Ask question

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  🤔🤔🤔

459

views

4

likes

21

all likes

15

replies

0

images

6

users

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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Tod *********

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Dave *******

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

then I have no idea

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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!

Like

Reply

Mary ********

You must have struck his fancy! You stud!!

Like

Reply

Steve *******

@Gregor *********

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Steve *******

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

Like

Reply

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??

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

😊😊😊😊

Like

Reply

Steve *******

You'll be fine in Thailand

Like

Reply

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 😃😃😃

Like

Reply

Steve *******

Ok, I wouldnt worry about it too much

Like

Reply

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Do I need a passport photo for my first re-entry permit in Thailand?

5 comments

3 months ago

Why are people asking for pictures of visa exemption stamps in Thailand expat groups?

5 comments

3 months ago

Why was I taken to another counter during my departure at DMK airport?

23 comments

4 months ago

What are the current rules for entering Thailand on a visa exemption for multiple entries?

209 comments

5 months ago

Why is my Multiple Entry Tourist visa being questioned at Thai immigration?

43 comments

8 months ago

What should I present when entering Thailand with my Non-O Visa and do I need a new TM-30 upon arrival?

8 comments

a year ago

What new visa verification process is happening in Hua Hin for non-immigrant O retirement visa holders?

2 comments

a year ago

Is it normal to get questioned at Thai immigration after multiple tourist visa entries?

224 comments

a year ago

Why do I need to provide copies of the TM6 departure card for my 90-day report in Thailand?

19 comments

2 years ago

Do I need a TM6 departure card for a re-entry permit in Thailand if I lost the original?

13 comments

3 years ago

Why do you have to take your fingerprints multiple times at the police headquarters in Bangkok?

12 comments

4 years ago

Why Did Immigration Police Visit My Condo in Thailand?

5 comments

5 years ago

What should I do if I'm frequently questioned by Thai immigration as a tourist?

35 comments

5 years ago

Why did the immigration officer take pictures of my passport with his personal phone?

19 comments

5 years ago

Why was my entry into Thailand with a 6-month tourist visa questioned by immigration?

11 comments

5 years ago

What does the stamp on my passport mean and how does it relate to my extension of stay in Thailand?

23 comments

5 years ago

Does the Thai immigration authority photograph you and your spouse every time you renew a marriage visa?

0 comments

5 years ago

What is the Passenger Interview Form required at Thai immigration, and will it affect future trips to Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

Is it normal not to receive an entry stamp in Thailand with a Non-O visa?

68 comments

6 years ago

Is it normal for police in Thailand to check your residency and take a photo along with a copy of your passport?

0 comments

6 years ago

What is the process for first-time entry into Thailand with an O-A visa and what should I expect at immigration?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the procedures when immigration officers check passports in Thailand, specifically regarding a non-B teaching visa?

0 comments

6 years ago

What should I expect with a Non-O (retirement) visa after exiting and re-entering Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

What should I expect at Thai immigration after multiple tourist visas and frequent entries?

39 comments

6 years ago

What are the guidelines for filling out the TM.8 form for a re-entry permit in Thailand?

3 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.