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Why should I verify information from Facebook groups alongside Google for Thailand immigration queries?

Visa RulesThai ImmigrationExpats in ThailandInformation VerificationSocial Media UseTravel TipsGovernment Resources
Sep 5, 2023
a year ago
Sri ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Many simple questions can be googled, google search can provide authorized websites which can be referred, feels like people don’t want to put any effort, depend on social media, those things might misfire if they don’t cross verify from proper sources like airline website, embassy etc.

This forum is great help to people, take those as information, pls cross verify yourself from authorized sites
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the reliability of information found on social media and Google regarding Thai immigration queries. Participants emphasize that while Google can provide information, it is often outdated or inaccurate, leading many to rely on specific knowledgeable members within Facebook groups for current and authentic insights. The importance of cross-verifying any information received, whether from social media or other online resources, is highlighted, as is the frustration regarding individuals who seek validation through these platforms instead of doing their own research.
Frank **********
While everyone has a valid argument here, a little basic research is okay too. I got most of the information I needed to come to Thailand off of government sites combined with some Goggle search and was fine. Of course there will always be a need for groups like this but questions like how much luggage am I allowed on my flight and is it hot in Thailand during the summer, come on now.
a year ago
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Jack *********
That's not why people use Facebook groups. We use it for first-hand knowledge and recommendations from actual people. The algorithm of Google puts ads on first and you can also pay to have misinformation show up at the top. Do better...
a year ago
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Stuart *********
Do we as moderators wish people would use the search option more in here? Yes. But generally FB search sucks at best.

However much you think Google can help it often gives conflicting and/or out of date answers.

Many of the posters on here are knowledgeable and will go out of their way to help, even with daily repeated questions.

Some not so.
a year ago
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Thek *****
@Stuart ********
 Being a mod on any FB board would be a thankless task, but you folks do it as well as it could be done. I'm grateful.

I am wondering if a pinned post at the top of this FB page with the relevant webpage links would be useful? As discussed here many times, people are quite happy to post a question on FB and wait many hours for a response that would most likely be garbage, when they could just click on a pinned link and it would take them to the correct webpage at least. I know it wouldn't stop the idiots who like the ego fix of a FB post, but it may reduce the repetitive posts where questions have been asked answered recently time and again. Just a thought.
a year ago
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Sri ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 google info must be verified from authentic sources, for an example if people want to know baggage policy of airline travel, it must be from airline website,

People in the grp can provide their travel experience, hotels, sight seeing, currency exchange, transportation etc,
a year ago
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Colin *********
@Sri **
 so how do you verify "from authentic sources" if you don't know how to find the correct "authentic sources"? It's not always as simple as that. Some websites deliberately 'appear to be' government websites, yet they're actually a business out to make profits. Google won't tell you which source is accurate or which is incorrect.

Sure, some people in Facebook Groups like this post information that they believe is true or accurate, but actually isn't, or is only their opinion. If one is smart enough, true and accurate information CAN be gleaned in groups like this, especially from a certain few, among them being Admin and Moderators.
a year ago
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Stuart *********
@Colin ********
 Thanks for the shout out. Groups like this exist because Google or other places can’t help or confuse. The admins and moderators here (and many other members) help to mitigate confusion by providing information that is up to date, and accurate. Unfortunately it does mean we have to be pedantic on terminology but that’s only because you need to know the correct terms for giving correct answers.

So many people post a “helpful” answer by saying something like “check the embassy website”. Except they don’t have a clue that the embassy website is run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but immigration is run by the Royal Thai Police. Quite often it appears the two government departments don’t know the rules from one to the other.
a year ago
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Colin *********
@Stuart ********
 you're most welcome. Especially in this Group, I've seen time and time again, Admin and Moderators point members in the right direction when they're not really sure of where to get answers, or find confusing information elsewhere. I know where I'll turn when I really need help. Thanks
a year ago
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Sri ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ********
 you can cross verify in grp whether it’s authentic website or not, people can guide,
a year ago
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Colin *********
@Sri **
 your response to me says to me that contrary to your original post, that this Group, at least Admin, Moderators and a number of other members are a better guide than Google and the internet in general
a year ago
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Sri ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ********
 not sure what is contrary to my post, pls read my post again,

