lee **********
Sometimes i think its easier to just pay it. Even if you have all the requirements as listed officially, they can ask for this and that extra and you end up wasting a lot more time at immigration. Not worth it for me.
a year ago
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Simon **********
Can honestly say I have never heard of anyone being forced into paying immigration a bribe. Obviously if you use an agent there’s a high likelihood that they are paying a bribe on your behalf to expedite your processing time, but if you have not made an error I can’t see how the IO can extort you.
a year ago
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Steve **********
I think your posting this will solve all your problems.

Call home, tell them you're coming back.
a year ago
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Jonathan **************************
There's also nothing to stop you from making an anonymous report here.

Though what, if anything, will come from that is another matter.

******************************
a year ago
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Jonathan **************************
Unusual that they're directly asking for money on office premises.

These days, they seem, in most places, to be more discreet about it, and keen to protect the image of Thailand from foreign eyes.; they make more of a show in the office, in public, where the cameras are running, of having integrity. They have big signs discouraging giving "tips" etc.

(Any taking of "tea money" usually takes place in private locations off official premises, between Thais.)
a year ago
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Terary **********
Tea money (Bribes) is not are not required but do you really want to make several trips to the immigration office, spending the better part of the day there? Immigration can be easy or difficult - how much is your time/money worth to you.

Also, most of life is not fair -
a year ago
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Rich ****
Bribes help grease the wheels
a year ago
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Mohit **********************
Are you asking for a Thai citizenship and you don’t wanna pay a fee? What’s the story? Is the officer going out of his way to help you out? Then why not help him/her?
a year ago
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David ***************
Did you meet all the paperwork/requirements 100%? Or are you short on something and they are letting you slide by paying their “fee”?
a year ago
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Brian *******
I've had a few of these that no one would believe. Hence why no need to repeat them.
a year ago
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Alexis ********
Please share what city the immigration office was in
a year ago
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Matthew **********
No. But you got something for your money. We learn how the world is not fair. It starts with the inequality of capitalism then influences everything else. Billions never pass through immigration for a holiday.
a year ago
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Burnard ************
May be better if you just pay if it isn't too much. These Civil Servants don't get paid very much. Not by Western standards.

If it is too much, walk out and reapply at another entry point, if you can.

