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Why does Thai immigration take pictures of my passport and TM6 upon re-entry?

Non-O Visa Immigration Procedures TM6 Form Passport Scanning Thailand Visa Regulations Re-entry to Thailand Immigration Officer Practices

Feb 23, 2019

6 years ago

Jean-Michel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys, this is a question for the very few "ultra" specialists among you....

I live in Thailand with a non OA multi entry based on being over 50...I went to Singapore for a few days and came back today by plane at Don Mueng. Getting through immigration went extremely smooth as the officer didn't even look at me or ask me any question whatsoever... He stamped my passport and the TM6 in the proper manner allowing me 1 year of stay as expected...

But before giving me back the passport and TM6 he decided, using his own private (I suppose) telephone to make pictures of my passport, photo page and visa plus a picture of visa and full TM6 together .... I guess he didn't need to have my picture for himself so the question is :

Since they have all computerised records of the documents why would the officer need to take such pictures  🤔🤔🤔

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An expat in Thailand with a Non-O visa questions the reason behind an immigration officer's decision to photograph their passport, visa, and TM6 form upon re-entering the country. Responses from other community members suggest it may be standard procedure for immigration, with no cause for concern as this practice appears common during first entries or as a precaution. Overall, it seems to be a normal part of the immigration process.

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Tod *********

It's nothing at all. They take pictures of passports, entry stamps and visas all the time.

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Dave *******

I believe it’s standard practice on your first entry back into the country. It happened to me in Phuket. I asked why and the officer just said his boss has to have it. I’ve been in and out several times since with no issue

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Dave *******

@Jean-Michel ********

then I have no idea

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Jean-Michel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

...i have used my multi entry already 4 times....before this last little trip...

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Jean-Michel *********

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Steve *******

Did you ask him why? He might be covering his arse. Ive had the same entering on a ME Non Imm O visa from Cambodia. Immigration insisted on a Thai contact number, they never called me and never had a problem. Either that or he fancied you!

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Mary ********

You must have struck his fancy! You stud!!

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Steve *******

@Gregor *********

Yep, about the same as most IO's in pretty much every country.

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Gregor **********

I guess he was referring to the inconsistency of different immigration officers when applying the rules. There is actually nothing to understand, it onyl happens at the discretion of the officer and they sometimes leave me staring in honest disbelief. And they are sometimes hard to figure out

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Steve *******

Wayne Jaeger Why? Maybe it's you that doesnt understand how things work here. Ever considered that one?

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Gregor **********

Jean-Michel Coletti ""well, now he's got my phone number 🤣🤣🤣"" what did you just say? He has your phone number? Where from did he catch your phone number, the TM6 doesn't have a space for that , nor does the Non-Imm O/A?? Did he ask you for your phone number??

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Jean-Michel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

😊😊😊😊

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Steve *******

You'll be fine in Thailand

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Jean-Michel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

....I'm absolutely not worried....but I hate not to understand things....well maybe I shouldn't stay in Thailand then 😃😃😃

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Steve *******

Ok, I wouldnt worry about it too much

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Jean-Michel *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

...I thought the least I ask questions the best it is....😂😂😂😂 well, now he's got my phone number 🤣🤣🤣

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Jean-Michel *********

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