I said simple google search provide info, they must verify with authentic sites and group can provide info

Do you say group or admin or moderator signup for visa policy or airline baggage policy, they must point to authentic website to get the info

Grp/admin/moderator can provide info like hotels, sight seeing, budget, places to see and lot more when it comes to anything Govt or policies it must be from authentic sites, grp experts can provide pointers if needed that’s what I said …
a year ago
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Sri ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ********
 not here to fight or argue 🙏
a year ago
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Sri ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ********
 🙏
a year ago
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Sri ***
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Brown ********
So your first paragraph is saying people trust social media to much for answers with your second paragraph starting with applause for this social media group as being great help to people. So can I ask you this? Do you think god is all love but will send you to hell to be tortured for eternity if you don't follow he's commandments?
a year ago
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Jeff ********
@Brown *******
 why are you bringing your god into this?
a year ago
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Brown ********
@Jeff *******
 it's not my god lol. I was being sarcastic dude. You seriously can't see that?
a year ago
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Jeff ********
Don't get all butthurt cuz I called you out.
a year ago
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Jeff ********
@Brown *******
 you're the one mentioning a god, no one else.
a year ago
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Brown ********
@Jeff *******
 mate if you don't get it just leave it alone. Seriously
a year ago
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Brown ********
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Gary ****
Google in most cases is drivel. Their focus is as a sales machine nowadays and rarely present accurate, verified information anymore.

The Thai immigration system is constantly changing, even on a daily basis, and especially how different officers implement their interpretation of the rules.

Groups like thus are far more accurate than Google with some guys in here more knowledgeable than most officers.

I have a handful of people I would trust for information related to Thailand far more readily than Google, one of them in this group.
a year ago
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Colin *********
@Gary ***
 from my nine or ten months of being in a couple of Thailand related Fb groups, I totally agree with your last sentence.

In your second to last sentence, these small number of people we know of, I believe that much of their "accurate" information likely comes from not only personal experience, but paying attention to the Thailand related experiences, good and bad, of others.

To me, it seems to be, from seeing plenty of comments from those few people and others that have lived in Thailand for some considerable years, that the "Thai Immigration system" hasn't changed much over decades, apart from some small 'tweaks'. Rather it's only Thai IO's interpretations across the Provinces that vary, often being pointed out by those Fb group members with experience.

At least with these Fb groups, what you type is less likely than Google, to be used to promote products and services to other areas of your internet activity.
a year ago
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Gary ****
@Colin ********
 agreed, I started during the convid times when these groups were mainly set up to assist just getting back into Thailand. It soon became abundantly clear who knew what they were talking about and since then its evolved as more general visa advice.
a year ago
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Gary ****
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Christian *****
No, people don't do that because that doesn't give attention or validation neither dopamine releases.

There's actually science behind this

You know those little red icons and notifications you get, we get a release from those.

So, now mix that in with a toxic society obsessed with validation and consumerism.

No, you'll get a 1000 people ask the same question they saw the day before just because THEY WANT TO BE THE ONE ASKING IT
a year ago
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Nigel *********
@Christian ****
 I gave you a like. 🙏💞🎉
a year ago
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Christian *****
agreed, much evidence of all this

Anyways, one looooove!
a year ago
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Christian *****
not sure if you're trolling but either way, hu rah

Truth is truth, if you're trolling, great.

If you're not trolling, even better, thank you for having eyes in a day and age where the blind idolise the deaf and blind and let them lead.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Christian ****
 ‘not sure’ 😂😂😂 Dude is playing you like his favorite accordion and you can’t stop yourself 😂😂😂
a year ago
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Christian *****
@Todd ********
 history has proven one.thing above all else Todd.

THE MAJORITY WERE ALWAYS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY.

ALWAYS.