Also, it could be a breakdown in communication. Maybe your paperwork isn't in perfect order and they were going to do you a favor by forcing it through the red-tape or looking the other way. Don't underestimate "Greasing the Wheels."
a year ago
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Dusty *****
@Burnard ***********
 one must grease the wheels 👍
a year ago
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Burnard ************
@Sootstars ****
Just to be crystal clear. I mean if they "require" more money. I would never offer.
a year ago
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Dusty *****
@Burnard ***********
 thats it mate 👌
a year ago
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Dusty *****
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Dusty *****
Pay the bribe , get what you want, walk away , everyone is happy. That's how shit works in Thailand 👌
a year ago
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Braulio *********
@Sootstars ****
 Yes, that's how things work in Thailand
a year ago
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Martin ******
I disagree quite strongly with this attitude. Corruption only looks benign when you can afford it. Corruption hurts the poor most of all, and tilts the system in favour of the rich, who get a reduced set of rules to live by at the expense of the poor. In my opinion Thailand's biggest problem is that the system serves the rich. We are guests of Thai people, not the wealthy minority, and should strive very hard, even if it must be at our own expense or inconvenience, to not worsen the country for the majority. Often it just takes a little determination and polite resistance.
a year ago
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Dusty *****
@Martin *****
 whilst I respect your opinion mate the truth is that thai people don't extort thai people they extort foreigners . You are at the mercy of their system . We can afford to pay for convenience they can't. It's all well and good to have the high moral ground , but at the end of the day if I need something done that I don't have the time or patience to do I pay someone else to do it , do you really think that this is any different ? The thai bureaucratic system is archaic at best & that's for thai people , what hope do you have as a westerner trying to navigate it ? For fuks sake you can go to 10 different provinces on one day & they will all have different requirements for the same thing . I don't have time for that shit , I want results , & I certainly wouldn't waste my time trying to reinvent the wheel . Maybe you might have noticed , thai people don't care about our " woke , idealistic " ideas 👍
a year ago
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Damien ********
@Sootstars ****
. Thais extort Thais all the time !!! Cops all over Thailand get bribes off thai motorists .. my thai step daughter had to bribe the school principal to get her job !! Thai jobs in government often come after a bribe is paid ….. u really don’t know Thailand !
a year ago
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Martin ******
Nothing personal, your view certainly isn't rare here in Thailand. Thai people get screwed over all the time. Paying someone to do a task is not harmful to anyone, paying someone to bend rules is, and that is just the truth, not woke or idealistic. Thai people stated very clearly this year that they believe in idealistic ideas such as democracy, some dedicate their lives to it, some were shot dead for it. That's the system bribery funds and encourages. We expats live in fluffy cloud land in comparison.
a year ago
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Dusty *****
@Martin *****
 100% mate nothing personal here either & you are right in what you say to a certain degree , perhaps the younger generation of thai people do want things to change . What it would take to implement that across the board in Thailand is anyones guess . Obviously you have been there,you would have seen most thai people attitudes towards government rules and regulations, they honestly couldn't give a rats arse for it , they are to busy feeding their family . Personally I would hope that they could strike some sort of balance , otherwise they will end up like us , living in a world of government overreach with very limited real freedom .
a year ago
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Dusty *****
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Dusty *****
You will open up a world of hurt for yourself if you don't play the game , remember you are not in the West anymore ,you are a guest in a foreign country 😊
a year ago
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Dusty *****
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Dave ********
Mine saved me an expense that would've been significantly more and quite possibly wouldn't have resulted in getting the visa anyway. Theoretically, non-o by virtue of marriage must be solicited from a thai embassy outside of thailand if I understand it correctly. I was here on a tourist visa and didn't have any particular desire to visit Vientiane (or wherever) so it was a cost/benefit analysis against air travel, hotel, another visa for Laos, etc., and the payoff won.
a year ago
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Christopher ***********
Remember that you may need help from your immigration office in the future. You’re not going to get it if you’ve reported them.
a year ago
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Galenus ******
You want to hear fairy tales???
a year ago
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Jim *********
Just pay.
a year ago
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John **********
I had one suggest it, I just laughed. So did she.
a year ago
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Sri **********
Better to pay and come out if they do work just negotiate with bribe for less 😂 it's in india everywhere
a year ago
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Braulio *********
TIT pay the tea money
a year ago
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Daren *********
@Braulio ********
 The reason this happens is because people pay the bribes. Stand your ground and make sure all your paperwork is in order. This is the only way to reduce tea money payments.
a year ago
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Daren *********
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Goudoune ************
How much for ?
a year ago
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Ellis ******************************
Ask for scan Jai
a year ago
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John *******
Yes put in a complaint or report if you wish but ensure you have everything covered as far as evidence is concerned because just accusations can come back and bite you very hard you will be remembered for your actions even if you are in the right and they appear to be in wrong Chokh di you will need it
a year ago
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Jacob ********
Some of the border crossings are notorious for playing games.
a year ago
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James ********
Give them the longest , highest , most groveling " Wai" while on your knees ...
a year ago
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Jacob ********
@James *******
 Make sure everyone notices . Losing face ouch!
a year ago
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James ********
@Jacob *******
 EXACTELY !! ..
a year ago
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James ********
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Jack ****************
Tell us the story!
a year ago
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Jacob ********
Yea it is much more common than you think. Did you get their names? What was the reasoning ? And where exactly in the location did this take place? The #1 problem here are the majority of expats condone this behavior. And that is exactly why it is only going to get worse. Foreigners really need to grow a spine and very politely say NO THANKS! Also when you return home have a story done in the local media.
a year ago
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Martin ******
@Jacob *******
 here here. Just posted a similar sentiment above before coming across yours.
a year ago
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Steve **********
@Jacob *******
 I assume when you say ' when you return home ' you mean outside of Thailand.

If you live here....totally different story .
a year ago
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Steve **********
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Lyndon ************
What are you wanting from them? An extension, a visa, a resident cert what?

Are you short of paperwork they want?

Why are they asking for a bribe?
a year ago
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Kool *******
Yes, there are things you can do, but there will only be results if you can prove what you say, and not a he said situation. You need physical proof, with names, time, and location. You first file a report with the local police, then file a report with the anti-corruption commission. If you have proof, then something might happen, but also be fully aware that vengeance can rear its ugly head, and you could face serious trouble, and deportation. If you are willing to take the bullet, literally in some cases, for everyone else then do it.
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Jack ********
 happens from time to time. Record event and ask for receipt or afterwards do a police report
a year ago
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Brandon ************
Ask for a receipt
a year ago
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Brandon ************
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