Good luck.
a year ago
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Christian *****
@Todd ********
 I don't care Todd. You validate my points, why would i care that a thief cares to prove himself to be a thief?

Hilarious that it's you who appears again.

You have issues sir. As I rightly pointed out about being conditioned.

You validate everything I've been saying and you're so deep in it you can't even see it.

The sky is blue Todd.

Good luck.

I'm not playing chess with pigeons

Your level of intellect makes all I Al doing impossible for you to grasp.

You think you're winning but I'm not even playing your games. You can't see that
a year ago
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Nigel *********
@Christian ****
 just teasing you. I know exactly what you mean. There's also the modern day chain letters trying to identify "persons susceptible to influence" but that's a whole topic on its own.
a year ago
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Nigel *********
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Christian *****
@Nigel ********
 appreciated, there is genuine science behind all of this.

And that's why you even see some of these ex FB employees and other Silicon Valley tech guys saying they quit because of the disturbed reality of what they're using all these platforms and technology for.

It's also why the owners, CEO's, etc

DO NOT LET THEIR KIDS USE THESE PLATFORMS, etc

All this is based in science.

Anyone who wants to laugh, that's fine. You're basically a cow who came to give an opinion on building rockets. That's all you're proving.

There is legitimate science that is easy to find on all this.

Peoples ignorance astounds me in a day and age where they have the entire library of the worlds knowledge in the palm of their hands.

Nigel, thank you for not being one of those.
a year ago
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Nigel *********
@Christian ****
 I did it again. Can't stop myself.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Nigel ********
 hahaha, this poor kid is getting absolutely schooled and can't figure it out. Hilarious
a year ago
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Nigel *********
@Todd ********
 truth of the matter is, I have to admit, he's right. It's how Brexit happened.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Nigel ********
 he is definitely keen on getting his dopamine release on his posts
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Todd *********
FB is google by humans. If you don’t like it, just move along. Thx 👋
a year ago
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Daniel *********
Who are you? Master of Thailand?
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Daniel ********
 lol. He thinks so
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Nigel *********
Google can also be a bit of a mess with out of date websites and agent websites masquerading as gov websites. . Thankfully there are about 4 or 5 people on here that actually know their stuff.
a year ago
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Christian *****
@Nigel ********
 very true but, the fact they won't use the search function on FB in a group that is directly related to Thailand with all the latest information shows everything

They don't care for any of that.

It's not thinking driving their thoughts

It's the requirement for impulses of a certain nature determining how

People laugh at the idea of being 'conditioned' to behave in certain ways but it's very self-evident. Again, masses of data backs it and proves it
a year ago
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Michael ****
@Nigel ********
 hmm not really. All a question of how you use the search engine. With the correct key words the results are fine

Just use year 2023 for example and nothing will be outdated.
a year ago
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Nigel *********
@Michael ***
 yet we still have peeple who ask if it's still 15 days for land border entries. You make a point though
a year ago
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Michael ****
@Nigel ********
 yeah but I also can understand, that not everyone can find the right key words. It’s a matter of internet experience I guess. Just for all people out there reading this, there is also an advanced search 🔍 where you can exclude old posting from your search. Very helpful. In the end I guess we all shouldn’t be so strict with each other sometimes and just help or ignore 😄

Have a good day and nice stay in Thailand everyone
a year ago
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Colin *********
@Michael ***
 are you talking about an "advanced search" within the group, or in Google Search? The former seems more likely being what you mean. If you're referring to within the group (or any Facebook Group) that doesn't always find the results one is looking for, unless you unless you know the right 'keywords' as you point out. I've tried it myself and although typing in what I believe is a keyword in what I'm looking for, I've found that posts often don't include comments that have answers I'm looking for. For me, reading several posts in the couple of relevant groups I'm in, then taking note of who seem to provide the best information from considerable experience, provides good information. I also take note (and hopefully remember) of group members that seem to give information that gets 'shot down' for some reason. This is in top of 'Google' searching, but that often doesn't get the results one is looking for.
a year ago
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Colin *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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